Hi. I have a Dell Inspiron 1000 laptop that won't power up (a friend's). A few lights go on on the console, but screen remains dark, cd drawer won't open. no noise. It uses an adapter from PA16 family.

I have an adapter from an Inspiron 1100 (my own laptop) which is the PA9 family and want to try it to see if that makes a difference.

Is there a problem using a different adapter? I don't want to ruin the adapter or the laptop (altho the laptop is pretty useless now) so I'm more worried about the adapter.

Specs are as follows: The PA16 adapter is smaller and says 60W, Input 100-240V - 1.5A(1.5A) , 50-60 Hz, Output 19v...3.16A(3.16A)

The PA9 says Input:100-240VC 50-60 Hz 1.5A, Output 20V...4.51A(4.51A), doesn't say how many Watts.

Can I try the PA9 without ruining the adapter, do you think? thanks