HP OmniBook 510 - Notebook PC Reference Manual page 122

Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Your Computer
If the main battery doesn't charge
• Make sure the AC adapter is fully plugged into the power source and the computer or
expansion base, and that the light on the adapter is on.
• If you're using a power strip, remove the AC adapter from the power strip and plug it
directly into a wall outlet.
• Make sure the battery is fully installed and locked in place.
• Move the computer away from any nearby heat source. Unplug the AC adapter and
allow the battery to cool down. If the battery gets too hot, it will not charge properly.
• If available, try another battery and AC adapter.
If a secondary battery doesn't charge
• A secondary battery won't charge until the main battery is fully charged.
• Make sure the AC adapter is fully plugged into the power source and the expansion
base, and that the light on the adapter is on.
• Make sure the secondary battery is correctly installed and locked in place.
If the computer has a short operating time
• Try conserving power using the suggestions listed in "To get the most from your
batteries" on page 56.
• If you are running an application that has an automatic save feature (such as
MS Word), disable this feature or increase the specified save time to reduce hard disk
access.
• If the operating time has gradually become shorter and the battery is more than a year
or two old, you may need to replace the battery.
• Heavy modem use can affect battery operating time.
• PC Card use can affect battery operating time.
• The battery gauge may need to be calibrated. Restart the computer, press F6 when the
HP logo appears, and follow the instructions that appear onscreen. The process
calibrates the main battery and any secondary batteries in the expansion base, and
requires four to five hours per battery. You cannot use the computer during this
process.
122 Reference Guide