So i got there and plugged in the USB keyboard and mouse and tried to boot.
It locked up again and wouldn't boot. the keyboard worked through bios but wouldn't boot
Unplugged them and managed to get it to boot up. put the old ps/2 keyboard in at the countdown to launch windows (which is the only way it works) and put the password in and got the computer to install the keyboard and mouse.
Now it still wont boot with the usb's in. But it works fine if you leave them out. and plug them in at the login screen.
So there computer is atleast usable now. He's getting a new battery tomorrow to see how it goes.