Laptop power cable alternatives

dieselhead

My laptop threw a wobbly at the weekend and has gone off for repair, so I am computerless at home. However I did dig out my old laptop, but unfortunately can't find the power cable (suspect its at the bottom of a draw at my parents house miles away).

I do have other power cables that fit, ie the cable to my portable hard drive, however they don't seem to bring the computer to life, the computer boots so its working but the charging light is off. Is this due to the cables being the wrong voltage?

Is there any way round this? (its an 6 year old acer aspire by the way) don't want to drive miles and miles to parents, and dunno if they would find it to post to me so is there any way of using the cables I have or obtaining a very cheap cable at short notice?

somebody10

Most full size laptops use a similar DC voltage to power up - usually around 19V and I am unsure what voltage an external hard drive would use but I would expect it to be much less than a laptop but it's worth checking on the adaptor itself for its voltage/amps.

andy2004

Check the sticker on the bottom of the laptop for the power requirements, I bought a universal laptop charger for less than a £12 on ebay, or go into ebay and search for a laptop charger for your make and model.

from here http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/nicolebing89__W0QQ_armrsZ1

suggest you contact seller asking if its compatible using the information on the bottom sticker.