My laptop computer is overheating and freezing in the process?

Allison H: My laptop computer is overheating and freezing in the process?
Whenever I seem to get on my laptop, about ten minutes later, my laptop begins to overheat, and it freezes. I’ve had my laptop for about three years and I’ve never had this problem before. I also rarely use my laptop on soft surfaces such as the bed and the floor; it’s primarily on my desk. What are some possible causes of this occurrence? Is it just possibly dust in the fan?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Computertek – Orillia
You should take the unit into a service centre and have the fan replaced so that no other/deeper damage is caused to the unit.

Dust is usually the cause of a failed fan, but, as they are electronic components, they do fail eventually.

Answer by wookiebeats
Definitely sounds like a broken fan. Take it to a shop that repairs or buy a new laptop before you start a fire or do permanent damage to the system. Make sure you back up all of your files before doing anything.

Answer by Lone Wolf
Answerer #1 & #2 are both correct in that it is probably fan related – you might just need a good cleaning. In addition the newer high power processors generate a lot of heat. Even new my HP 17″ pavilion put out an astonishing amount of heat although I don’t remember having any particular performance issues because of that. I finally bought an in-expensive stand (wire mesh, adjustable tilt) and the heat issue simply dissipated (sorry :-).
The raising of the computer, the ability to tilt (I use it on it’s lowest tilt), and the use of a gel pad for the heel of my hands has contributed greatly to my comfort in using my laptop.