Strange Noises T61

Hi,

Four years ago, I bought a ThinkPad T61 because I wanted a very strong laptop that would last a long time -- before this one I had a HP and the experience was awful. Here in the forums quite a few people recommended ThinkPad. Now, a couple of days ago, the computer started making some very strange noises -- I think they come from the left side. At first I thought there was something wrong with the fan, but now I think it might be the hard disk. When I turn it on, it works fine, but then the noises start and at some point they become stronger. I will have to have it checked, but since I do all my work with the laptop, I thought I should first ask here.

Thank you in advance.

 

Have you ran something like HDTune: HD Tune website or a similar program to check for Hard drive health?

 

I run a couple of programs I have in my computer, but I will now use this now to see if I find sth. Thanks.

 

I've now downloaded the program and run the Error Scan. Is this what I should be doing?

 

Yes. What were the results? You can also click the "Health" tab to see if it reports that something is damaged or unhealthy.

 

I had already click on "Health" and it said (and still says) "OK". The "Error" function is still on but so far there are no damaged blocks.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all T61 variants have the HDD in the lower right corner under the palmrest, and the fan in the upper left corner.

I think you have more evidence of a dying fan (which would be common for a model that old) than anything else.

 

clean the fan heatsink and see whether the situation improves.

 

agree with this. left side corner is your fan.

 

Thanks a lot, guys, you're clearly right. Now, is there any specific way I should clear the heatsink?