Slow computer on low wattage charger

Question

I run windows 7 on a Dell latitude laptop.
I use on my laptop a charger from another, older laptop - both Dell.

I got this message:

The battery charges very slow - I understand this, not enough power. My issue is that my computer slows down. All my applications run slowly.

My question is: Is there is anything I can set to improve my computer performance in this case?

Solution

Stop using the underrated AC adapter. Do as it suggests and get one that provides the 90W required by the notebook.

Until then it won't be able to provide the right power to both run and charge the notebook, so it will slow down in an attempt to keep things running while there is a lack of power. Forcing it to run full speed (if even possible) while providing a lack of power may harm either the AC adapter, or the notebook itself.

See these SU questions and answers for more information:

• How can I tell if an AC adapter is compatible with my laptop?
• Is it safe to use a power supply with a different laptop?
• Can I safely charge my laptop with a non-standard, third-party charger?

Comments

[ganesh]

Is your computer equally slow when no power adapter is plugged in? Or is it much slower then on battery power? The reason I asked is because windows has difference performance plans. Most laptops switch to performance mode when connected to a power plug and connect to battery saving mode (and lower performance) when on battery. In your case it might just have switched to this.

[Zelter Ady]

My computer runs normally on battery, the same speed when it's original charger is plugged in. The only issue is with not original charger, this is the only case when my computer runs slow.

[SilverbackNet]

Worst of all, it will heat up the charger and can possibly cause a fire or premature failure, possibly including shorting out your laptop's power supply or worse. Compared to a $10 replacement off ebay, it's hardly worth the risk.

[gronostaj]

I believe this answer should start with a disclaimer, I have added it. If you don't like it you can rollback my edit in edit history or edit your post.

[Dr. Thomas C. King]

I got no problem with that.