Yet again, laptop will not recognize the ac adapter

[Jeff_S69]

Since my previous thread was closed, I'm starting a new one for the same problem.  For a recap, My HP laptop has stopped recognizing the ac adapter AGAIN. The laptop will charge if it's turned off or in sleep. As soon as the laptop starts up, the charge light goes out. The battery drains with normal use and there is no indication on the task battery when the adapter is plugged in. I have done the various troubleshooting tests from the web and Hp, updated the firmware (version F.41, 12/19 release), uninstalled the ACPI adapter, restarted many times and tried a different ac adapter.  

The last time this happened, updating the firmware seemed to fix it. Unfortunately, it only stayed fixed for 5 months. I am VERY hesitant to buy another ac adapter since every time this problem has happened in the past it's been software/firmware related. Additionally, the typical answer from HP support to everyone else that has a similar problem is to buy an ac adapter. If I did that every time I had an ac adapter issue with this laptop, could've bought a new Mac by now. 

So, does anyone have an idea on how to permanently fix this ac adapter problem? Judging from google, it's a widespread/ongoing problem with Hp laptops. Any chance of a firmware/software update that I can apply. There was an older firmware released specifically for ac adapter charging problems, but I can't seem to find it. Any thoughts on an alternative usb-c power supply that's rated over 90w? 

[KrazyToad]

@Jeff_S69

Welcome to HP Community

I have gone through your Post and I understand your concerns

I suggest you download and run the HP Support Assistant from this Link: https://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/hpsupportassistant/hpsupport.html?jumpid=va_r602_us/en/any/psg/p...

HPSA will automatically search for all the latest drivers for your Notebook

1. Click My devices in the top menu, and then click Updates in the My PC or My notebook pane.

   

2. Click Check for updates and messages to scan for new updates.

   

3. Review the list of updates. Updates with a yellow information icon are recommended. Updates with a blue information icon are optional.

4. Click the update name for a description, version number, and file size.

5. Select the box next to any updates you want to install, and then click Download and install.

Also ensure Windows is up to date.

Select the Start  button, and then go to Settings  > Update & security  > Windows Update , and select Check for updates. If Windows Update says your device is up to date, you have all the updates that are currently available

if the issue persists then it would be a problem with the AC Adapter

You can contact HP Support for Service Options

1) Click on this link - www.hp.com/contacthp/ 
2) Select your product type below.
3) Enter the serial of your device. 
4) Select the country from the drop-down. 
5) Select the chat or get phone number options based on your preferences. 
6) Fill the web-form and proceed further.

Thank you and have a wonderful day 😊

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" on this Post and it will also help other community members with similar issue.

[Jeff_S69]

Thanks for the link, I have tried the support assistant before but will try it again using the link you provided. I am unable to run it right now since my HP Spectre is currently unusable due to low battery. Windows is up to date. 

Another symptom since my last post, the laptop will not start charging at all if the battery is too low. With the laptop ON, the charge light next to the USB-C charge port is OFF. If the battery is not too low (50% for example), when I put the laptop to sleep or turn it off, the charge light goes to orange. If the battery is below 20%, the charge light goes briefly to orange then flashing white. Unplugging the adapter causes the charge light to go to a solid white.  At this point I have to hold the power button for ~10 seconds to get the charge light to go out. After it goes out, I can plug the charger back in and get the orange charge light until I turn the laptop back on again. The only time I get any indication on the windows screen is for about 1 second or less after I wake the laptop from sleep mode. It shows a plugged in symbol on the battery icon, but never recognizes being plugged in after that. 

As far as the AC Adapter being at fault...are you willing to send me one free of charge or provide a guarantee that a new charger will fix the problem? I'm not very confident spending $130+ towards an ac adapter is the answer this time when EVERY other time it's been software/firmware related. I am using 2 different ac adapters, the original HP 90 watt rated adapter and a Dell 90 watt ac adapter. Both charged the laptop with the it powered on with no warnings prior to this problem starting. Why would both fail, in exactly the same way, at the exact same time? 

[KrazyToad]

@Jeff_S69

I suggest you reinstall the Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery and check if that helps with the battery issue

Step 01. Click on the Start Button
Step 02. Type "Device Manager" in the start search box & open the Device Manager
Step 03. Look for Batteries and expand it by click on the + symbol on the left
Step 04. Right Click on "Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery" & uninstall
Note: This Battery driver will get re-installed automatically when you restart the Notebook again
Step 05. Please Shutdown the Notebook
Step 06. Remove the Battery and unplug the Power Adapter ( For Notebooks with Removable Batteries )
Step 07. Press and Hold the Power Button for full 1 Minute
Step 08. Go ahead and put back the Battery and connect the Power Adapter and restart

Next update the BIOS from this Link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers

If the issue persists run a Battery Test again to confirm the Hardware Functionality

- Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.
- Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc repeatedly, about once every second. 
- When the menu appears, press the F2 key.
- On the main menu, click Component Tests and Power > Battery

Please try these steps especially the bios update before going for replacement AC Adapter

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" on this Post and it will also help other community members with similar issue.

[Jeff_S69]

I have done the reinstall Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control procedure MANY times with no effect. The component test says the battery is good and the ac adapter is bad, but the laptop "disables" the ac adapter as soon as it's turned on, so it can't "see" me plugging the adapter in.  Windows had been updated at the beginning of this episode of the "HP charging debacle". Yesterday(5/18), I applied the latest round of windows updates (KB4552931, KB4556799), the laptop still was not charging while powered on. The BIOS update was probably about the 3rd or 4th thing I tried. In fact, just like the last time this happened, I have done the BIOS update probably 10 times. I realize it "shouldn't" make any difference after it had no effect after the 1st time. Guess what, it appears to have worked today, on the 11th try(5/19). This is the same BIOS update I downloaded when this problem began. At least, at this moment, the laptop is charging and it's powered on.

Is it fixed? Highly unlikely. I fully expect this problem to return, the longest I've gone without a problem (charging related) is about 6 months. DO NOT accept this as a solution. It is absolutely ridiculous that I have to go through this process every 6 months or less to have a working laptop. There is no excuse for it. You REALLY need to put out a an actual FIX for this problem other than trying to sell ac adapters. Rest assured this experience will weigh heavily when I'm shopping for my next computer.

[Echo_Lake]

@Jeff_S69

Thank you for posting back. 

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, As we have limited support boundaries in the support community as of now.

I would request you to contact our Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link:  www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance. Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.