I am interested in the resolution that people usually get when this
problem arise.  I know many people would recommend replacing the
motherboard, but i'm more interested in a resolution other than that,
esp. if a part(s) can be replaced.
If there are instructions, that would be even more helpful.

Hi,

I did a little research on the Dell website and found the following
article concerning the issue that you are having with your laptop. 
Click on the link and then read the paragraphs (1) Ensuring Sufficient
Power for Your Computer & (2) Docking Power Considerations.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins8200/en/sm_en/solving.htm#1121012

You should only have to purchase a new power adapter and not having to
replace the motherboard.  Hope this will solve your problems with your
laptop and good luck!

Thanks for your help.  That was the answer people were told by dell,
buy a new adaptor and/or battery.  However, I've plugged my friend's
adatpor, that's working fine on her computer.  Still the same result. 
So i really dont feel it has anything with the adatpor or the battery.
Thanks for helping tho.

I've had the same problem start today when I had to reinstall the OS. 
Have you found out a solution yet?

mercha,

i have not found the answer yet.  it's actually really common from
what i've seen.  even people on dell's own forum had various
discussions.

the solutions that i would suggest you look into
1.  flush your bios
2.  change the batter board
3.  buy a new mother board, which i really dont want to do, and at
this point dell doesnt even sell it anymore, you'd have to find it on
ebay
4.  you're at the same point i am.

i've seen someone at the dells forum post something about there's
someone in canada who can fix it for less than 100 bucks, which i am
more than happy to pay.  if you do come across that post please let me
know.

good luck!