VAIO Vista laptop UNcharged battery

[learninmypc]

The owner gave it to me a few years back, the harddrive has since crashed I believe & it has not been plugged in for at least 3 maybe 4 years (or more). Any chance the battery might still be rechargeable? I had planned on buying a harddrive & OS but being out of sight in my closet, I forgot about it.
If no hope, it'll be recycled. TIA

 

[learninmypc]

@Cycloid Torus @jobeard Can you answer this? This laptop had been turned off a few years ago because as mentioned the OS crashed. I'd turn it on & it'd say no OS/no harddrive found. Tonight, I removed the battery & pushed the power on button using power cord ONLY. After realizing the keyboard wasn't working correctly, I grabbed another one & randomly began pushing keys.
I don't know how, but it is up & working, not perfect, but it is online. How can a no OS no Harddrive laptop come to life??.

 

[learninmypc]

TO answer the original question, the battery is recharging.