I need help with an iphone 4s

[FatPuppy]

When I try to turn it on, the drained battery shows up and when I put it in DFU mode and restore with itunes, the battery reappears after the install.

 

[old-wiz]

dying battery? how old is the phone?

 

[Newtons Apple]

When I try to turn it on, the drained battery shows up and when I put it in DFU mode and restore with itunes, the battery reappears after the install.

Have you charged the phone? Even plugged into you computer it need some battery to get going. If it will not hold a charge, you need to get the battery replaced before you get anything done.