My compaq laptop won't charge and I just bought a new Targus universal charger using tip #L107. The original power cord didn't seem to work and now the new one won't either.

Search for a Travel Laptop Adapter or Universal Laptop Adapter. Targus makes one with several different tips. Targus Laptop AC DC Travel Charger with USB Fast Charging Port USB...

It looks like there is a shorting taking place whenever you insert the power jack into the laptop. Most likely the shorting is taking place on the laptop side and requires replacement, which should be done at the manufacturers service station even if its warranty has expired.

The wattage is to different, the wattage for the adapter is 90watts, and the charge for the advent is only 65w.

You can always try it, but you risk damaging your battery, or motherboard.

The laptop does not recognize the charger due to a different wattage/ amperage or is not powerful enough to charge the laptop while the machine is powered. I have seen many problems with hps/compaqs and the Targus Universal Charger and recommend the HP universal charger for those models instead.

the problem is the BIOS of the Dell system is looking for an ID signal from the AC adapter so it knows what adapter is connected. If the BIOS cannot ID the power supply, then battery charger is disabled.

You will need to get a Dell AC adapter.

http://www.discountelectronics.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1459

nothing is wrong with ypur laptopmotherboard. i suggest you to use original charger. doublicate charger are not good for laptops .

On the long term, a power adapter with a bigger amperage can damage battery and battery charger.

Better to get an adapter with same specs as the 65/70W one , or an original replacemant:

Dell Inspiron 1525 New AC Power Adapter Supply $14.29 - Buy.com Dell Inspiron 1525 65 Watt Original AC Adapter $25.00 - parts4nb.com Dell Inspiron 1525 Power Cord PA-12 $16.95 - AmeriMax Advance


DELL Inspiron 1525 DC Power Laptop Adapter ... £25.23 - B2C Shopping UK DELL Inspiron 1525 Laptop AC Adapter power adapter £38.99 - Very Good Battery Dell Inspiron 1525 Ac Adapter Charger Power ... £16.50 - eBay UK

AU/NZ - DELL INSPIRON 1505 E1405 E1505 AC Adapter Power Supply

Dell : Lind Electronics 70-Watt DC Power Adapter for Dell Inspiron

The problem may be in the charger now. It could have shorted out. Do you see any lights on the unit when it is plugged in? James

cud be your onboard voltage regulator for the battery charging. if you remove the battery and use the external power source does it smell also?
if the battery charges normal out of the unit, and the laptop works well with the AC power unit without the battery, then it's your voltage regulator for the batt charging