Windows Vista Low or critical battery warnings on Laptops

It's difficult to comprehend how much Vista differs from XP, (some of it for the worse!).

I have 2 Laptops, 1 running Vista, 1 running XP, plus an XP Netbook for travelling.

Having lost information/connections on a number of occasions, due to not noticing the "visual" warnings, (such as they are), I changed the low/critical battery sounds to something a little more substantial.

On XP it works fine, (OK the critical action/warning is dubious as the hibernate function mostly happens before the audible warning), but it usually doesn't get that far as I plug in the PSU is at the low warning.

On Vista, (even with it's additional features and settings relating to power plan options), nothing happens, apart from a red X appearing on a flashing battery icon on the status bar.

Does anyone know if;

a) - this is fixable?, or

a) - yet another "Un-documented feature" of Vista?, and if so

b) - is it still present in W7?

 

Hello sandletrampus,

Ut Oh doesn't look good!
"Low" and "Critical" battery alarms do not sound on a Windows Vista based computer

If I understand this correctly, Vista does not supply audible alert but allows for a manufacturer or model/maker design to do so. If you don't have this option, you may need to seek an alternative.

Another perk that ms thought would be preferred.

I just starting looking exploring Vista's laptop power options but I did find this 3rd party standalone, would this be something your interested in:

http://www.technospot.net/blogs/play-alert-notebook-battery-low-laptop-battery-alarm/

Sounds like it would do the job....

Here's another:
http://osirisdevelopment.com/BatteryBar/index.html

There must be many such apps, for the the picking, some very simple and some much more complex. Head for google and have a look see for yourself. It looks like if you want an audible alarm your going to have to find one yourself.

 

Looks like a plan!

Hi Goddess1 -

MMmmm I thought as much, thanks for your help.

I have implemented the one via the Technospot blog. If it does the job OK, I shall report back and 'RESOLVE' the issue! -

Cheers