3

So I started up my laptop today and was greeted with the following message (not a direct quote):

The type of the AC adapter cannot be determined. This may interfere with your 
computer's performance. Try unplugging the AC adapter and then plugging it 
back in, thanks.

The problem was that I hadn't fully secured the plug into the back of the computer. However, I was a little taken aback when a message from BIOS said, "thanks."

Is this normal? Any chance the message was illegitimate (virus)?

Tamara Wijsman
  • 57,881
Josh
  • 31

1 Answers1

3

The Dell AC Adapters have a specific module which communicates with the motherboard in order to verify you are using a "real" Dell Adapter.

When you are using a non-Dell adapter, or when your adapter has its chip toasted, or when your motherboard has its chip toasted, or when your adapter is loosely connected you get this message. The consequence is that your laptop is powered but the battery will not charge.

Olivier S
  • 241