Gateway Solo 1200 overheating

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

bambino174 wrote:
> have a Gateway Solo 1200 that keeps overheating due to the fact that
> the fan is broken. This causes the laptop to constantly reboot. I
> know the fan is dead but I don't know how to get into the laptop to
> replace it. When I wrote to Gateway they told me that the only way I
> can have it replaced is to send it in to them but I know that I can
> replace it if I could just get the casing off. The problem is the LCD
> screen blocks two screws that I need to take off in order to get the
> casing off and get to the fan. I am familiar with desktops, but not
> with laptops. That's why I can't figure out a way to get to the fan.
> Anyone know any ways to fix this problem?
>
> ==============
> Posted through www.HowToFixComputers.com/bb - free access to hardware
> troubleshooting newsgroups.

I will guess that 90% of laptop mainboards can be accessed without a
complete case disassembly by removing the keyboard. The keyboard access
is through one piece that is removed from the top or bottom margin of
the keyboard platform. Some GW laptops, including the Solo 1200, have a
strip containing the power key at the top margin, between the keyboard
and the hinges, that hides the keyboard retaining screws. Looking at
the photos at GW, it looks like that might be a snap-in that lifts out
by gently prying up on the edge next to the keyboard or has releases
below that edge that are pushed in gently with a small screwdriver, etc.
Look closely in the open area above the function keys, whatever is
required should be visible, especially if you depress those keys one by
one.

Q

Q

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

i have that same problem. how do you tell if it isn't the heat sink
in the laptop or if it was the actual fan?

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

You'll have to take it out and see if its integrated to the point
where you cant get the actual fan motor out of the heatsink. Most of
the time you can change just the fan motor.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

mpfootball_aa wrote:
> now if the fan doesn't work when the laptop gets hot does that mean
> that i need to change the fan? or is the heat sink the actaul motor?
> or is the motor somewhere else?

Many laptops have a heat sink connected to a heat pipe cooling system
with a finned radiator supplied with cool air by the fan. The fan is
not phyically part of the integrated cooling system, i.e., it is
replacable without accessing the heat sink. If the fan is not working,
then it is either failed or jammed with fibers, fur, pizza and must be
cleaned. In any event, you need to open the case to determine if the
fan has failed or if it is restricted. In other cases, the fan is part
of the heat sink. Exact OEM parts are required to do the replacement -
nothing off the computer store shelf is going to work for a laptop.

Q

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Hi there

Try here: http://tuxmobil.org/disassembly_laptop.html I had to
replace the fan in my Sony Vaio, my exact model isn't listed but the
tips I got were enough to let me replace it (cost £30 for a tiny fan!)
They mention a Gateway 9300, so it might give you a start. I also got
instructions for replacing the HD here so replaced the HD with a 30Gb
model and the CD with a DVD/CDRW combo. I'll get a few more years out
of the old girl now.

Good luck

bambino174 wrote:
> have a Gateway Solo 1200 that keeps overheating due to the fact that
> the fan is broken. This causes the laptop to constantly reboot. I
> know the fan is dead but I don't know how to get into the laptop to
> replace it. When I wrote to Gateway they told me that the only way I
> can have it replaced is to send it in to them but I know that I can
> replace it if I could just get the casing off. The problem is the LCD
> screen blocks two screws that I need to take off in order to get the
> casing off and get to the fan. I am familiar with desktops, but not
> with laptops. That's why I can't figure out a way to get to the fan.
> Anyone know any ways to fix this problem?
>
> ==============
> Posted through www.HowToFixComputers.com/bb - free access to hardware
troubleshooting newsgroups.