Using a Batter y 43Checking the Battery ChargeThe Microsoft ® Windows ® power meter window and icon, the battery charge gauge,and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.Power MeterThe Windows power meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the powermeter, double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information on the Power Metertab, see "Power Management" in the Tell Me How help file. To access the help file, seepage 80.If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears.Low-Battery WarningNOTICE: To avoid losing or corrupting data, save your work immediately after a low-batterywarning. Then connect the computer to an electrical outlet. If the battery runs completely out ofpower, hibernate mode begins automatically.A pop-up window warns you when the battery charge is approximately 90 percent depleted.For more information on low-battery alarms, see "Power Management" in the Tell Me Howhelp file. To access the help file, see page 80.Charging the BatteryNOTE: The AC adapter charges a completely discharged battery in approximately 3 hours withthe computer turned off. Charge time is significantly longer if the computer is on and running athigh processor speeds and system activity levels. Running the computer at high system activitylevels for extended periods of time may prevent the battery from charging.When you connect the computer to an electrical outlet or install a battery while thecomputer is connected to an electrical outlet, the computer checks the battery charge andtemperature. If necessary, the AC adapter then charges the battery and maintains thebattery charge.If the battery is hot from being used in your computer or being in a hot environment, thebattery may not charge when you connect the computer to an electrical outlet.
