Forum Discussion

Gonecamping444's avatar
Gonecamping444
Explorer
Feb 17, 2015

Laptop Battery

Hi,I have a HP laptop that's a couple years old & lately when I plug it in to charge it or just plug it in so I don't run the battery down the screen goes dimmer instead of brighter,Before it allways got brighter when I plugged it in.Anybody know what the problem might be?The battery seems to last just as long not plugged in as it allways has,Don't get it.Thanks
  • trb46's avatar
    trb46
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    Campfire Time wrote:
    I usually buy replacements from Amazon. Don't buy the cheapest ones, but don't buy the factory brand replacement either. Go somewhere in the middle and check the reviews.


    X2. I've purchased several replacement batteries through Amazon.com, and all have worked perfectly.
  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    wa8yxm wrote:
    By the way,, You have at best a year left on that battery..........


    Hog wash. I am on a HP computer right now that is still using the 5 year old battery
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2015
    They slowly start to lose life after about 3 years. Typically, if cared for properly, you can get 4-5 years out of a battery, depending on the original quality. Leaving it plugged in all the time does not diminish the life of the battery.

    I usually buy replacements from Amazon. Don't buy the cheapest ones, but don't buy the factory brand replacement either. Go somewhere in the middle and check the reviews.

    When the battery is new, give a full charge, then run it down to dead 4-6 times. After that you can plug it in when ever you want.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Feb 17, 2015
    By the way,, You have at best a year left on that battery..

    Batteries Plus is where I go for laptop batteries.. Generally the best deal, but do check it out.
  • Gonecamping444's avatar
    Gonecamping444
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2015
    Thanks, you's are right,I went into the power management center & slide the brightness over to brighter & that did the job.Some how it got moved way over,Thanks again
  • icanon's avatar
    icanon
    Explorer
    Feb 17, 2015
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    It sounds to me like the power management settings have been changed- not sure about what ever OS you are using, but most have separate settings for screen brightness (among other things) while on battery or utility power.


    X2
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Feb 17, 2015
    It sounds to me like the power management settings have been changed- not sure about what ever OS you are using, but most have separate settings for screen brightness (among other things) while on battery or utility power.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Feb 17, 2015
    Most likely the main battery needs replaced. It is constantly being charged when plugged into 120VAC and only will last so long.

    A new battery will cost around $50 from AMAZON...

    I suspect you are flirting with loosing all your data, programs, and operating system...

    Remove the battery and get the part number off of it and check on AMAZON for the source of a new one. I would stop using the computer until you determine the status of the battery.

    Just my thoughts here...
    Roy Ken

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