Member Avatar for Stoneheart95

Hi.

I'm using a Fujitsu T Series 4410 Lifebook, 32-bit. My operating system is Windows 7.

Recently my computer fan has begun to rattle. I believe that the fan is catching on something inside the case, and that when it rattles, it's a clue that the fan will stop. Because of this, my laptop gets extremely hot. This makes the fan start up, and usually will not stop. I've experienced the fan blow for 16 hours at the most, non-stop, no break.

A year ago, the laptop did the exact same problem, and I took the fan out of the laptop and examined it, yet found no problem. There wasn't even any dust clogging it, which I found peculiar.

However, I have noticed that when the fan does begin to blow for hours on end, there is a faint burning smell.

The laptop is 3-3 1/2 years old. It is a school-issued laptop, given to me on my freshman year. Through it's life, it has been dropped, fallen from desks and tables, along with having the screen replaced twice. I have the slight suspicion that a heatsink may have come loose inside the laptop, though I'm not positively sure.

I can't dissassemble the laptop, due to a laptop agreement signed at the beginning of every year. I also can't alter any system files due to administration restrictions. If you know of any possible way to diagnose the poor soul inside the laptop, please tell me. :\

Thanks in advance,
~Clayton~

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by johhny-marshal

Dani AI

Generated

Practical, non‑invasive troubleshooting and safety notes. Building on ’s compressed‑air tip and @johhny‑marshal’s suggestion to inspect the fan, here are safe things to try that don’t require opening the case or installing software.

  • Power down and unplug the laptop. If the battery is easily removable without tools, take it out. Use short bursts of canned compressed air into the intake and exhaust vents from several angles; keep the can upright, hold the fan in place (don’t let it freewheel), and use 1–2 second bursts. Avoid household compressors or vacuums that can overspin or generate static. Let the laptop sit a few minutes afterward so any moisture evaporates.

  • Check for software causes using only built‑in tools: open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and sort by CPU to spot runaway processes, and look in Event Viewer for thermal or power events (System log). Booting to Safe Mode can help determine if a background program is driving constant high CPU and fan use.

  • Reduce load and improve immediate cooling: run on a hard, flat surface, close heavy programs, avoid browser tabs with video, and use an external cooling pad if available. If a simple reboot or Safe Mode reduces fan activity, it’s likely software; if noise/heat persists, it’s likely hardware.

If there is any burning odor, persistent grinding/rattling, or the fan keeps running very loudly despite these steps, stop using the laptop and contact the issuing IT department for inspection—those symptoms point to fan or heat‑sink failure that requires a technician. Back up important files now in case a hardware fault gets worse.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

no dust a year ago doesn't mean its not full of dust now because you cant take it apart then i suggest you try a can of compressd air

Member Avatar for Stoneheart95

I'll be sure to try that soon. Thanks.

Member Avatar for caperjack

laptop owners don't realise how little dust it take to make them overheat ,and how quick it builds up inside if not cleaned regulary ,should be blown out regulary ,good luck

Member Avatar for johhny-marshal

You should open it and check what is there disturbing the fan. When laptop gets extremely hot, it gets shut down abruptly. It may cause power failure or motheboard crash.

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