ok I've got through it all ok so far but then you get to "Defeat Ancano" & I've thrown everything at this guy; normal weapons, magic, ~ his health bar doesn't even budge an inch
Use the Staff on the Eye of Magnus. It'll change it's appearance and his aura will disappear.
Keep an eye on the staff's charge as well - it's a soul gem hog. If it runs low, knock out one or two of the Magical Anomalies - they usually drop soul gems.
Keep an eye on the staff's charge as well - it's a soul gem hog. If it runs low, knock out one or two of the Magical Anomalies - they usually drop soul gems.
It doesn't recharge itself (during that fight only)? I didn't have to recharge it I was using on Ancano quite a bit before I figured out what to do.