HP Notebook PCs - HP Battery Check Frequently Asked Questions

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1 HP Notebook PCs - HP Battery Check Frequently Asked Questions Which HP and Compaq notebook PCs does HP Battery Check support? What is HP Battery Check? How do I use HP Battery Check? What does the information in the Battery Check window mean? What do the different battery status indicators mean? How do I know when to replace the battery? Battery Check indicates the battery should be replaced. Is it covered under warranty? How can I maximize the life of my battery? Will battery performance degrade over time? Where can I get more information about my notebook PC battery? Is the HP Battery Check accurate? I have two batteries in my notebook PC. How do I check them both? See also This document pertains to HP Notebook PCs with Windows Vista. This document provides information about the Lithium-Ion battery testing utility supplied with HP and Compaq notebook PC computers. Which HP and Compaq notebook PCs does HP Battery Check support? HP Battery Check supports all HP, Vista-capable consumer and commercial notebook PCs. What is HP Battery Check? HP Battery Check is a component of the HP Help and Support system that provides information about the status of the batteries that are installed in the notebook PC. It reports on the condition of both the primary and secondary battery, if the individual notebook is equipped with a secondary battery. How do I use HP Battery Check? Battery Check is part of the HP Supportability tools that are installed on HP computers shipped with Vista and to computers that were upgraded from XP to Vista.

2 To locate and use HP Battery Check, follow the steps below. 1. Connect the AC adapter to the notebook PC. The notebook PC must be on AC power in order for HP Battery Check to function properly. NOTE: If the battery being tested has a charge of 3% or less, then HP Battery check reports as "invalid. Be sure that the AC adapter is plugged in and that the battery is securely seated into the notebook while the computer is turned off for a minimum of 30 minutes before testing again to ensure that the test results are valid. 2. Click Start and then Help and Support. 3. Click Troubleshooting Tools, and then under Battery Check, click Use this tool to test how well your notebook battery is functioning. Battery Check tests the battery and displays the status for each battery. Figure 1: HP Battery Check, showing the status of two batteries. 1 - Battery one, status 2 - Battery two, status 3 - Current charging status What does the information in the Battery Check window mean? The left side of the screen displays the battery status, and the right side provides a short explanation. The battery status may be Good, Weak, Replace, Calibrate, or Unknown. The lower right hand corner of the screen displays the status of the current charge cycle. This area provides the same information as the battery icon in the system tray. The status may be either charging or discharging, along with the amount of charge remaining in the battery.

3 What do the different battery status indicators mean? Good - The battery is performing as specified by HP, and no further action is required. Weak - The battery is performing as designed, but the storage capacity has naturally decreased over time. It may be time to purchase a new battery. Replace - The battery is no longer functioning, or the storage capacity is below the recommended range. Replace the battery. Calibrate - The battery is performing as designed, but it must be calibrated. Unknown - The battery status is unknown. An unknown status can occur if the AC adapter is not plugged into the notebook PC, or if more than one battery is installed in the notebook PC. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the AC adapter, and then check the status again. How do I know when to replace the battery? HP Battery Check will recommend replacing the battery when an internal cell is not charging properly, or when the storage capacity of the battery reaches a Weak state. A drop-down message recommends where to purchase a replacement battery. If the battery is covered by an HP warranty, the instructions include a warranty ID. HP recommends purchasing a second battery to ensure constant access to battery power. Battery Check indicates the battery should be replaced. Is it covered under warranty? The maximum capacity of any battery decreases with time and use. Loss of battery capacity varies depending on the configuration and usage of the notebook PC. Model and features, types of applications running, and power management settings all effect battery life. The battery warranty does not cover natural deterioration of battery capacity. If HP Battery Check indicates that the battery should be replaced and a Warranty ID is provided in the instructions, then the battery replacement may be covered under warranty.

4 NOTE: If there is a discrepancy regarding warranty coverage, HP requires proof of purchase of either the notebook PC or the battery to validate the warranty start date. How can I maximize the life of my battery? Battery life will depend on the features you are using while on battery power. For example, reading a web page, editing a file, or answering an on a wired network connection is much less battery-intensive than playing a DVD and defragmenting a hard drive, while connected to a wireless network. Please note that maximum discharge time varies and shortens with use as the storage capacity naturally degrades. Tips for maximizing discharge time: Lower the brightness on the display. Check the Power saver setting in Power Options. Remove the battery from the notebook PC when it is not in use for a long period of time. Purchase another battery to extend the amount of time that you can use the notebook on battery power by simply switching to the second battery when the first battery completely discharges. Store the battery in a cool, dry location. Will battery performance degrade over time? The storage capacity of the battery degrades over time. This is normal for all rechargeable batteries and is not specific to notebook PCs or HP products. If the notebook PC is operated on battery power frequently, the battery degrades faster and requires replacement sooner than a battery that is only used occasionally. Temperature and humidity also impact battery storage capacity. Under normal operating conditions, a battery performs well for the battery's full warranty period. HP Battery Check displays a "Replace" status if the battery is not functioning properly. Where can I get more information about my notebook PC battery?

5 You can get more information about your battery from product specifications or the HP System Information tool. The battery that is included with the notebook PC is a Lithium Ion battery. For more information, refer to the See also section of this document. Is the HP Battery Check accurate? Yes. The HP Battery Check has been proven to be over 99% accurate. I have two batteries in my notebook PC. How do I check them both? Using HP Battery Check requires that each battery must be tested individually. To test multiple batteries, follow the steps below. 1. Remove one of the batteries and connect the AC adapter to the notebook PC. Battery Check displays the status of the first battery. 2. Switch batteries, and then disconnect and reconnect the AC adapter. Battery Check displays the status of the second battery. See also HP Notebook PCs - HP Supportability Tools in HP Help and Support HP Notebook PCs - Understanding Lithium-Ion and Smart Battery Technology HP Notebook PCs - Checking the Status of the Battery HP Notebook PCs - Purchasing a Replacement Battery HP Product Recycling Web site HP Notebook PCs - Calibrating the Notebook PC Battery