My laptop works plugged in but will not charge the battery

Is this a Laptop? You may have the wrong category

It won't ever be a 'software' issue....it will be either a :

Adapter/Charger issue (Have it tested by local PC repair shop.)
if it is good, then it is the other prob. If it is not good, then buy a new one.

OR

Laptop power connector issue. (expensive repair.)

If thelaptop battery is more than 3 - 4 years old then the battery could be worn out.Rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charge and discharge cycles andwill lose their charge capacity over time, i.e. won't charge to 100% and graduallythe charge reduces until the battery won't charge up at all. OR The batteryshows a 100% charge but when the adapter is disconnected the battery drops offto zero capacity in a very short time. If the battery drops to an unacceptablecharge level then the battery needs to be replaced.

Remove main battery, get a stiff toothbrush and clean battery terminal in laptop and prongs on batteries. Install battery and charge, if no change! rechargeable battery needs to be replaced.

For a test -Remove the battery from the laptop. (leave it out) -Plug in the adapter and turn the laptop on. -Gently wiggle the adapter plugged in

If the computer powers off the solder and/or pins have broken loose from the DC jack. This is very common. Average repair bill is around $150, if your in the Denver Colorado Area I can do the repair for about $50
If it won't turn on while you wiggle the adapter and hit the power button then the adapter is bad again sadly

Remove the battery and check the voltage on the battery, if low try to JUMP charge, if not replace. Also check the charging voltage with the adaptor connected to the latptop. If there is no voltage then the charger must be checked.
However if the battery and adapter seems good then the mother board is a suspect and it is ideal to get the help of Tosibha service for estimation.

Ifthe laptop battery is more than 3 - 4 years old then the battery could be wornout. Rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charge and discharge cyclesand will lose their charge capacity over time, i.e. won't charge to 100% andgradually the charge reduces until the battery won't charge up atall. ORThe battery shows a 100% charge but when the adapter is disconnected thebattery drops off to zero capacity in a very short time. Ifthe battery drops to an unacceptable charge level then the battery needs to bereplaced.

It a bad cell in the battery pack. That battery will die faster and faster each time until eventually it won't work at all. Replace the Battery.

Ifthe laptop battery is more than 3 - 4 years old then the battery could be wornout. Rechargeable batteries have a finite number of charge and discharge cyclesand will lose their charge capacity over time, i.e. won't charge to 100% andgradually the charge reduces until the battery won't charge up atall. ORThe battery shows a 100% charge but when the adapter is disconnected thebattery drops off to zero capacity in a very short time. Ifthe battery drops to an unacceptable charge level then the battery needs to bereplaced.

pls consult ur service center forthe problem & if this under warranty contact dell directly for this issue......................Sameerayan