Do I need a new battery?
 

A few days ago, the multip outlet stopped working, I didn't notice since my laptop just went to battery power. I was watching a DVD at the time the notification didn't come up. All of a sudden it went into hibernation, which is when I found out the outlet was dead.

I switched the computer on the next day with a new outlet. But the icon at the bottom right switches between a plug and a plug with a lightening bolt. When I put my mouse over it, it first said 5% remaining. The next day 6%, until it reached 8%. It's been at 8% for a couple of days now.

Are you sure the outlet was dead, and not the actual charger/adapter?

Due to constant winding, unwinding and movement - it's possible that the wires in the power lead eventually broke.

You know... it's like that trick where you wiggle a wire back and forth until it breaks.

Anyways, I've seen this a couple of times with work laptops. I'd simply go look for a new supply. Take a look at the power cord carefully first. If my theory is correct then the problem would be in the thin bit of the wiring. Probably.

I feel like an idiot, but right after I pressed 'submit', I realised I hadn't tried letting the battery out and plugging the AC adapter in again.

Anyways, I plugged it in after the pop up warning and it's fine now.

Unless I'm mistaken, there isn't a delete topic button, so now my idiocy will be preserved for generations of young'uns. *Sigh* :o