Nissan Repair: 1995 Nissan Altima couldnt start, neutral safety switch, nissan altima

Question
I have a 1995 Nissan Altima with about 199k miles, and I am totally clueless with most problems with cars. I tried starting it in park tonight, and it wouldn't start. No cranking at all, but the power was available. I could turn the headlights on and listen to the radio. Then, I put the car in neutral, and it started. I left the car on, put it in park for a couple minutes, and then turned it off. Out of curiosity, I decided to try to start it again, but in park. To my amazement, it started in park.

So, would I need a new starter, or a new neutral safety switch? Or would I need both?

On a side note, if my battery is being overcharged, what would I need to replace? The battery? The alternator? The alternator is only 3 or 4 months old, and before the alternator was put in, I had to jump start and charge the battery so I could get the car to the shop to put the battery in.

Answer
Steve,

The neutral safety switch needs to be replaced.  This is on the transmission where the shifter connects to it.  Get a Haynes manual and the neutral safety switch and replace it.  A couple of bolts and the cable connection, then adjust it per the manual and you are there.