I have a Dell and go to their forums for some very good help. I've included a link where there are many Dell people available to answer questions. Here is a link that might be useful: Dell Laptop Forum

I install malwarebytes on all of my families computers and show them how to use it. In my opinion everyone should have it. How to download and install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware application for Windows computers use the full scan option when you scan and always update it before scanning, scan once a week. McAfee will not be on any of my computers either it caused me major problems which all disappeared when it was removed fully. If removing McAfee you must use the McAfee removal tool or it will still be lurking in your pc. You should never only depend on one program for your computers safety. Using a layered approach is the best protection. Using a good updated antivirus program, a good firewall, malware removers like malwarebytes free and superantispyware free, and installing spywareblaster and WOT are also a good idea. SpywareBlaster install the free version, once a week open it and hit the update button once it gets the updates hit the one that says enable all protection, the shield will turn green and you are done, it sits in the background protecting you from malicious sites. WOT is added to your browser to give you indicators of ratings for websites you are trying to visit, if the site is a bad one it will block it with a red circle, when you do a search on google you will have round circles at the end of each line to let you know if it is safe=green, caution=yellow, bad=red. Web of Trust (WOT) do you know if the firewall is turned on, on the computers? If she had McAfee on the pc that has to be fully removed before she can install any version of AVG. The removal tool must be used. Removal tool (MCPR.exe) be sure when installing anything to make sure you do not get any added toolbars or other junk that may be pre checked during the install process, uncheck all that are not needed. Also it is extremely important to keep everything on the pc updated including doing windows updates and all updates for java, adobe, flash etc. Use the secunia tool to make sure you have your pc updated. ecunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)

At level8technology (sells batteries) there is info about the problem. One of the solutions suggests running the battery down to zero, then recharging. I saw this suggestion on a few websites. Another suggestion was to put the battery in deep freeze for a couple of hours. To see other suggestions: do a search on -- laptop battery doesn't fully charge --. http://www.level8technology.com/servlet/the-template/Laptop-Battery-Not-Charging/Page

In numerous cases, Dell in particular, if you flip over the laptop there is a pushbutton on the battery and a series of LEDs that light up to indicate the level of charge when you push the button (assumes the charge circuit is operational and that the battery can hold a charge). I would start by checking Dell's website to see if the battery is part of any recall, many were. If you rarely use it on battery I wouldn't spend any extra on a larger capacity one. Third party ones should be used with caution, quality is often lacking. Personally I have used Lenmar replacements, for laptops and camcorders, when competitively priced. So far I have been lucky, some reviewers seem to diss them. I would definitely factor in the cost of a new battery vs purchase of a new warrantied unit also.