A couple of weeks ago, while I'm charging the batteries, my Inspiron 8200 started making a pretty loud squealing/hissing noise that sounds like it's coming from the area where the AC Adapter is plugged into the laptop.

I have two batteries, the problem happens when either one or the other or both are plugged in.

Generally the problem appears to be worst when the batteries are discharged most.

Many times, after hearing the noise for a while the AC Adapter blows it's internal circuit/fuse and the green light on it goes out. If I unplug it for a few seconds and then plug it back in, it starts to work again. Usually I can perform this cycle enough to get it fully charged again.

Once it's fully charged or if I remove both batteries, I hear no bad noises and the laptop runs fine on A/C.

I'd tried replacing the AC Adapter, but I get the same results.

Just to try to rule out some sort of home electrical problem, I tried it at an outlet I know is on another circuit and I got the same thing. I haven't tried it at another location yet though, but I doubt that's the problem.

Any thoughts on what the problem could be? I couldn't find others with this type of issue via searching.

Anything else I could try? It's closing in on 5 years old, so I'd rather not put too much more money into it. I've done quite a bit of work with it to keep it running this long and it still serves my computing needs, but if it's something that's going to be expensive to fix, it's probably time to put it to rest (or I can just pass it on for someone to use it as a desktop without batteries).

Thanks!