Video problem in Samsung series 9 - freezes on battery power

[pragmobiler]

Hi, a curious problem developed in one of our Samsung Series 9, NP900X3C machines: after about a year (maybe due to heating up?) it won't work on battery any more. This is what happens: as soon as it is unplugged from the mains, Windows 7 starts freezing the video or displaying crazy patterns, and the machine soon hangs. If it is rebooted on battery power, Windows gets stuck halfway on boot. On AC it works normally. I tried updating the bios, video drivers, switching batteries and tinkering with the power settings so they will be the same whether on AC or battery, but to no avail..

any advice?

Much obliged..

 

[webworkings]

It sounds like you need a new battery.

Over time they degrade, and the amount of power they output can get below what the system actually needs.

You can run the laptop on the charger cord, with or without the battery in, but eventually it will cause damage. You really should replace the battery.

 

[pragmobiler]

Hi, thanks for your answer. I did try to replace the battery, with another one from an identical machine that does not have this problem... didn't solve it...

 

[webworkings]

Try this and see if it resolves the power fluctuation issue...

1. First make sure the device has been charged.
2. Unplug your charger cord.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Press and hold the "Power" button for 30 seconds and see if the device will turn on.
5. If it does, great, now plug back in the power/charger cord. (If it didn't turn on without the cord in, it should turn on once you it is in. Yes sometimes they will turn on, or try to turn on, even with nothing attached/plugged in.)
6. Now put the battery back in.

If it has no effect, try plugging in an external monitor and see if the problem shows up on it as well. It shouldn't, unless the problem is with the graphics card.

If the battery isn't putting out the right output voltage, then it is a power board or motherboard issues. In that case they would both have to be tested and possibly replaced.

If the laptop is under warranty, then I would contact the manufacturer about the problem. If it isn't, then you can either try and do the work yourself, if you feel comfortable doing it, or you can look for a local tech or repair shop.