This one?
www.notebookcheck.net/typo3temp/pics/61f03a1831.jpg

If so that vent looks like the main vent out of the chassis. Therefore it could be anything that's let out it's magic smoke. If it is still working OK without the battery then it probably is the charger circuitry that's blown and it'll work OK as a desktop but I'd keep a careful eye on it and not leave it switched on unattended for a few days and maybe have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case!

Might be time to start pricing up a replacement.

Oh, also, do a backup of any data on there as if it does die suddenly you'll be glad for it.

Good luck!
(bill, Wed 3 Mar 2010, 15:05, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

That's the one
I'll do a backup and keep a close eye on ting.
(dozers, do fuck off ur a nob m8, Wed 3 Mar 2010, 15:07, Reply)

Bill is a mong but a very helpful one at that : )

( girlinthehole, Wed 3 Mar 2010, 15:10, Reply)

Can I put you as a reference
on my CV?
(bill, Wed 3 Mar 2010, 15:12, Reply)