Dell Latitute E7240 (without battery etc.) [Solved]

[Jakob77]

Dell Latitute E7240 might not be the most Linux compatible hardware you can buy but in many ways I happen to like it.
There are just a few "details" that needs a little work... ;-)





Big (secondary) battery problem


I have more than one computer always plugged into docking-stations with good power supply.

Can I make them run without the battery.?
I thought it was a bios question, and maybe it is up to a point but in this video it looks to me like it is about the OS:

Do Laptops Work Without a Battery? (Yes - Here's How!)
https://youtu.be/ydPDowEk_bM?feature=shared

And if so, how do I do the same magic for the bank account and for the environment in MX-Linux.? :-)


****Edit round 1****: This question is answered. Dell Latitute E7240 does it automatically. I tested it. Unplugged the battery and turned on the power, and it didn't even start a fire. It just worked.
If you have a bad battery it can be another story, and in spite of a good power supply turned on, the whole computer might close down unexpected
****Edit round 3****: Ref #3 + #4 + #5





Small (CMOS) battery problem


I just bought a new battery and when I boot up I get this massage from the screen:


"FW Status Recovery Error"


I can't see that anything is wrong, so how important is it.?
What can happen if I just ignore it for years.?


I guess I already know it is the CMOS battery that needs to be replaced, and if you want to know why I want to avoid it you can take a look at this video:

Dell Latitude E7240 CMOS Battery How-To Video Tutorial
https://youtu.be/bYe_Er7jz7Q?feature=shared

Dell Latitude E7240: How to find and replace CMOS coin battery
https://youtu.be/zMlFTzEu4OA?feature=shared

****Edit round 2**** See answer #4
****Edit round 3****: See also #6 + #7 + #8 + #9 + #10





Screen (external)

I also have some screen problems I find it hard to define because they only occur periodically.
However maybe if we have a Terminal command that can set the screen resolution for the external screen maybe that is worth at try.?
Also when some games are in full screen mode the desktop will have forgotten the resolution when I exit.

****Edit round 2**** See answer #2 and #4
****Edit round 3****: See also #8



Thank you in advance for all good ideas. :-)

****Edit round 3****: Edit rounds cover until #11 and no further.


QSI:

Code: Select all

System:
  Kernel: 6.1.0-34-amd64 [6.1.135-1] arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 12.2.0
    parameters: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-6.1.0-34-amd64 root=UUID=<filter> ro quiet splash
  Desktop: Xfce v: 4.20.0 tk: Gtk v: 3.24.38 info: xfce4-panel wm: xfwm v: 4.20.0 vt: 7
    dm: LightDM v: 1.32.0 Distro: MX-23.6_x64 Libretto October 15  2023 base: Debian GNU/Linux 12
    (bookworm)
Machine:
  Type: Laptop System: Dell product: Latitude E7240 v: 01 serial: <superuser required> Chassis:
    type: 9 serial: <superuser required>
  Mobo: Dell model: 060GR9 v: A00 serial: <superuser required> BIOS: Dell v: A08 date: 02/18/2014
Battery:
  ID-1: BAT0 charge: 42.6 Wh (100.0%) condition: 42.6/45.1 Wh (94.3%) volts: 8.6 min: 7.4
    model: SMP DELL KWFFN33 type: Li-ion serial: <filter> status: full
CPU:
  Info: model: Intel Core i5-4300U bits: 64 type: MT MCP arch: Haswell gen: core 4 level: v3
    note: check built: 2013-15 process: Intel 22nm family: 6 model-id: 0x45 (69) stepping: 1
    microcode: 0x26
  Topology: cpus: 1x cores: 2 tpc: 2 threads: 4 smt: enabled cache: L1: 128 KiB
    desc: d-2x32 KiB; i-2x32 KiB L2: 512 KiB desc: 2x256 KiB L3: 3 MiB desc: 1x3 MiB
  Speed (MHz): avg: 1452 high: 1604 min/max: 800/2900 scaling: driver: intel_cpufreq
    governor: ondemand cores: 1: 1398 2: 1604 3: 1400 4: 1406 bogomips: 19952
  Flags: avx avx2 ht lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx
  Vulnerabilities:
  Type: gather_data_sampling status: Not affected
  Type: itlb_multihit status: KVM: VMX disabled
  Type: l1tf mitigation: PTE Inversion; VMX: conditional cache flushes, SMT vulnerable
  Type: mds mitigation: Clear CPU buffers; SMT vulnerable
  Type: meltdown mitigation: PTI
  Type: mmio_stale_data status: Unknown: No mitigations
  Type: reg_file_data_sampling status: Not affected
  Type: retbleed status: Not affected
  Type: spec_rstack_overflow status: Not affected
  Type: spec_store_bypass mitigation: Speculative Store Bypass disabled via prctl
  Type: spectre_v1 mitigation: usercopy/swapgs barriers and __user pointer sanitization
  Type: spectre_v2 mitigation: Retpolines; IBPB: conditional; IBRS_FW; STIBP: conditional; RSB
    filling; PBRSB-eIBRS: Not affected; BHI: Not affected
  Type: srbds mitigation: Microcode
  Type: tsx_async_abort status: Not affected
Graphics:
  Device-1: Intel Haswell-ULT Integrated Graphics vendor: Dell driver: i915 v: kernel arch: Gen-7.5
    process: Intel 22nm built: 2013 ports: active: DP-2 off: eDP-1 empty: DP-1, DP-3, DP-4,
    HDMI-A-1, HDMI-A-2 bus-ID: 00:02.0 chip-ID: 8086:0a16 class-ID: 0300
  Device-2: Sunplus Innovation Laptop Integrated Webcam HD type: USB driver: uvcvideo
    bus-ID: 2-4:3 chip-ID: 1bcf:2985 class-ID: 0e02
  Display: x11 server: X.Org v: 1.21.1.7 compositor: xfwm v: 4.20.0 driver: X:
    loaded: modesetting unloaded: fbdev,vesa dri: crocus gpu: i915 display-ID: :0.0 screens: 1
  Screen-1: 0 s-res: 1920x1080 s-dpi: 96 s-size: 509x286mm (20.04x11.26") s-diag: 584mm (22.99")
  Monitor-1: DP-2 mapped: DP-1-1 pos: primary model: Dell U2713HM serial: <filter> built: 2013
    res: 1920x1080 hz: 60 dpi: 82 gamma: 1.2 size: 597x336mm (23.5x13.23") diag: 685mm (27")
    ratio: 16:9 modes: max: 2560x1440 min: 720x400
  Monitor-2: eDP-1 note: disabled model: BOE Display 0x05da built: 2013 res: 1920x1080 dpi: 125
    gamma: 1.2 size: 277x156mm (10.91x6.14") diag: 318mm (12.5") ratio: 16:9 modes: 1366x768
  API: OpenGL v: 4.6 Mesa 22.3.6 renderer: Mesa Intel HD Graphics 4400 (HSW GT2)
    direct-render: Yes
Audio:
  Device-1: Intel Haswell-ULT HD Audio vendor: Dell driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus-ID: 00:03.0
    chip-ID: 8086:0a0c class-ID: 0403
  Device-2: Intel 8 Series HD Audio vendor: Dell 8 driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel
    bus-ID: 00:1b.0 chip-ID: 8086:9c20 class-ID: 0403
  API: ALSA v: k6.1.0-34-amd64 status: kernel-api tools: alsamixer,amixer
  Server-1: PipeWire v: 1.0.0 status: active with: 1: pipewire-pulse status: active
    2: wireplumber status: active 3: pipewire-alsa type: plugin 4: pw-jack type: plugin
    tools: pactl,pw-cat,pw-cli,wpctl
Network:
  Device-1: Intel Ethernet I218-LM vendor: Dell driver: e1000e v: kernel port: f080 bus-ID: 00:19.0
    chip-ID: 8086:155a class-ID: 0200
  IF: eth0 state: down mac: <filter>
  Device-2: Intel Wireless 7260 driver: iwlwifi v: kernel modules: wl pcie: gen: 1
    speed: 2.5 GT/s lanes: 1 bus-ID: 02:00.0 chip-ID: 8086:08b1 class-ID: 0280
  IF: wlan0 state: up mac: <filter>
  IF-ID-1: wwan0 state: down mac: <filter>
Bluetooth:
  Device-1: Intel Bluetooth wireless interface type: USB driver: btusb v: 0.8 bus-ID: 1-1.3:3
    chip-ID: 8087:07dc class-ID: e001
  Report: hciconfig ID: hci0 rfk-id: 5 state: up address: <filter> bt-v: 2.1 lmp-v: 4.0
    sub-v: 500 hci-v: 4.0 rev: 500
  Info: acl-mtu: 1021:5 sco-mtu: 96:5 link-policy: rswitch hold sniff
    link-mode: peripheral accept service-classes: rendering, capturing, audio, telephony
RAID:
  Hardware-1: Intel 82801 Mobile SATA Controller [RAID mode] driver: ahci v: 3.0 port: f060
    bus-ID: 00:1f.2 chip-ID: 8086:282a rev: N/A class-ID: 0104
Drives:
  Local Storage: total: 238.47 GiB used: 199.84 GiB (83.8%)
  SMART Message: Unable to run smartctl. Root privileges required.
  ID-1: /dev/sda maj-min: 8:0 vendor: Samsung model: SSD SM841 mSATA 256GB size: 238.47 GiB
    block-size: physical: 512 B logical: 512 B speed: 6.0 Gb/s type: SSD serial: <filter> rev: 3D0Q
    scheme: MBR
Partition:
  ID-1: / raw-size: 238.47 GiB size: 233.67 GiB (97.99%) used: 199.84 GiB (85.5%) fs: ext4
    dev: /dev/sda1 maj-min: 8:1
Swap:
  Kernel: swappiness: 15 (default 60) cache-pressure: 100 (default)
  ID-1: swap-1 type: file size: 3 GiB used: 0 KiB (0.0%) priority: -2 file: /swap/swap
Sensors:
  System Temperatures: cpu: 59.0 C mobo: 45.0 C sodimm: SODIMM C
  Fan Speeds (RPM): cpu: 3992
Repos:
  Packages: pm: dpkg pkgs: 2227 libs: 1109 tools: apt,apt-get,aptitude,nala,synaptic pm: rpm
    pkgs: 0 pm: flatpak pkgs: 0
  No active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian-stable-updates.list
    1: deb http://deb.debian.org/debian bookworm-updates main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.list
    1: deb http://deb.debian.org/debian bookworm main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
    2: deb http://security.debian.org/debian-security bookworm-security main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mx.list
    1: deb http://mirrors.dotsrc.org/mx-packages/mx/repo/ bookworm main non-free
Info:
  Processes: 214 Uptime: 25m wakeups: 8 Memory: 7.66 GiB used: 1.75 GiB (22.8%) Init: SysVinit
  v: 3.06 runlevel: 5 default: graphical tool: systemctl Compilers: gcc: 12.2.0 alt: 12
  Client: shell wrapper v: 5.2.15-release inxi: 3.3.26
Boot Mode: BIOS (legacy, CSM, MBR)

[wolfganp]

I use a Latitude E7450 with docking station. For the external displays config I used the Display utility shipped with MXlinux, or you may also use xrandr from the cli or for scripting.
Good luck!

[chrispop99]

I've had (and still have) a number of Dell laptops, from Pentium M machines up to 11th generation 'Core' ones. They have all been fully compatible with Linux, with the exception of the wireless cards in older ones. Unlike some Lenovo and other laptops they they don't have a BIOS whitelist, preventing you from replacing failed hardware with your own choice of component.

Never had a problem running them without a battery. If they have been left a long time with a dead battery, it won't charge, but booting with the battery removed, then putting the battery in 'live' generally fixes that.

All Dell machines have the full workshop manual available online to download. That's a better source of information than YouTube. I had a look at coin cell replacement for your E7240, and it's about average in terms of difficulty. I would consider it easily doable.

Al laptops under Linux are a bit temperamental with external monitors. You just have to persist, and find what setting works in your particular setup.

Chris

[Jakob77]

Thank you very much for your answers.






About the battery


The laptop can run without battery. That is great.
I intend to do that a lot, and at the same time maximize the battery lifespan.
In order to maximize the battery lifespan this context is about stock and not about how to use it.

Maybe it is better to read about it in the manual (so verify it yourself and correct me if you can) but I have found something for general use that I guess will not just surprise me, and if there are not too many protests I will take it for good and use it:

When storing a laptop battery for long-term preservation, especially when it’s not installed in the device, a few key guidelines can significantly extend its lifespan:
1. Store it at around 50–60% charge

Batteries should never be stored either fully charged (100%) or fully discharged (0–20%). A mid-level charge — ideally between 50% and 60% — is the optimal state for lithium-ion chemistry during long-term storage. This minimizes chemical stress and slows degradation.
2. Keep it in a cool, dry place

The ideal temperature for storage is between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Warm environments (especially above 30°C or 86°F) accelerate chemical aging inside the battery cells. If conditions allow, storing the battery in a sealed, dry container in a cool cabinet or drawer works well. In extreme cases, some even refrigerate batteries in anti-static bags with desiccants — provided condensation is strictly avoided.
3. Protect it from humidity

Moisture is the enemy of battery longevity. A dry environment is essential. Using silica gel packs or other desiccants inside the storage container can help absorb excess moisture. Avoid basements, attics, or outdoor sheds where temperature and humidity fluctuate.
4. Check and top up every 3–6 months

Lithium batteries lose a small amount of charge over time (self-discharge). If a battery drops too low — below about 2.5 volts per cell — it can become permanently damaged. To prevent this, it’s good practice to check the charge every 3 to 6 months, and if it’s dropped below 40%, recharge it back up to ~50–60%.
Avoid the following:

Storing batteries fully charged for months at a time

Leaving batteries fully discharged

Exposure to heat, moisture, or direct sunlight

Keeping the battery inside the laptop if the laptop isn’t being used

Following these principles can preserve battery health over the long term, especially if you anticipate storing it for several months or more. Lithium-ion batteries age with time, but correct storage can dramatically slow that process.


--


If you store a lithium-ion laptop battery incorrectly (fully charged at room temperature), it can lose 20–30% of its capacity per year, even if it’s not used.
Proper storage can greatly slow that down:
Storage Conditions Annual Capacity Loss Estimated Shelf Life
100% charge, ~25°C (room temp) ~20–30% 1–2 years
50–60% charge, ~15°C (cool room) ~5–10% 3–5 years
50–60% charge, ~5–10°C (fridge) ~3–5% 5–10 years

All values are approximate and depend on battery quality.

Key Tips:

Charge to ~50–60% before storage

Keep it cool (10–15°C is ideal; fridge possible with precautions)

Avoid moisture — use a sealed, dry container with silica gel

Check and top up every 3–6 months

If stored in a fridge: Let the battery warm to room temp before opening the container, to avoid condensation inside.

About the display


This command to find the name of the external screen:

xrandr --query


And then a lot depends, so the command can be made to fit the setup and situation.

In my situation I chose two commands. One for selecting the external screen and calibrate it and turn off the internal, and one for vise versa.

I still need to verify and maybe correct them a little more for my system. I have a problem with MX/Xfce compatibility because the intelligent panels won't come out after the command has been executed. And that is a warning not to be taken too lightly.

Anyway I have the commands now and if the screen falls in too deep a sleep I will use them for a wake up call and see what happens.

On this draft stage they look like this:

internal:

Code: Select all

xrandr --output DP-1-1 --off --output eDP-1 --mode 1366x768 --rate 60 --gamma 1.0:1.0:1.0 --brightness 1.0

external:

Code: Select all

xrandr --output eDP-1 --off --output DP-1-1 --mode 1920x1080 --rate 60 --gamma 1.0:1.0:1.0 --brightness 1.0

About the CMOS battery

I am afraid I have to put in a new one, and Chris lives too far away, so I even have to do it myself. ;-)
It looks to me as if the warning is not so much about a lot being wrong but more about a whole lot that might go awful wrong (maybe total bios memory loss) if I wait for too long before I replace the battery.

[i_ri]

Hello Jakob77
dell and hp may require smart chip adapters for charging;
some can run but not charge without the smart chip.

You asked about dell.
i can take the battery out of most dell, to keep temperatures lower than the heat of trying to charge.

i have an hp that will not run without a working battery; if battery is dead incapable, then the hp will not start on ac.

[chrispop99]

About the CMOS battery

I am afraid I have to put in a new one, and Chris lives too far away, so I even have to do it myself. ;-)
It looks to me as if the warning is not so much about a lot being wrong but more about a whole lot that might go awful wrong (maybe total bios memory loss) if I wait for too long before I replace the battery.

I would be happy to change the battery for you if we lived closer!

You can run as long as you like with a dead or even missing CMOS battery. The BIOS will not change or be lost. The system time and date will not be accurate of course.

Chris

[j2mcgreg]

@Jakob77 wrote:

About the CMOS battery

I am afraid I have to put in a new one, and Chris lives too far away, so I even have to do it myself. ;-)
It looks to me as if the warning is not so much about a lot being wrong but more about a whole lot that might go awful wrong (maybe total bios memory loss) if I wait for too long before I replace the battery.

Your Dell Latitude E7240 is one of the more difficult machines for CMOS battery replacement. See here:
https://www.parts-people.com/blog/2014/ ... tallation/
Depending on your skill level, you might want to have your local computer repair shop do it instead.

[Jakob77]

Thank you very much for your answers.






About the CMOS battery

If the CMOS is only and absolutely only about remembering the clock and calendar, then I can maybe live with it on a computer or two.

I can see on the computer with the problem that it forgets time when the big battery is dismounted but if it stays in, it remembers.
It feels good to know but if that is the only reason for mounting the big battery I consider it to be more of a temporary solution than a satisfying one.

However if the computer is used as a stationary with external power supply all the time, then there might not be need for any battery at all.
In case of power failure or a complete shut down or after updating there can at the next boot-up just be a script that automatically tells it to connect to wifi and go to the internet and read the time.
If I read the exact time and date it resets it to I might even be able to set an "at" job to run it a few minutes after boot-up so it will only happen if the reset has actually happened. Maybe not but I love the thought. :-)






About the screens

In case you want to see what Xfce-forum says about the screen Terminal commands and compatibility you can use this link:
Calibrating and switching screens
https://forum.xfce.org/viewtopic.php?id=18584






i_ri

There can be times with a Dell when the battery is dead and the computer is dead and external power won't help, and then you can just take out the battery out and reconnect to external power and boot up in MX as if nothing had happened. I am sure you would never but I once forgot to test that. ;-)



chrispop99

Thank you. :-)



j2mcgreg

A little complicated and fragile perhaps but I must admit the instructions look good.
I know it is easy with the screws if they don't cause a short circuit or fall into the fan.
There are always too many and that is nice. Somehow they breed during the project. ;-)

[j2mcgreg]

@Jakob77 wrote:

If the CMOS is only and absolutely only about remembering the clock and calendar, then I can maybe live with it on a computer or two.

You will need to get in the habit of verifying the time and date every time you boot the computer and reach the desktop. I f you don't your file system can get seriously screwed up.

[Jakob77]

@Jakob77 wrote:

If the CMOS is only and absolutely only about remembering the clock and calendar, then I can maybe live with it on a computer or two.

You will need to get in the habit of verifying the time and date every time you boot the computer and reach the desktop. I f you don't your file system can get seriously screwed up.

I get your point. Can you narrow it in.?
The OS itself.?
Or just data files for firefox and thunderbird and other programs, and only if they are used when the time setting is wrong.?