My dell laptop isn't charging when plugged in. What should i do?

Be sure the outlet you are pluged into is working, try a lamp in the same socket. Does the cord look to be OK. Try these links for more help.

PLUGGED IN NOT CHARGING PROBLEM IN DELL

What to Do if Your Laptop Is Plugged In but Not Charging

plugged in not charging

Knowledge Base

Hi Anonymous,

Request you to try following the below steps which might help:

(1)Check if the AC Adaptor gets detected in BIOS (F2 at startup).
(2)Check on the status bar for any messages like "Plugged in charging", "Not connected", etc.
(3)Try using a known good AC Adaptor and check if that helps.

Thanks and Regards.
Kiran Kumar.
#iworkfordell.

You may have the wrong AC adaptor, Dell is very picky when it comes to Power adaptors, it must be original OEM Dell for the laptop to recognize it, any after market no name brand even though it has the right specs and is made for your model will power your laptop but the circuit to charge your battery will automatically be closed

Your TV isn't a PC or a laptop. But, have you got all of the cables plugged in? Power, Ariel or a video source such as DVD or BluRay player? Is it switched on and have you selected a TV channel?

My work mate's laptop would not charge the battery either, when I put the battery in an identical laptop it would not charge there either. When I placed my battery into his laptop it charged it just fine. The problem is with his original battery pack.

Hi Kim.
Unfortunately this is typical of the plug inside the computer either being worn to the point it doesn't make good contact with the power supply, or a bad connection at the motherboard. Typically the plug is soldered on to the motherboard and becomes damaged from tugs on the cord over time. The replacement parts are inexpensive , however replacement involves complete disassembly of the machine and unsoldering and soldering skills. If it's a business Dell and is dockable an option could be to use it on a dock. This would keep it running for desk use and charge the battery.
Even though this isn't good news. I hope it helps somehow.
Dale

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3743571-long_will_battery_in_portable_computer
also ensure the AC adapter is recognized in the bios, if it isn't then the battery charger circuit is disabled

Er this is the dell old problem.
Follow the below steps to fix it.
The Battery didn’t charge or detect being plugged in also caused by four reasons:

• 1. The Vostro 1510 laptop battery failed
• 2. The Adapter failed (can not charge the battery)
• 3. The motherboard charging electric circuit failed (many caused by short damage). You can view more info here: Dell motherboard problem
• 4. The laptop bios is too old to recognize the battery

View more here : http://www.laptops-battery.co.uk/blog/battery-plugged-in-not-charging-solution/

Its time change ur batteries