I have been having some problems with external power supply on my Dell
Inspiron 5100.

Even though the computer is connected to the AC adapter, and the
adapter is connected to 220 volts, the computer is not taking power and
running only off of batteries. Naturally, I also checked that the
adapter's power indicator is on, and it is.

It seems that the computer takes some power from the AC adapter at
times, but the power flow is not constant. The image on the computer is
not in any way affected, but the brightness constantly keeps changing.

Needless to say, this is causing some difficulty in working.

I took the computer to an engineer to remedy the situation. He "pulsed"
it, and everything was normal for two weeks. He also told me that the
problem was in the computer itself.

But problems returned, and this time it appears to be in the adapter
itself.

Just very recently, when the computer was working normally off the
adapter, the latter started to get ***very*** hot -- as in you could
not hold it for long for fear of literally burning your hands. As I
write this posting, the situation is changed again; the AC adapter is
plugged in and its power indicator is lit up, but it is absolutely cold
to the touch.

I probably know what people are going to advise, but any information
would be greatly appreciated.

CR

Call Dell and buy another AC adapter and have them ship it to you and be
done with it. The adapters go out too. I had to buy a new one as it went
out on laptop. Next you'll be dealing with the battery as they don't last
either.

Duane :)

Call Dell and buy another AC adapter and have them ship it to you and be
done with it. The adapters go out too. I had to buy a new one as it went
out on laptop. Next you'll be dealing with the battery as they don't last
either.

Duane :)

Call Dell and buy another AC adapter and have them ship it to you and be
done with it. The adapters go out too. I had to buy a new one as it went
out on laptop. Next you'll be dealing with the battery as they don't last
either.

Duane :)