Checking the Status of the Battery in Windows XP

Checking the Status of the Battery in Windows XP
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Description
In 2005, HP added Smart Battery support to our notebook PCs. On an HP notebook PC, the status of the battery is accessible from a downloadable utility that HP provides. The utility provides a simple, but accurate test status of the battery status.

NOTE: As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time or use. Loss of battery capacity will vary depending on the product configuration and usage, including but not limited to: product model, applications running, power management settings, and product features.The battery warranty does not cover natural deterioration of battery capacity. Your battery is only warranted from defects in materials or workmanship resulting in failure.To determine if your battery has had a warranted failure you may be required to run an HP diagnostic.

Solution
Select one of the methods below to check the status of an HP notebook PC battery to determine if needs to be replaced:
Method 1: Check the battery status using the HP Battery Check . (For HP notebook PCs manufactured in 2005 or later)
Method 2: Check the battery status manually (For HP notebook PCS not supported by the HP Battery Check or manufactured before 2005)
Also see Method 3: Reduce the operating temperature and increase the battery life for information the best conditions for charging your battery.

Method 1: Check the battery status using the HP Battery Check
Use the following steps to download, install and use the HP Battery Check on all notebooks manufactured after 2004.
For more information about using the HP Battery test, including a list of notebook PCs that are supported, see HP Notebook PCs - HP Battery Check Frequently Asked Questions .
Download and install the HP Battery Check

Download the HP Battery Check SoftPaq at the following location:
HP Battery Check (SP32299)
Click Run.
If a security warning displays, click Run.
Click Next.
Click next to the I accept the terms of the license agreement, then click Next.
Click Next again.

NOTE: If a This system is not supported by the HP Battery Check tool warning screen displays, the notebook model is not supported by the HP Battery Check and you should use Method 2: Check the battery status manually .

Test the battery using the HP Battery Check

Insert the AC power adapter into the notebook PC and plug directly into a wall outlet.
Click Start, All Programs, then click Hewlett-Packard, HP Battery Check.
The results of the Battery test will be presented immediately. Detailed instructions are provided with the results. One of the following results will appear in the Battery Health section:

Good - the battery is in working order.
Replace - one or more of the cells can no longer accept a charge or the storage capacity is "Low" and the battery should to be replaced. Instructions stating where to purchase a replacement battery or if the battery is covered by HP under warranty will display.
Invalid - either the AC adapter is not connected, more than one battery is installed or the battery is not installed correctly. Please follow the instructions in the Battery Check to correct the condition.

NOTE: If the Battery Check detects a failure, you will be prompted to contact HP support to discuss the warranty service options available to you. A WARRANTY ID and SAT ID is provided to you by the Battery Check. This information will assist the HP support representative with your replacement options.

Method 2: Check the battery status manually
Use the following steps to check the battery status on a notebook, manufactured in 2004 or earlier, while it is not in use.
To accurately measure the condition of the battery, the PC cannot be used during this test. This method will Test the battery by completely charging the battery then will determine how long it takes to discharge the battery. This test is done while the PC is operating in the Safe Mode and not being used for any other action.
This test will require 1-3 hours depending on condition of the notebook PC. The PC cannot be used while you perform the following steps. Completing all the following steps will also calibrate the battery so that the power meter reading are accurate.

Connect the AC adapter and allow the notebook to charge until the battery is charged to 99% - 100% of capacity.
To determine the percentage of battery power, with the notebook operating normally, right-click on the power icon in the system tray, and select Open power meter. The Power Status is displayed.
Shut down the notebook PC when the battery has charged to capacity.
With the notebook turned off, connect the notebook PC to the AC power adapter that is plugged into a working wall outlet.
Press and release the Power Button to start the computer.
Press the F8 key several times when the HP Logo displays.
When the Windows Advanced Startup Menu displays, select the Startup in Safe Mode option.
Notice and record the current time as the Test Start Time with a fully charged battery.
Remove the AC power adapter cable from the notebook PC.
Allow the battery to discharge completely until the notebook PC turns off.
Notice and record the Completely Discharged Time.
Subtract the Discharged Time from the Start Time to calculate the Elapsed time.
Record the time for future comparison or to provide to an HP support specialist if you suspect the battery is defective.

NOTE: As with all batteries, the maximum capacity of this battery will decrease with time or use. Loss of battery capacity will vary depending on the product configuration and usage, including but not limited to: product model, applications running, power management settings, and product features.The battery warranty does not cover natural deterioration of battery capacity. Your battery is only warranted from defects in materials or workmanship resulting in failure.To determine if your battery has had a warranted failure you may be required to run an HP diagnostic.

Method 3: Reduce the operating temperature and increase battery life
The battery in your notebook PC is designed to provide the necessary amount of energy for the processor while maintaining HP high safety standards. As a result, the battery may not charge or may stop providing power to the notebook when the battery temperature exceeds the specified, design safety level.
If the battery life appears shorter than normal, the battery stops charging before it is 99%-100% full and the battery appears warmer than usual, the battery has most likely reached its designed "no charge" safety state. The battery will no longer charge until the temperature condition is corrected.
Try one of the following methods to correct the battery temperature:

When charging the battery, do not use applications that require large amounts of system resources such as graphic or memory intensive applications, heavy and extended hard drive usage.
Turn off your notebook and remove the battery to allow it to return to a safe operating temperature.
Make sure the notebook PC is operating on a hard surface. Using the Notebook PC on a bed or sofa may block the vents causing the notebook PC to heat up and shut down.
By taking these steps, the battery will return to its normal operating temperature range and continue to charge and discharge as designed.