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Using a Battery 47
A low-battery warning occurs when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.
The computer beeps once, indicating that minimal battery operating time remains. During
that time, the speaker beeps periodically. If two batteries are installed, the low-battery
warning means that the combined charge of both batteries is approximately 90 percent
depleted. The computer enters hibernate mode when the battery charge is at a critically low
level. For more information about low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the Dell
Inspiron Help file. To access help, see "Finding Information for Your Computer" on page 17.
Charging the Battery
NOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 1 hour with
the computer turned off. Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave the
battery in the computer as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery
from overcharging.
When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while the
computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge and
temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains the
battery charge.
If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, the
battery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
The battery is too hot to start charging if the light flashes alternately green and orange.
Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet and allow the computer and the battery
to cool to room temperature. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue
charging the battery.
For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "Power Problems" on
page 49.
Removing a Battery
CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, disconnect the modem from the
telephone wall jack.
NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in standby mode, you have up
to 1 minute to complete the battery replacement before the computer shuts down.