Have you just tried blowing compressed air into the fan vents?

Yeah, I tried that awhile ago. Naturally, one of the repair guys I just spoke to said "whatever you do, don't use compressed air". But it clearly didn't break the fan or whatever.

Naturally, one of the repair guys I just spoke said "whatever you do, don't use compressed air".

Seriously? I've never heard that.

Anyway, we took apart my laptop. I think you'll be fine. Just be sure to put all of the screws somewhere safe, and keep track of what goes where.

I've taken one apart to replace a fan. Give yourself plenty of time and keep the ungodly number of screws organized.

I'm going to have to do this same thing with my old desktop. Get a magnet (nowhere near the computer itself, of course) to hold all the itty bitty screws. Otherwise one shall surely be lost.

Good idea on the magnet! I was also going to say, when you open it up, take a pic with your digital camera that you can use as a resource if you get lost putting it back together.

I was also going to say, when you open it up, take a pic with your digital camera that you can use as a resource if you get lost putting it back together.

Oh, good one. Or several pictures.

I'm glad you all seem to think I'm not insane. At least, not for wanting to do this myself. Good idea about the pictures and magnet.

However, this site is making me rethink the whole idea: [link]

Megan, whenever I feel daunted by a task like the one pictured on that site, I remind myself that 'finding a needle in a haystack isn't hard, if you are willing to look one straw at a time.'

It might seem a bore, or overwhelming, but the outcome seems worth it.

Also easier if you have a magnet.

Unless it's an old-fashioned bone needle.