Battery not charging on Surface 3
I have a Surface 3 running Windows 10 HP 64bit with a major issue. It will not charge-up very well and charging seems never to reach 100% - but I did get it to charge to 98% by charging for almost 6 days.
When plugged in the battery condition shows "Plugged in, not charging" and maximizing the app shows "Plugged in, discharging". I have tried 2 new PSUs both MS originals.
I have done considerable research on the web and the problem lies with the "Microsoft Surface ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery" driver. By removing the MS ACPI device and it's driver in 'Device Manage' and renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder I did once manage to get the driver to show on the list of available Windows Updates but the download failed with 'Error 0x80070003'. I found the following article "https://techfaqs.net/computer/0x80070003/" concerning recovery of this error but this hasn't helped. If anyone with experience of this particular error can help it may allow me to avoid working my way through scores of possible suggestions including restoring the PC to the last system back-up.
I have spoken to MS Support with 'Get Help' but they were very negative and only helped after I pressed them. They sent me here "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49040" and I downloaded "Surface3_WiFi_Win10_17134
When plugged in the battery condition shows "Plugged in, not charging" and maximizing the app shows "Plugged in, discharging". I have tried 2 new PSUs both MS originals.
I have done considerable research on the web and the problem lies with the "Microsoft Surface ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery" driver. By removing the MS ACPI device and it's driver in 'Device Manage' and renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder I did once manage to get the driver to show on the list of available Windows Updates but the download failed with 'Error 0x80070003'. I found the following article "https://techfaqs.net/computer/0x80070003/" concerning recovery of this error but this hasn't helped. If anyone with experience of this particular error can help it may allow me to avoid working my way through scores of possible suggestions including restoring the PC to the last system back-up.
I have spoken to MS Support with 'Get Help' but they were very negative and only helped after I pressed them. They sent me here "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49040" and I downloaded "Surface3_WiFi_Win10_17134
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Three years is a lengthy battery life, so after exhausting the other ideas you and Microsoft have, consider replacing it.
in this case, testing with a new battery should be first step
another option is to install windows on another drive, and check if the battery loading is fine
another option is to install windows on another drive, and check if the battery loading is fine
Is it a Surface 3 or a Surface Pro 3? And, did it come with Windows 10 or with Windows 8.1?
ASKER
In my first post I stated the following
I have a Surface 3 running Windows 10 HP 64bit
So not Surface 3 Pro and not Windows 8.1
I have a Surface 3 running Windows 10 HP 64bit
So not Surface 3 Pro and not Windows 8.1
The Surface 3 was first shipped in March of 2015 which preceded the release of Windows 10; but, was still in production after Windows 10 was released. It should not; however, be running HP (Home Premium?) as the Surface tablets, non Pro, run RT (RunTime) which is a somewhat crippled version of Windows.
Regardless, it is quite possible that the battery has died and it is not an easy task to replace it. They are only good for about 600 charge/discharge cycles and, given the age of the device, you could easily have exceeded that number.
Here is a page at Microsoft on updating. About halfway down is a section on installing updates manually which is what I would suggest you try that.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4023505/surface-install-surface-and-windows-updates
P.S. You also had better really verify the version of Windows (WINVER.EXE) and, if it is Home Premium, get the license key as the next step would be to reinstall Windows after a backup of the users files.
Regardless, it is quite possible that the battery has died and it is not an easy task to replace it. They are only good for about 600 charge/discharge cycles and, given the age of the device, you could easily have exceeded that number.
Here is a page at Microsoft on updating. About halfway down is a section on installing updates manually which is what I would suggest you try that.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4023505/surface-install-surface-and-windows-updates
P.S. You also had better really verify the version of Windows (WINVER.EXE) and, if it is Home Premium, get the license key as the next step would be to reinstall Windows after a backup of the users files.
ASKER
Hi Davis
The Surface 3 I have is definitely not RT - winver says it's Windows Home so not Home Premium.
I have ordered a new battery and await delivery
I will update this case once I have fitted the new battery.
Regards
Mike
The Surface 3 I have is definitely not RT - winver says it's Windows Home so not Home Premium.
I have ordered a new battery and await delivery
I will update this case once I have fitted the new battery.
Regards
Mike
Be ready for the fun of opening up that Surface! It isn't trivial..... https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Microsoft+Surface+3+Battery+Replacement/52684
There is a different question; where the heck did Windows 10 Home come from?
There is a different question; where the heck did Windows 10 Home come from?
ASKER
Hi Davis
Well, I didn't install it. I would say however I have bought 3 of these for different clients and all 3 had Windows 10 on them.
Yes the battery replacement is difficult but no more so then any tablet device of small notebook.
Regards
Mike
Well, I didn't install it. I would say however I have bought 3 of these for different clients and all 3 had Windows 10 on them.
Yes the battery replacement is difficult but no more so then any tablet device of small notebook.
Regards
Mike
No comment has been added to this question in more than 21 days, so it is now classified as abandoned.
I have recommended this question be closed as follows:
Accept: 'John' (https:#a42768235)
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I have recommended this question be closed as follows:
Accept: 'John' (https:#a42768235)
If you feel this question should be closed differently, post an objection and the moderators will review all objections and close it as they feel fit. If no one objects, this question will be closed automatically the way described above.
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