System Battery Voltage Low
I've been having this problem for months now. Mainly, every startup, my Dimension 9100 tells me that the system battery voltage is low. A few months ago, I bought some CR 2032 cell batteries, knowing that the first time I got this problem a few years ago cleared up the problem. I decided to replace that battery again, thinking it was faulty. I disconnected all the cables connected to the computer and replaced the battery a few minutes ago at around 10:52 PM and restarted my computer. I still get the same error as I have. I've come to think it's something else. Does anyone know what the problem might be?1 person got this answerI do too
May 23rd, 2010 6:12am

From Page 39 of the Dimension 9100 system manual (support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/dim9100/en/D86630LRs.pdf )IF THE POWER LIGHT IS GREEN AND THE COMPUTER IS NOT RESPONDING — See"DellDiagnostics" on page 48.IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING GREEN — The computer is in standby mode. Press a key on the keyboard, move the mouse, or press the power button to resume normal operation.IF THE POWER LIGHT IS OFF — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power. • Reseat the power cable into both the power connector on the back of the computer and the electricaloutlet.• If the computer is plugged into a power strip, ensure that the power strip is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power strip is turned on. Also bypass power protection devices, power strips, and power extension cables to verify that the computer turns on properly.• Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.• Ensure that the main power cable and front panel cable are securely connected to the system board (see page 63).IF THE POWER LIGHT IS STEADY AMBER — A device might be malfunctioning or incorrectly installed. • Remove and then reinstall the memory modules (see page 66). • Remove and then reinstall any cards (see page 68). • Remove and then reinstall the graphics card, if applicable (see page 68).IF THE POWER LIGHT IS BLINKING AMBER — The computer is receiving electrical power, but an internal power problem might exist.• Ensure that the voltage selection switch is set to match the AC power at your location (if applicable). • Ensure that the processor power cable is securely connected to the system board (see page 63).ELIMINATE INTERFERENCE — Some possible causes of interference are: • Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables • Too many devices on a power strip • Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet.In addition, Googling for "Dell Dimension 9100 system battery voltage low" brings up quite a few more links. Some of them talk about damage to the motherboard. How old is your computer? It may be that the motherboard is starting to fail and it's time to think about replacing the machine if it is elderly.MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
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May 23rd, 2010 3:53pm

None of the light conditions happen. It is only that when I turn on my computer, it states the voltage message. As for the power button light, it shines green and there are some lights above it that shine. 3 lights named as 1, 2, and 3. I'm not too sure what it means.I've also checked for any interference as you have stated, but I have no power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables or any power strip problems.I've had this computer for at least 5 years, maybe more. How would I know if my motherboard is starting to fail? I had performed some diagnostic checks on my computer and everything runs green. Is there a certain diagnostics check somewhere for the motherboard?
May 23rd, 2010 7:51pm

I've been having this problem for months now. Mainly, every startup, my Dimension 9100 tells me that the system battery voltage is low. A few months ago, I bought some CR 2032 cell batteries, knowing that the first time I got this problem a few years ago cleared up the problem. I decided to replace that battery again, thinking it was faulty. I disconnected all the cables connected to the computer and replaced the battery a few minutes ago at around 10:52 PM and restarted my computer. I still get the same error as I have. I've come to think it's something else. Does anyone know what the problem might be?the battery you recently installed may very well be bad as well. might try to buy and install a fresh one. also double check the battery compartment on the motherboard. be caredul because the spring is delicate. but ensure that it is making good contact and that the battery is installed with the insribed side up.db`...> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional - Systems Analyst - Database Developer - Accountancy - Veteran of the Armed Forces - @Hotmail.com "share the nirvana mann" - dbZen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > >
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May 23rd, 2010 9:11pm

You can perform Dell Diagnostics or some of the tests on the Ultimate Boot CD.http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/A 5-year-old (or older) computer is getting to the end of its life. I very much doubt it is the CMOS battery since you've replaced it and it is unlikely that the replacement battery is bad. I would keep your data backed up very regularly and start looking around for a replacement machine. In the meantime, I would keep running the Dimension 9100 until one day it doesn't work any more. Which, IMO, will happen sooner rather than later. You can post your question on the Dell user forums or look at some of the links my Google search brought up, but honestly I wouldn't spend any serious money on such an old machine. I'm sorry that I didn't have a definitive answer for you.MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
May 23rd, 2010 9:31pm

It's quite alright actually. Thank you for you help, though. I've told my dad and he's deciding that we might get a new desktop and a new laptop. Kinda makes me a bit sad though. This Dimension 9100 and I have gone through a lot and it'll be a bit weird with a new computer. But they day is getting closer that we've got to part. You've served me well, 9100.
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May 23rd, 2010 9:50pm

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