Users Guide

Dell Battery Information Utility

NOTE: The battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending on how

often the battery is used, and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a new battery during the

life of your computer.

The Dell Battery Information Utility denotes the health of your primary and secondary (if installed) battery. Green denotes that there are

no problems, while yellow and red requires your attention.

This screen also gives you more information like, if the battery installed is a Dell-branded battery, the battery manufacturer, and the

battery's serial number.

NOTE: If the battery health is rated Fair or Poor, a link to ‘order a new battery’ will appear.

Conserving Battery Power

Perform the following actions to conserve battery power:

• Connect the computer to an electrical outlet when possible because battery life is largely determined by the number of times the

battery is used and recharged.

• Place the computer in standby mode or hibernate mode when you leave the computer unattended for long periods of time.

• Use the Power Management Wizard to select options to optimize your computer’s power usage. These options can also be set to

change when you press the power button, close the display, or press <Fn><Esc>

Storing a Battery

Remove the battery when you store your computer for an extended period of time. A battery discharges during prolonged storage. After a

long storage period, recharge the battery fully before you use it.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the battery indicator light operates as follows:

• Solid green: The battery is charging.

• Flashing green: The battery is almost fully charged.

• Off: The battery is adequately charged (or external power is not available to charge the battery).

If the computer is running on a battery, the battery indicator light operates as follows:

• Off: The battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).

• Flashing orange: The battery charge is low.

• Solid orange: The battery charge is critically low.

Using The Battery