Hi,
References to Vista also apply to Windows 7.
Check with System maker's Support, their on-line documentation and drivers, and their forums
(if any) for known issues. Some maker's have issued BIOS and other updates to help with battery
problems.
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Other information that might help :
Control Panel - Power Options - Power Plans - Change plan Settings - check the Advanced
Settings for drain and usage settings (this is how much to be used and not how much or how
long to charge).
Actually what causes a lot of wear on a battery is draining it too low repeatedly. With today's
systems over-charging is not an issue.
Here are some tips to help and troubleshoot battery related issues.
Old battery? Unplug power to computer - remove battery and clean the contacts with a pencil
eraser (do not use this if your battery has thin slots - just clean the knife edges that fit into
them and be careful). Batteries do wear out if old, or it could be a problem with the computer.
Check with the support of the system maker and many of them have on line forums.
Newer type Litium-Ion batteries usually last longer if you do not discharge then below 30%
however on a laptop that will not extend their life that much. Best is to use A/C adapter
whenever possible.
I use the free version of BatteryBar to monitor my battery. Click the Green button on the
Yellow box on right side of page to download latest stable version.
BatteryBar - Free version available
http://osirisdevelopment.com/BatteryBar/index.html
Another good program
Vista Battery Saver - Free
http://www.codeplex.com/vistabattery
Problems with power usage and battery life - Mr Fixit
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/windows\_battery\_power\_settings
You might also want to check with the System Maker and any forums as many use their own
proprietary software to monitor the battery and their could be known issues with your battery.
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Battery meter: frequently asked questions
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Battery-meter-frequently-asked-questions
Conserving battery power
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Conserving-battery-power
Solutions to common battery problems
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Solutions-to-common-battery-problems
How accurate is the battery meter?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/How-accurate-is-the-battery-meter
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Try this - make a Restore Point
How to Create a System Restore Point in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/697-system-restore-point-create.html
How to Do a System Restore in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html
Then Control Panel - Device Manager - Batteries - Double Click on each item - Drivers tab -
Update Drivers (which may not do anything) - then Right Click and UNINSTALL each - REBOOT
which will refresh the Driver stacks.
Problems with power usage and battery life - Mr Fixit
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/windows\_battery\_power\_settings
Hope this helps.
Rob Brown - MS MVP - Windows Desktop Experience : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.