Windows Vista Help: Troubleshoot battery problems

An empty battery icon (one that has no color) indicates that your mobile PC is running on battery power, but the charge can't be detected or measured. You may need to replace the battery, or there may be a problem with your computer hardware. To learn more, check the information that came with your mobile PC or go to the manufacturer's website.

The battery may be old. In some cases, when a battery is old, a full charge is represented as less than 100 percent.

When your battery can no longer hold a charge, don't throw it away. Instead, dispose of it properly by taking it to a recycling center or hazardous waste facility.
Don't buy a spare lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery unless you plan to use it immediately. Lithium-ion batteries last only two to three years, whether or not you use them.
If your mobile PC has a second battery bay and you want to extend the time that your mobile PC can run on battery power, install another battery in the second bay. Before you buy the battery, verify that it has a recent date of manufacture.

Battery problems are often related to the battery itself. If you're experiencing this problem, contact your mobile PC manufacturer. If you purchased the battery separately from the mobile PC, contact the battery manufacturer.

Troubleshoot battery problems

The battery icon is always empty.

When I hover over the battery icon, it indicates that the battery charge is less than 100 percent, even though the mobile PC is plugged in and not charging.

Although the battery is new, it lasts only 20 to 30 minutes after a full charge.

The battery won't hold a charge.

The battery doesn't last as long as it used to.

The battery charge never reaches 100 percent.

The mobile PC becomes very hot after about an hour.

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