I started my working life being a support/sysadmin guy with a computing giant in Singapore. Needless to say, spending over three years in such an industry made me learn a few unconventional tips and tricks to rectify common computing problems. One tip I’d like to share here is on reviving a seemingly dead notebook battery.
Before I proceed let me just lay down a few disclaimers here:
- If your notebook computer is still under warranty, then by all means get the battery replaced!
- There’s no guarantee that this tip will work with your notebook battery; but so far this tip has never failed me
- If you have the money and there’s still available stock for your notebook battery, then just buy a replacement unit you cheapskate
- I won’t be held responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from following this tip. You have been warned!
OK, now that the above has been made clear, here’s the tip: freeze the battery! Yup, that’s the concept. However, here’s the proper way to do it in easy to read steps:
- Remove the battery from the notebook computer
- Wrap the battery with old newspaper, making sure that it envelops the battery tightly
- Repeat step 2 above with at least three pieces of large sheet newspaper (if you’re using tabloid sized newspaper, then use at least five pieces)
- Place the wrapped battery in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator
- Let it stay in that cryogenic state for three to seven days
Once your battery has been given the frozen treatment, do not directly plug it into your notebook! Let the battery thaw to normal room temperature within the newspaper wrapping by leaving it in the open for at least half a day (overnight is recommended).
Tear off the newspaper wrapping and touch the battery. Does it feel cool to the touch? If so, then leave it at room temperature for a few more hours. Once it feels just about room temperature, take a piece of tissue and wipe the contact points of the battery just in case there’s some traces of moisture there.
Once this is done, plug it in your notebook computer, plug in the power adapter and leave your notebook in “charging” state. Do not power on the notebook!
Give your battery time to fully charge (this depends on your notebook/battery model). Once you’re 100% confident that the battery is fully charged, say your prayers, cross your fingers and power on your notebook. If all goes well, your battery should be working just fine.
Although I won’t promise that this notebook battery revival method will work for your particular notebook model, it has yet to fail me on a HP, Compaq, Dell and an old IBM ThinkPad… why not just give it a try, what have you got to lose?
Now don’t go trying this out on more exotic electronics like home theater popcorn machines or whatnot!
January 21st, 2008 at 5:53 pm
hrmm..i’m gonna give this a try! thanks for the tip. will let u know how it goes
January 21st, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Hope you will kimberlycun!
More than that, I hope your notebook battery gets well soon
January 25th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Hey. What a tip man. When my Toshiba batteries time has come, I will definitely clear my freezer for battery space.
January 25th, 2008 at 10:04 am
[...] a better explanation of the above technique, why don’t you check out HTNet’s blog post. He does a better job at explaining [...]
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Hey thanks a billion!!! I had a COMPLETELY DEAD powerbook 1400cs battery (about 12 yrs old), as soon as the ac plug came out it would instantly shut off. Thankfully I tried this and so far after 2 rounds of this I can get over 5 minutes on my battery. Not much, I know but it prove that this method somehow works. It is currently in my freezer again cause I am sure that it will cotinue to get better over time. thanks again!!!
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Glad it works for you Anna. Don’t forget to share this tip (and link) with your friends
April 21st, 2008 at 11:16 am
Thanks, these suggestions have the function very much to battery’s life.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:17 am
When charging the battery for the first time your device may indicate that charging is complete after just 10 or 15 minutes. This is a normal phenomenon with rechargeable batteries. Simply remove the battery from the computer and repeat the charging procedure
April 21st, 2008 at 11:21 am
There are several steps you can take to help you get maximum performance from your power tool battery: Prevent Memory Effect - Keep the power tool battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks. Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries which do not suffer from the memory effect. Keep the Power Tool Batteries Clean - It’s a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the portable device.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:39 am
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May 18th, 2008 at 8:26 am
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May 28th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I’m currently trying this with my powerbook 1400 battery, and am realy excited about getting it working considering someone else here was able to get this working with the same machine. But after throwing it in there, I found a site that said that only a ziplock bag and 15 hours were needed… has anyone had this work with only 15 hours? I need this battery working ASAP, and this is kinda my last resort.
May 30th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Disregard my last post… I took it out too early and it dint work, but I tried a similar method where you stick it in a ziplock bag instead of wraping it up in newspaper, and let it sit for 36 hours. I took it out a few hours ago, pluged it in after letting it sit, and…. it works! I cant belive that this would, but I now have a functioning battery? THank you for the idea!
May 30th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Glad it worked for you Jotokun
June 1st, 2008 at 9:02 am
We offer genuine factory direct and 3rd party replacement laptop batteries, or you can also select from our inventory of pre-owned laptop or notebook batteries. Place an order before 2:30PM EST and your laptop battery or notebook battery will usually ship the same day. We also carry a large inventory of laptop parts and accessories. Click here to browse our laptop parts inventory.
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June 5th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
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June 6th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I tested this camera for a client. I didn’t have the light running for more than 15 minutes. The battery lasted approximately 6 hours before recharging. The LCD, however, had a few dead pixels - never saw this before. Tried returning for exchange and had to put up quite a fight. Anyone else seen this? http://www.batteryfast.com
June 20th, 2008 at 10:40 am
But after throwing it in there, I found a site that said that only a ziplock bag and 15 hours were needed… has anyone had this work with only 15 hours? I need this battery working ASAP, and this is kinda my last resort.
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:19 am
Whats the chemistry behind this? my battery is from a sony vaio, Lithium ion. what happens when you freeze lithium ion? does anyone know. how long does the battery last after freezing? is it as good as new or do you need to freeze it again after every discharge
July 8th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Thank you for this outstanding article.I thought Centrino was the best technology for laptop battery performance.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:17 am
sir,i love your blog.as your blog is very well.you give expression to your literary grace
July 18th, 2008 at 7:08 am
All I can say is — THANK YOU for posting this info. I am typing this message from my much-needed laptop whose battery was stone cold dead.
I placed my battery in a ziplock bag (instead of newspaper), put it in my freezer for approx. 36 hrs., took it out, and let it thaw for about 4 hrs. (It’s blazing hot where I am, so it didn’t take that long to “warm up.”)
Put it back in my laptop and charged it for about 3hrs. Now, it’s working beautifully! That saved me some
$80 for a new battery right now!
THANK YOU! It worked.
July 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
“thanks,I love my laptop, and in general I’m very happy with it. It does look like there’s a trend toward premature battery failure, though, and if your situation is severe enough you may be eligible for a warranty replacement.
http://www.bestebuy.co.uk/