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New HP Desktop PC
ajs1017
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June 20, 2021 - 11:30 pm
Member Since: February 8, 2015
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I just purchased a new Desktop PC from Best Buy and its coming out with the following message: "Your battery is very low - Plug in your PC now."

Can anyone please shed some light on exactly what this message is trying to tell me?

Thanks for the support and have a good day - be safe!

Jim Hillier
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June 21, 2021 - 3:32 am
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That's very weird, have never come across that before. Is the PC connected through a UPS?

Obviously, it's safe to ignore the warning message but, at the same time, it must be irritating.

ajs1017
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June 21, 2021 - 11:58 pm
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Yes, its connected to an APC backup UPS.

Thanks again for your support!

Have a good day and be safe!

Jim Hillier
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June 22, 2021 - 2:31 am
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Okay, then that is what Windows is reporting with a low battery. If you disconnect from the UPS I'm pretty sure the message will go away.

How old is the UPS? If it's getting on a bit it might be time for a new battery, or new batteries. Suggest you test the battery(ies) or have them tested.

Here's a link to a thread on TenForums where a member reports a similar issue: https://www.tenforums.com/drivers-hardware/88790-desktop-pc-ups-connected-your-battery-very-low-every-boot.html

Mindblower
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June 23, 2021 - 7:26 am
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Hello ajs1017. You mentioned using an APC UPS. Did you get a DVD along with your UPS? If not, checkout https://www.apc.com/shop/ca/en/categories/power/uninterruptible-power-supply-ups-/ups-management/powerchute-personal-edition/N-1b6nbpp . It replaces the Windows battery management and might solve your problems. Hope it works with your APC model, and best of all, it is free, Mindblower!

"For the needy, not the greedy"

ajs1017
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June 26, 2021 - 12:40 am
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Forum Posts: 73
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Ok, I need to understand exactly what the s/w is doing. I installed the PowerChute personal edition and the issue disappeared. Can you explain how the s/w install resolved the issue?

I did not make any changes at all.

Could the s/w be masking any true APC battery issues?

Thanks for your response and have a good day - be safe!

Jim Hillier
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June 26, 2021 - 1:29 am
Member Since: August 9, 2011
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I'll leave this to MB who has firsthand experience with a UPS and the software.

However, just my 2-cents worth. If you open PowerChute's interface and look under Monitor System > Current Status you should see the current status of the battery as well as a percentage of remaining battery charge.

If the status of the battery shows "Charged" and the remaining battery charge shows 100% you should be fine... as in, the battery is still healthy.

Please take a look and let us know what PowerChute is showing.

I would tend to trust PowerChute's assessment of the UPS battery status rather than Windows.

Mindblower
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June 26, 2021 - 11:45 am
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Hello again ajs1017. Jim is 100% in what you should do, so do send us a screenshot if possible. Below is what mine displays. As for why that message disappeared, blame it on Windows, Mindblower! 😉

Attachments

"For the needy, not the greedy"

ajs1017
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June 27, 2021 - 12:02 am
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Forum Posts: 73
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Ok, I just added the screen shot which looks a little different that yours. I am currently running the latest version 3.1 of the software.

However, going by what you both said it does not appear I have an issue at this time.

The only thing that concerns me is my screen shot states Estimated Battery Time of 17 min compared to your screen shot that states 129 min.

Should I be concerned about this?

Thanks again for all the support.

Have a good day and be safe!

God Bless!

Mindblower
Montreal, Canada
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June 27, 2021 - 3:00 pm
Member Since: September 17, 2008
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ajs1017. I do not see any attachment. The time remaining varies by two factors. The model number and the load you apply to the UPS. I have several UPS units and all are the 1500 type. Each has different loads, so the remaining time is also different. Try to upload the screenshot again and verify by looking at your post.

PS: The software version and model number is shown when you click the Technical Data tab on the bottom left. As an added note, the UPS is more of a safety device to prevent surges in your power line and allow your computer to close safely when you lose power, Mindblower!

"For the needy, not the greedy"

ajs1017
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June 28, 2021 - 11:33 pm
Member Since: February 8, 2015
Forum Posts: 73
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Ok, I learned something new today. I saved the files but did not notice the upload option. You should be able to see both screen shots at this time. I added one from the Technical Data tab as well.

Thanks again for your support!

Have a good day and be safe!

Mindblower
Montreal, Canada
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June 29, 2021 - 2:16 am
Member Since: September 17, 2008
Forum Posts: 673
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ajs1017. Take another look and you will notice NO attachments with your last post. Please try again, Mindblower!

"For the needy, not the greedy"

ajs1017
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July 9, 2021 - 11:19 pm
Member Since: February 8, 2015
Forum Posts: 73
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You are going have to provide me with the procedure on uploading the docs.

Thanks again for your support and have a good day - be safe!

Mindblower
Montreal, Canada
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July 11, 2021 - 2:54 pm
Member Since: September 17, 2008
Forum Posts: 673
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Since you already know how to post and reply, I will try and guide you as I recreate the steps myself. At the bottom of the screen where you type (the boxed area), scroll down to reveal the screen (see one of my attachments). You might be asked to verify and move an object. Left-click the mouse, keep the mouse clicked and move that icon to the circle and then release the button. Then click the icon Attachments. Scroll down to reveal more information, and click the Add Files icon. After you have added the screenshots (files), click the Start Upload icon. You need to wait for the attachment(s) to load and get sent. Afterwards, hit the Submit Reply icon.
Hopefully you know and have a program to capture the screen image and so on. I use Greenshot, and have it set to send the files to the desktop. Hope this helps you out, Mindblower!

"For the needy, not the greedy"

ajs1017
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July 17, 2021 - 1:15 am
Member Since: February 8, 2015
Forum Posts: 73
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Here we go.

Some Technical Data as well:

Model: Back-UPS ES 550
Serial number: 3B1801X29368
Firmware revision: 843.K1d.D
Software version: PowerChute Personal Edition 3.1.0
RAM: 5.91 GB
Free disk space: 150.62 GB

Thanks again for your support!

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