Laptop questions

[Dystopia]

I have been having this problem for a really long time and saw the post about processor temps and decided to post for some help.

I have a old Vaio laptop. Its a PCG-FRV26 Pentium 4 2.8ghz 500mb RAM.

My processor overheats and shuts off my computer. Sometimes it will even restart with a "Unable to find operating system" error. After it cools it will be fine again. This is not just while playing FF but doing anything. It hates Winamp the most. If I have it on my lap it will actually warm my legs through my pants to a point that i have to remove it. Without pants its more of a BDSM type burn. Seriously it gets HOT!

I can play FF but i have to place it on top of one of those nice big box fans and turn it on high. I will post a pic at some point because i am sure it will get some laughs. (of the box fan not the no-pants-BDSM-burns)

Anyway ... wth can i do to fix this problem. please be very specific because I thought i was tech savvy but have come to realize while reading some of the other posts that I know next to nothing.

This is something that started about a year ago and has just gone down hill. It used to run FF fine. Now i cant do anything but skill up or check the AH on it.

Thanks, Dystopia

[Vertabreaker]

If you're getting the "Unable to find operating system" error the problem could be much larger then just an overheating issue. If it gets so hot to the point of where it feelsl like your legs are on fire you might want to consider getting a powered cooling pad. They make nice ones that plug right into your USB ports for your laptop to sit on and cool them down considerably(sp?)

[Dystopia]

Unfortunatly I have one of those cooling pads and it's not enough. The computer still overheats. Anything short of a huge house fan causes it to crash. I am really wondering if i can tear it apart and do something with the fan or heat sink.

-Dyst

[Sigi]

Do NOT use that laptop any further. It is a serious safety hazard. You could salvage the hard drive, however the system itself is LITERALLY toast.

I repeat: Do NOT use that laptop.

Contact lolSony and report that that system is overheating to the point it is burning your skin during light-normal use. You might be able to receive an unit exchange since you have a severe safety issue. ... Better be *very* polite when speaking to any of the representatives.