Fan on notebook runs constantly

[Lucy]

Hi all, I have an emachine 5312 athlon xp mobile. It is 3 years old now and the last 3 weeks I have noticed the fan runs constantly. It only stops, when I have shut down for a while and when it first starts up. Within about 15-20 minutes, it is back running full time. Is there anything I can do to troubleshoot it, or fix this myself? any help is appreciated.

 

[kcnychief]

I would assume it's running because the CPU or the system as a whole is getting hot.

I would also check what may be taxing the CPU/RAM, as I know some systems that I using Folding@Home on tend to max out the resources, thus forcing fans to work more.

Right-Click on your Taskbar, or Hit CTRL + ALT + DEL and bring up the Task Manager. In the second tab, called Processes, you can sort by CPU and that will give you a glance at what is using your muscle.

 

[LeeJend]

3 years old and the air passages are full of dust so it runs hotter. summer starting has made it obvious with higher room temps.

Get a can of electronic duster, canned air, etc $2. blow out the dust from the air passages and off the internal parts if you can get at them. don't spray the drives and use short puffs to prevent condensation.

don't get the endust brand. too much crude in it. this is best done outside or in the garage. the sprays are toxic and the cloud of dust can be just as nasty.

if that does not help start looking for background tasks like Kyn suggested.

 

[Lucy]

wow, thanx you guys. will check all the above and report back.