Thanks for this. Does this cable connect to the motherboard connection and then to the battery's existing cord or do I need to remove the cord from the 97w battery and swap it out?

If you already have a larger, 97w battery with the cable, then that cable (unless broken) can be used. Otherwise, you need an original dell battery and cable for this to work correctly. My experience in using the non-OEM batteries and cables is that they just don't work at all and if anything, could potentially jeopardize your laptop’s operation.

The Precision 3561 I have came with the 64w and want to upgrade to the 97w one. The cable on the new battery won't work with the connector on the motherboard. I'm wondering what and where the replacement cable you mentioned is used for