Help with Vostro 1000

(Sorry if this is a repeat post ~ I cannot find my original post from yesterday!)

I bought a Vostro 1000 last November and until recently have been very happy with it. Earlier this month, my battery would not charge. We ordered a replacement cord (assumed it had been chewed on by the kittens) and a new battery just in case that was the issue. The new power cord works well but now we notice that when it is charging, I get a flashing power light. In fact, it first said I had no power, even when it was plugged into the wall. Then it switched to 98% battery power and a flashing light. It does not matter where I plug it in. Is this because the replacement cord is not from Dell directly?

Also, my touchpad is freaking out. I have had to use an external mouse to be able to control my computer. The touchpad jumps, highlights randomly, opens applications from my desktop, etc. and doesn't move sometimes at all when I'm moving pressure across the pad. Does anyone know if this is a software/driver issue? Or should I be contacting Dell about getting it fixed/replaced? Like I said, I bought it last November so it is not quite 8 months old.

 

first contact dell and get it fixed/replaced. You should've done that with the battery, first. They may have replaced it for you.