Overheating power adaptor
B3's laptop (Dell Inspiron 1100, three years old) keeps overheating and shutting down. Battery life is poor, and the power adaptor itself gets quite hot when it is connected. Since I have not a clue about electrics, could someone enlighten me as to how, if at all, these things are related?
OK, the fan doesn't appear to work, so even to last for an hour the computer has to be raised a couple of inches off the desk I stupidly assumed that it would be a simple matter of ordering the appropriate replacement fan, but an acquaintance in the repair business muttered darkly and shook his head.
For the purposes of this post I'm mainly curious about the power adaptor and its effect on the battery, but any general suggestions are welcome.