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I have a gateway ar200 notebook. The fan isn't running. How to I get at it to see what's wrong?

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For : confirm the fan is actually not working before you start taking the case apart. As and pointed out, access can be intrusive, so begin with quick checks: listen and feel for airflow at the exhaust, check BIOS or a hardware-monitoring tool for temperature/fan readings, and run a short CPU stress (a minute or two) to see whether the cooling system responds. Note any boot error or beep codes — they can point to a hardware fault.

Try non-invasive fixes first. Blow short bursts of compressed air through the intake and exhaust vents (do not use long continuous blasts). If you can reach the blades without disassembly, hold them gently to prevent overspin while you clean. Confirm the AC adapter is connected and that vendor ACPI/power drivers are installed, and consider a BIOS update only if the manufacturer lists thermal or fan fixes. If the fan spins but grinds or wobbles, bearings may be failing; a tiny drop of light sewing-machine oil on the bearing can sometimes free a stuck fan temporarily — only attempt this if you accept the warranty risk.

If those steps do not help, identify the exact fan assembly by part number or service manual before buying a replacement. Photograph and label screws during disassembly, disconnect battery and AC first, and use ESD precautions. If unsure, a local repair shop can diagnose and replace the part safely. Thanks to for the reminder to match replacements to the model.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

I have a gateway ar200 notebook. The fan isn't running. How to I get at it to see what's wrong?

to get at the fan in most laptops means complete removal of the top part of the laptop,i do not recommend you try this without a manual showing full instructions on how to do this

Member Avatar for dcc

Look on the bottom and see if there is a panel cover held in place with screws, if there aren't it most likely will be as caperjack described.

Member Avatar for jbennet

Bear in mind that you cant go and replace a laptop fan with any old one, sometimes there model specific.

Also some laptops fans dont run until they are needed.

Member Avatar for caperjack

usually a laptop fan runs at bootup until the os loads and then shuts down until the temp goes up

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