Windows 7 shutting OFF the laptop power supply?

[Matt²]

This is a weird one.. I've got an older Compaq presario that after the battery is charged to 100%, after about half an hour, it actually SHUTS OFF the ability to charge! Meaning even if I have it plugged in, it's switching to battery and refuses to switch to ac.

I found this : http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9151098/Microsoft_probes_Windows_7_battery_problems but it doesn't seem to be much help at the moment..

oh, and this laptop has pretty much everything NEW in it: new mobo, new(er) memory, new dc jack/plug, and I've tested it with two separate ac adapters. I'm in the process of testing it with Vista SP2 (I have a couple spare hard drives I can swap with it) to see if it's doing the same thing as well..

any thoughts?

 

[PatrThom]

I know that some laptops will automatically cycle the battery ('condition' it) once it gets full to make sure it gets used. I don't know the specifics of that model or if that's something Win7 introduced to 'help' people.

--Patrick

 

[Matt²]

it's a Presario C500 and if you have more info on that "cycling" and how to turn that feature OFF, I'd be greatful! The battery seems to be ok, but it does it in Win Vista and Win 7.. didn't have time to test it in Win XP today but will try tomorrow. I know the battery doesn't HOLD a charge for that long, so I concede it could need to be replaced.