50 Using a Batteryw w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the batteryaway from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries mayleak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.Checking the Battery ChargeThe Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft® Windows® Power Meter window and icon,the battery charge gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery charge.Dell™ QuickSet Battery MeterIf Dell QuickSet is installed, press to display the QuickSet Battery Meter.The Battery Meter window displays status, charge level, and charge completion time for the batteryin your computer.The following icons appear in the Battery Meter window:For more information about QuickSet, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and click Help.Microsoft® Windows® Power MeterThe Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter,double-click the icon on the taskbar. For more information about the Power Meter tab, see"Power Management" in the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 18.If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a icon appears in the taskbar.Charge GaugePress the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate the charge-level lights. Each lightrepresents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For example, if the battery has80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights appear, the battery has nocharge.• The computer is running on battery power.• The battery is discharging or idle.• The computer is connected to an electrical outlet and running on AC power.• The battery is charging.• The computer is connected to an electrical outlet and running on AC power.• The battery is discharging, idle, or charging.
