Remove the battery and see if the system will run with just the ac adapter. If it runs without the battery it's probably bad. If it won't run with the battery out then it's probably a bad motherboard.
Main Topics
Browse All TopicsMy Dell XPS M1530 is plugged in but the screen is dim and the power icon shows that power is not connected. I have tried 3 different power packs, all of which worked on other machines so I'm certain it's not the power pack. What could the cause be?
Thanks in advance!
Dave
This Question has been solved and asker verified All Experts Exchange premium technology solutions are available to subscription members.
Experts Exchange has been collecting answers to technology questions since 1996…3 million and counting! If you have a question, chances are we already have your answer.
If you can't find the exact answer you're looking for, ask our exclusive community of 50,000 experts. You’ll get a personalized answer from a trusted professional.
Thousands of free tech tips, tricks, how-to’s and tutorials are available in our peer reviewed articles section. See for yourself how smart our experts are, no login required.
Access the answers to your technology questions today.
30-day free trial. Register in 60 seconds.
Members of the expert community talk about why the experience at Experts Exchange is different than what you will find anywhere else.

Try it out and discover for yourself.
30-day free trial. Register in 60 seconds.
Join the community of experts here and help other tech pros by answering question in your area of expertise. You can earn FREE access to all Experts Exchange's premium features and resources.
Actually, chances are the solder on your motherboard where the plug connects to the actual mother board is loose. I've had to fix many, but not limited to, Dell laptops with the same problem. Its usually caused from abnormal treatment (i.e. hanging the power pack in a pulling fashion, using the laptop on a bed or unleveled plane.)
If you have warranty, Dell Tech Support will actually replace your motherboard most of the time but it takes a few days to ship out, repair and ship back.
If you have a local computer technician or electronics engineer that you truly trust, I would take it to them if you need it done immediately.
Business Accounts
Answer for Membership
by: KCTSPosted on 2009-09-30 at 17:02:21ID: 25464931
Sounds like the battery is dead