On 02/07/2012 13:40, Jim K wrote:


So I chopped the jack of the end to reveal a 3 core cable (which
surprised me a bit - was expecting 2)

Genuine Dell power adaptors have an ID chip (One-Wire Dallas thing) that
communicates and is recognized by the laptop on boot. Without that chip
(or a broken wire) the laptop disallows battery charging, but it should
at least run OK from the supply, on two wires.

A replacement Dell supply from CPC is less than £20. Or take your chance
on eBay between the real, compatible and the fake.

What model adaptor? laptop model?

--
Adrian C