Advent 4211 Charging Problem

[Guest stevej69]

Hi All,

I've managed to load MACOSX onto my Advent 4211 after swapping out the HDD and adding some more RAM (not got wireless working yet). I used the slipstreamed ISO and updated the BIOS as per Pauls instructions.

The problem i have is the laptop doesnt seem to charge, it will charge for about 15 minutes and the % indicator in OSX will increase as you would expect, shortly after that the organge charge indicator will start to Blink and it will stop charging. I've tried this with OSX completely shutdown and the laptop off, so i dont think its OS Related.

I did notice that in the BIOS instructions the battery should be removed before the flash (which i ahem.....didnt), however it was on mains power when the flash was done. It shoulds like it could be a calibration issue.

Anyone got any ideas?

[Guest Velnor]

I've noticed the same problems with my Advent 4211-B. I've found that the device will charge if you change the power settings to always on and turn the screensaver off. Even then, I've found that I need to unplug and replug the power every now and then.

With these tips, the charge takes me 10 hours!

I took the battery out when performing the flash, so I don't think you've caused any probs there.

The charge didn't seem to be a problem on XP, though I didn't time it to compare.

Sorry no full resolution, but hopefully you can get it to take a charge.

[Guest Velnor]

Found this problem described here:

http://forums.msiwind.net/beginner-questio...ging-t2890.html

Flashing Amber = bad battery = get it replaced :-(

I'm going back to PCWorld today...

edit: http://support.thetechguys.com/Uploads/%7B...ent_4211_EN.pdf

Roll down to battery:

Battery Status



Glowing green when the battery is being charged.



Glowing amber when the battery is in low battery status.



Blinking amber if the battery fails and it is recommended to replace a new

battery. Consult the local dealer for purchasing an equivalent type of

battery recommended by the manufacturer.



Battery LED goes out when it is fully charged or when the AC adapter is

disconnected.

Edited September 3, 2008 by Velnor

[Guest Velnor]

Well, took my machine back to PCWorld today... I didn't have my receipt, but that wasn't a problem, they found the sale on their system and just checked my card details.

They were a bit iffy when I said it had osx on it - they couldn't just run their installer thing to reimage the machine back to factory from their techguys partition, but I then asked them to try a new battery. So they opened a new box, gave me the battery and I could see instantly that the new battery was working (no 10:00 hour charge time estimate). They're returning the new one as broken battery. Suits me perfectly, I backed up using time machine, but not sure if kalyway installer works with timemachine (probably does). I'm delighted at both the no-hassles return and the PCWorld customer service in general, seems that things have moved on in that company, I'm pleased to report.

I had a couple of folks crowding round to see osx on the 4211, they were quite impressed and I think I might have sold it to a couple of the staff!

Happy camper here!

btw - Have discovered Journler software - the perfect companion for the 4211 hackbook and the reason I wanted one in the first place.

[Guest stevej69]

UPDATE: Well along with the Flashing Battery Indicator i was getting the massively long charge times and indication in OSX, i've reflashed to 1.08 and so far so good, 30% charged in 30 mins and no flashing indicator yet. Fingers Crossed!!!