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HP Notebook PCs - Checking the Status of the Battery (Windows XP)
In 2005, HP added Smart Battery support to our notebook PCs. On an HP notebook PC with Windows XP, the status of the battery is accessible from a downloadable utility that provides a simple but accurate test status of the battery status.
To determine the percentage of battery power available, with the notebook operating normally right-click on the 
power
icon in the system tray, and select Open power meter
. The Power Status is displayed. |
NOTE:
|
As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time or use. Loss of battery capacity will vary depending on the product configuration and usage, including but not limited to: product model, applications running, power management settings, and product features.The battery warranty does not cover natural deterioration of battery capacity. Your battery is only warranted from defects in materials or workmanship resulting in failure.To determine if your battery has had a warranted failure you may be required to run an HP diagnostic. |
Solution
Select one of the methods below to check the status of an HP notebook PC battery to determine if needs to be replaced:
Check the battery status using the HP Battery Check
Use the steps in this section to download, install and use the HP Battery Check on an XP notebook manufactured after 2004
.
Download and install the HP Battery Check
-
Double-click the downloaded file to Run
the installation.
View the license agreement and click I accept the terms of the license agreement
, then click Next
to perform the installation.
Test the battery using the HP Battery Check
Insert the AC power adapter into the notebook PC and plug directly into a wall outlet.
Click Start
, All Programs
, then click Hewlett-Packard
, HP Battery Check
.
The results of the Battery test will be presented immediately. Detailed instructions are provided with the results. One of the following results will appear in the Battery Health section:
Good
- the battery is in working order.
Replace
- one or more of the cells can no longer accept a charge or the storage capacity is "Low" and the battery should to be replaced. Instructions stating where to purchase a replacement battery or if the battery is covered by HP under warranty will display.
Invalid
- either the AC adapter is not connected, more than one battery is installed or the battery is not installed correctly. Please follow the instructions in the Battery Check to correct the condition.
|
NOTE:
|
If the Battery Check detects a failure, you will be prompted to contact HP support to discuss the warranty service options available to you. A WARRANTY ID and SAT ID is provided to you by the Battery Check. This information will assist the HP support representative with your replacement options. |
Check the battery status manually without HP Battery Check
Use the steps in this section to check the battery status on an XP notebook that was either manufactured in 2004 or earlier
, or if the HP Battery Check is not installed.
Perform a manual battery test
Perform this manual test of the battery by completely charging the battery and then operating the PC until it completely discharges the battery. This test requires 1-3 hours of time while the PC is operating in the Safe Mode and not being used for any other action.
To accurately measure the condition of the battery, the PC cannot be used during this test.
Connect the AC adapter and allow the notebook to charge until the battery is charged to 99% - 100% of capacity.
Click Start
, Control Panel
, and select Power Options
. Use the drop-down menus on the Power Schemes tab to select Never
for the Turn off monitor when Running on batteries
and Turn off hard disks when Running on batteries
options.
You can reset these options after completing the battery test.
Shut down the notebook PC when the battery is charged to capacity.
Press and release the Power Button
to start the computer.
Press the F8 key
several times when the HP Logo displays.
When the Windows Advanced Startup Menu displays, select the Startup in Safe Mode
option.
Remove the AC power adapter cable from the notebook PC, and allow the computer to discharge the battery completely and the notebook turns off. |
NOTE:
|
When the computer shuts down, the battery meter is properly calibrated, and the readings on the available charge will be accurate. |
You should notice and record the times at the start and completion of this test. Then subtract the Discharged Time
from the Start Time
to calculate the Elapsed time
.
Use this information for future comparison of the duration of the usable battery charge, or to provide to an HP support specialist if you suspect the battery is defective.
As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time or use. Loss of battery capacity will vary depending on the product configuration and usage, including but not limited to: product model, applications running, power management settings, and product features.
|
NOTE:
|
The battery warranty does not cover natural deterioration of battery capacity. Your battery is only warranted from defects in materials or workmanship resulting in failure.To determine if your battery has had a warranted failure you may be required to run an HP diagnostic. |
Reduce the operating temperature to increase battery life
The battery in your notebook PC is designed to provide the necessary amount of energy for the processor while maintaining HP high safety standards. As a result, the battery may not charge or may stop providing power to the notebook when the battery temperature exceeds the specified, design safety level.
Tips for reducing the battery temperature:
If the battery life appears shorter than normal, the battery stops charging before it is 99%-100% full and the battery appears warmer than usual, the battery has most likely reached its designed "no charge" safety state. The battery will no longer charge until the temperature condition is corrected.
When charging the battery, do not use applications that require large amounts of system resources such as graphic or memory intensive applications, heavy and extended hard drive usage.
Turn off your notebook and remove the battery to allow it to return to a safe operating temperature.
- Make sure the notebook PC is operating on a hard surface. Using the Notebook PC on a bed or sofa may block the vents causing the notebook PC to heat up and shut down.
By taking these steps, the battery will return to its normal operating temperature range and continue to charge and discharge as designed.
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