[xkaylx]

Just to start off my threads with a problem. I've just got a second hand laptop. It wasnt used much by the last owner but I tend to use it for watching dvds or chatting online so it does get used a lot more. In the last couple of days the fans (maybe only one of them) has gotten louder and it sounds as though its skipping too. I don't think its causing the laptop to overheat because it still switches off after 5 minutes and I don't know if it just needs cleaning. Does this sound familiar to anybody? Also wanted to make sure it wasn't a major problem although i've heard fan replacements are cheap anyway. Im not great with laptops either, this is my first.

[Dave Hybrid]

You should be able to remove some panels from the base to reveal the fans.

Clean or replace as necessary.

[stugster]

As Dave says, it'll either need a clean, or you'll find that after a bit of "naughty use", the ball bearings have been forced out of position. In this case, a new fan is necessary.

"Naughty use": a laptop isn't a laptop. It's a notebook. We have coined the name laptop, and we shouldn't have. Sitting the notebook on your lap sometimes blocks the fans airflow, and causes higher torque in the fan motor itself. A notebook should be used on a flat solid surface, or an approved docking-station or professional workbench.

[xkaylx]

Do I need to buy something professional to clean them with or am I ok to just use a soft brush?

[stugster]

You'll b e fine with a soft brush, just be gentle :)