Using a Battery 49Charging the BatteryNOTE: Charge time is longer with the computer turned on. You can leave thebattery in the computer for as long as you like. The battery’s internal circuitryprevents the battery from overcharging.When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a batterywhile the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checksthe battery charge and temperature. If necessary, the AC adapter thencharges the battery and maintains the battery charge.If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hotenvironment, the battery may not charge when you connect the computer toan electrical outlet.The battery is too hot to start charging if the battery light flashesalternately blue and amber. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outletand allow the computer and the battery to cool to room temperature, thenconnect the computer to an electrical outlet to continue charging the battery.For more information about resolving problems with a battery, see "PowerProblems" on page 118.Replacing the BatteryCAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire orexplosion. Replace the battery only with a compatible battery purchased fromDell. The battery is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use batteriesfrom other computers with your computer.CAUTION: Before performing these procedures, turn off the computer, disconnectthe AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer, disconnect the modemfrom the wall connector and the computer, and remove any other external cablesfrom the computer.NOTICE: You must remove all external cables from the computer to avoid possibleconnector damage.NOTICE: If you choose to replace the battery with the computer in Sleep state, youhave up to 1 minute to complete the battery replacement before the computer shutsdown and loses any unsaved data.
