Why wont my dell inspiron work with an non-dell charger

My Dell Insiron 1525 charger stopped working. I got an OEM replacement on eBay. It worked fine for 2 weeks then I started getting a note upon startup saying the computer did not recognize the charger. Now I see the AC works but the battery won't charge. I assume there is a code in the Bios that forces a user to stick with a expensive Dell replacement charger.... is there anyway to disable this?

I guess it's possible Dell have boobytrapped that model to stop you using cheaper PSU but it's also possible that the e-bay charger isn't working properly so, if it's not too late, you might ask the vendor for a replacement (assuming the unit offered promised to work with yours or all Dell models).

In this situation I would look to a small computer retailer/repair guy for a used original Dell unit. It's in the nature of laptops that computer and PSU get separated. So orphans turn up in places like that.

No, Dell specifically prevent perfectly good OEM chargers from charging the battery. Those chargers will power the computer but not charge the battery.

The chip inside the Dell power supplies actually contains information the computer uses and reads, specifically how much power the AC Adapter is capable of providing (among some other things that I haven't decoded). Some Dell laptops only require a 65W adapter to run, but if you are going through a docking station they require a 90W adapter. This chip basically allows them to figure out which one you have plugged in. It allows them easy compatibility across all adapters and systems, all the 65W/90W/120W adapters have the same plug which allows you to use them across multiple different types of laptops without those laptops breaking the adapters.

Now... that being said, it does mean you pretty much have to use Dell adapters and they are pretty expensive. The decision to add chips in wasn't done explicitly to screw consumers over though, it's actually somewhat a safety decision. It prevents your laptop from pulling too much power from a power supply that can't handle it and since most of the cheap ones are made in china, I wouldn't trust their over current protection circuitry too much. Best case scenario, your blow your AC Adapter and it doesn't work. Worst case scenario, it burst into flames AND damages your laptop. It does however limit your choices to pretty much Dell options They opted to go with 100% safety rather than trust the consumer that they know what their doing and if in the process they get to make themselves some more cash, win-win for them. It also probably helps cover them from a legal perspective.


P.S. Reverse engineering the information in the chips is tricky. Taking that information and putting it into another chip in a set up that can actually be read by your Dell laptop, MUCH more difficult, but can be done if you have the correct tools.

I'd say it's more of a installing cheap break assembly that doesn't have the hook up for hand brake and then blaming dell for hand break not working.

hmm i think i got something wrong there. oh well

hahaha good one