I bought a non-Dell 12V adapter which gives the required 19 volt output. When attached to the Inspiron I get the message "adapter not recognized, please install a Dell adapter". I complained to Dell about this and got a series of amazing replies (summarized below). 1. Any generic adapter will work with the Inspiron. My reply - "No it doesn't". 2. Sorry, I misunderstood and will send you a Dell adapter. 3. Sorry, some confusion, your adapter works OK. My reply "No it doesn't". 4. I would like to inform you that the auto air adapter you were using is not recognized because the system accepts adapters only provided by Dell. I am afraid to inform you that we do not produce auto air adapters that can be used [with 12 volts]. I saw no point in replying to this. (Dell now lists a 12 volt adapter}. I am puzzled because several vendors offer 12 volt adapters compatible with the 1764. Perhaps my laptop has aglitch. Any thoughts on perhaps tweaking the software or how to hit Dell on the head? (I read the a person from Dell sits on a PCA panel. Perhaps he would like to see Dell's version of customer care!).