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    Fan noises

    Discussion in 'HP' started by Daniel0, Jan 13, 2009.

  1. Daniel0

    Daniel0 Newbie

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    I've got an HP dv9685eo. Recently the fan has started to make strange noises. Kind of like a drilling noise - I'm not sure how to explain it. Kind of like it's hitting something when spinning. I once had a desktop computer which started to make fan noises as well. I resolved that by cleaning the fan. That computer's warranty had expired, however, and I am reluctant to open my laptop because it still has warranty. I need my computer every day and my laptop is my only one, so I don't like the idea about sending it in for repair. Can they see if I open the case and take a look inside it? There aren't any stickers on it (at least not on the outside). Will opening it even void warranty or is it only if I start to remove/add/replace hardware in it?

    Thank you,
    Daniel
     
    Daniel0, Jan 13, 2009
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  2. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    If you are careful you can open it and look around, but the operative word here is CAREFUL! Use the proper sized screwdriver so that the screws won't look like they've been tweaked and if you can, look to see if there is a guide for opening your laptop out there.
     
    TabbedOut, Jan 13, 2009
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  3. Teraforce

    Teraforce Flying through life

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    If you start to take apart your laptop (besides upgrading the HD, RAM and/or battery), then yes, it will void your warranty.

    But if you want to take a crack at it, check out the HP Services Media Library. They provide step-by-step remove/replace videos for all their notebooks.

    Since I don't know if you have and AMD or an Intel-powered notebook, I'll just post the links for both.

    AMD

    Intel
     
    Teraforce, Jan 13, 2009
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  4. Daniel0

    Daniel0 Newbie

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    Thank you. It seems to be a bit over my head and I don't feel like experimenting with my laptop. Do you think the fan problems will harm the laptop by leaving it as-is for a while? The laptop doesn't overheat and I do not get any performance problems. I've been thinking about getting a secondary computer, but I don't have the money right now, and, as I said, sending in my only laptop isn't very appealing. By the way, it only occurs when the laptop is tilted at certain angles (unfortunately, also when it's placed flat on a table).
     
    Daniel0, Jan 13, 2009
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  5. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    What you are hearing is probably an offbalance fan caused by dust build up. Left alone it may cause premature fan failure.
     
    TabbedOut, Jan 13, 2009
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  6. Daniel0

    Daniel0 Newbie

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    Bummer. I guess I'll try to purchase a can of compressed air and see if I can blow the dust out. Otherwise I guess I'll have to get it repaired and see if I can get a temporary computer somehow.
     
    Daniel0, Jan 13, 2009
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