Battery/CPU problem

Okay, so from what I have been reading I have assumed that my main problem which might be causing all of this, is the battery problem.

Awhile ago my battery started having some problems, it would stop charging and/or the icon would dissappear. I would just uninstall then reinstall the drivers and then it started charging again, and this worked for the past couple months. But about a week ago, it just stopped charging, and reinstalling the drivers didn't fix this problem, it actually showed that it was charging for about 5 seconds, then stopped, and it still even showed "plugged in, charging". Then a few days after this problem, the computer just started to lagggggg really bad, figured it was spyware or something, though I havent downloaded anything or installed anything new. I was doing some research, looked in the event viewer. The issue I noted was this:

The speed of processor 1 in group 0 is being limited by system firmware.

And so on. First I read that it could be because the fan was clogged up and was overheating the computer, so I took apart this whole laptop, noticed that the fan stopped completly when windows 7 screen starts to boot up. I took the fan out, and did find a HUGE chunk of dust/hair/crap in the exaust, which I cleaned very well, but still didn't fix the issue with the fan stopping. Then read somewhere that the reason that my computer is cutting the core speeds in half is because the battery is so low that its trying to save power.

Its so weird too, because it actually does charge, sometimes, but its like 1% every 4 hours, so it really doesnt mean much. and I havent seen it get past 35% no matter how long ive had it plugged in.

Well, does anyone have any ideas, this is driving me insane.

Someone save me, and sorry for the ramble.

I am using a hp nc6400.

Probably 3 years, I still would think that it is partly maybe drivers due to the icon dissappearing n such.

There isnt any drivers for windows 7, you think that would make a difference?

My laptop was fully charged today, ive been keeping it plugged in and still using it. Im on it now making the post. The battery icon wont seem to stay, only when i reinstall, but when I go into sleep mode or restart, it goes away again, though it will still charge.

I am going to reinstall windows 7 for the hell of it. Just to see if it is a driver issue that will be fixed that way.

logicearth said:

In those 3 years has the battery ever been replaced?
And it could be a mixture of drivers and a dying battery.
But I would first replace that battery.

Yeah. They go bad easily when stored without a charge every so often. Heck, they go bad sometimes when proper care is taken.