Laptop Battery Troubles

[boc4life]

My laptop battery has been deteriorating very quickly in the past month or so. Full charge only lasting an hour or less before an abrupt shutdown.

A few days ago, the laptop started using battery faster than the battery would charge

Today, the battery will not even charge beyond 5%, when turned on claims to be on AC power, and shuts off completely (No Windows shutdown) when the battery runs out.


I could have the laptop shipped and looked at, sent back at 100% for only the price of the battery. Or I can just go buy a new battery.

How close to 100% assured is it that this problem is entirely battery-based, and that buying a battery won't turn out to be a waste of money?