Power supply volts and amps

[Starwatcher55]

Hello,
I have a dell laptop. The volts on the power supply match the volts on the laptop for input and output. My question is does the amps also have to match. The power supply amps exceed the amps required to run the laptop. this is laptop was produced in 2004. I am trying to upgrade it.

 

[RetiredChief]

Two Things:
1) The Current (Amp) Ratings on the for the AC adaptor is ONLY stating that the rated Voltage can be supplied at UPTO the specified amperage..
2) The Ac adaptor will only supply what current is required by the laptop upto the max rating. ie The current, upto specified is dependent on the load, not the charger.
3) as long as your laptop current draw is under that specified on the charger; voltage polarity is correct, and plug/jack mate properly - you are fine.

My charger for a i5-2410 17" laptop is rated 19V @ 4.74A.