Hewlett Packard Pavillion Battery Problems
Easy Fixes Through Proper Use of Computer Power Adaptors
Jul 12, 2009
Hewlett Packard (HP) notebooks and personal towers use batteries. Low battery performance can significantly diminish a computer’s power levels. Dim images on a monitor screen or intermittent power surges might be an indication that the equipment is not functioning properly.
Notebooks and AC Power Adaptors
After a consumer purchases a new Hewlett Packard Pavillion notebook or laptop they will need to use the AC adaptor and the battery simultaneously so they can charge the battery. To do this, the consumer should insert the battery into the bottom of the notebook and leave it inserted overnight while the AC adaptor is plugged into an electrical outlet.
The AC power adaptor and the battery should only be powered up to the notebook simultaneously when the battery is being charged. If the battery and the power adaptor are plugged into the notebook at the same time for long periods it could shorten the life of the battery.
Measuring the Battery’s Power Level
Computer owners can download the Hewlett Packard battery tester, File SP41862, to check the life of their Hewlett Packard Pavillion battery. The download is available at the manufacturer’s official website. To start the download on a computer tower, select “Run” then click “Next” to accept the application licensing agreements. To start the download on a notebook or laptop, insert the AC power adaptor into an electrical outlet.
Click “Start,” “All Programs” then click “HP Battery Check.” A strong battery will record a reading of “Good.” A low battery will record a reading of “Replace.” New batteries can be purchased from Hewlett Packard. Consumers can also check with the store where they purchased the computer to see if the store carries replacement batteries. Staples and Best Buy also carry some HP Pavillion replacement batteries.
Intermittent Computer Power
If battery power is running low, consumer’s can lower the contrast and brightness settings on their computer monitors to use less power. Settings can be lowered by clicking “Start,” “Control Panel” then “Appearance and Personalization” on the computer’s main screen.
After selecting “Adjust Screen Resolution,” computer owners can move the settings bar to midway or low points. Depending on the type of monitor that a consumer has, they might also be able to adjust screen brightness and sharpness by changing the dial settings at the bottom of their monitor.
Additional Equipment
The longer extraneous equipment is plugged into the Hewlett Packard Pavillion, the more power is required of the battery. To extend the battery’s life, remove extraneous appliances like digital camera plug-ins, MP3 players and iPods when they are not being used.
Computer owners can also blow a small fan into the back of their computer tower. This will help to clean the computer’s cooling fan vents. The cleaner the vents are the less energy is required from the battery to keep the fan operating.
Warranty Considerations
Unless a consumer has purchased an extended warranty for their computer tower or notebook, their battery is not covered under warranty for basic deterioration. Defects and manufacturer problems are typically only covered. Warranties can be purchased directly from the store where the computer was bought from for about $90 for each year of coverage. Warranties can also be purchased to cover accidental damages, like coffee and water spills, that the consumer causes to the system.
Hewlett Packard (HP) Pavillion batteries can operate for years without having to be replaced. Remove the battery from the bottom of notebooks when the adaptor is plugged into an electric outlet. Use a fan to clean the computer tower fan vents and remove unnecessary extraneous equipment from the computer. These steps help to extend the life of a battery.
References
Hewlett Packard. 12 July 2009.
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