I have had an HP Pavilion ZT1170 LAPTOP for about four years now. The battery gradually declined, as batteries do, from two hours, to fifteen minutes, to just enough time to save and close, to nothing at all. For a long time now it has just been dead weight in my laptop.

I finally got fed up with the plug getting kicked out, however, and last week I purchased a new battery from batteries.com. I plugged in the new battery with some trepidation last night and was relieved to see that it showed 3% and charging. Huzzahs and all. I checked back from time to time; I saw it at 8%, then 15%, then 18%, then, oddly enough, 13%, which is where it stuck. After three hours it was still showing 13%, I left it overnight and in the morning, still 13%. I tried it unplugged and my laptop won't start, a slight flash of LIGHTS and that is all I get.

I removed the battery a couple of times and replaced it. Suddenly now it is back down to 3% and seems to be stuck there. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if it is a problem with my computer--it would be but a drop in the bucket. But is there any convenient way to DETERMINE where the problem is at?Fletch:

Try checking the Battery applet in the Control Panel to see what the percent charge is there and whether it indicates it is still charging.

Check the contacts where the battery connects to the laptop to make sure there is no corrosion or dust. If necessary, use contact cleaner that you purchase from an electronics or computer store.

Try PLUGGING the laptop into a different electrical outlet. Perhaps it is a wiring problem with your home or office. Batteries need adequate voltage to charge correctly. If you do not have a multimeter to test the voltage of the outlet, try taking the laptop to a friend's home or a different office building to try to charge it there.

Let us know how it goes,
DocI checked the power applet and it says "Total battery power remaining: 13% (charging)" Then below it shows a battery symbol with a lightning bold that says 12% beside it and "Charging" below. I checked the contacts on the battery and laptop and all looks clean and sound. And I tried different outlets in the apartment, some of which currently have other laptops charging on them, with no change. Very disappointing. Any other possibilities?try contacting the place where you bought the new battery, This is their buisness and they should be able to help. My guess may be a bad cell in the battery. I used to shoot video for years and have had many a battery and am all too familiar with power problems. Although not having a laptop, i am not familiar with the battery type. Are they NiCad, Litium Ion ?
With ALL of the problems you are posting it sounds like it needs to go to the shop. 4 years from an HP laptop is a GOOD run.It's a Li-ion battery. I'll give batteries.com a call tomorrow. I'm just trying to get a little bit more out of my precious before I trade it in. It's about time, though, I want to learn some 3-d modeling and this just won't cut it.