variety of questions ~ tracking, battery charging

Hi, I've got a Vostro 1000 that I bought last November. Right around the start of this month, my track pad started not working properly. It's on again, off again. When it's not working, it's jumping all over the screen, highlighting whatever it might cross and opening applications randomly. I can't make it work and have to shut off my computer and plug in my wireless mouse in order to be able to work.
The same week, we started having issues with the battery not charging. I bought a new power cord (found bite marks in the original one so guessing the kitten ate it) and had no problems for a week. Now, the battery low warning comes on, then seconds later I can check the charge icon where (like today) I can see that I'm at 98% power. Plus the charging light is flashing. What's up with that?
Do all these problems indicate that I've done (or my kids) have done something we shouldn't have? Or is there an underlying issue that I need to contact Dell about? Not sure what to think but it is super frustrating!

 

Typically the track pads get screwed up after coming out of sleep mode.

In terms of battery, try letting the battery run down to dead and then stick it in your notebook and recharge it. Typically a charging light flashing is due to failure to charge up the battery.

It is possible there is a defective battery in your case. Though you should make sure by doing what I mentioned above just so you won't end up putting down money for a new battery like you did for the power connector.