Laptop Owners - Power Off or Shutdown Problems

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

This issue is all over the web in forums, groups, etc. I've
experienced it many times and heard some good advise handed out and
some really bad advise for what usually is a very simple problem to
resolve. In most cases it's simply something the average user is not
aware of..."keep the heatsink, and fan(s) clean".

This problem is very common with many laptop computers (especially
those cooled from the underside, this includes many Toshiba models)and
is definitely heatsink/fan related. It is not enough to simply peer in
at your fan to suggest it is clean. The problem is in the ducting of
air toward and through the heatsink. Many heatsinks are designed with
very narrow cooling channels which become clogged quite easily,
therefore limiting the airflow designed to cool
the CPU. The problem becomes increasingly critical as the the laptop
CPU starves for cool air and the fans are simply recirulating the very
(hot)air the fans are designed to remove. This problem begins
"intermittently" and as the buildup of particles increases so will the
shutdowns. I have experienced many instances of this problem, mostly
in Toshiba's but not limited to that brand. The heatsink cooling
channels are ridiculously narrow and the design should be
scrapped! Thankfully, there is a heat switch present which prevents
catastrophic damage to the CPU or mobo. As we speak there is a class
action suit against Toshiba (US) by hundreds (if not thousands by now)
of dissatisfied consumers. Many of Toshiba's models are included in
the suit.

The solution:
I'll use the Toshiba Satellite A30 as an example. On the bottom of the
laptop toward the back of the fans there is a small removable panel
with (2)-T7 (torx) screws. This gives you access (although limited) to
the heatsink (if you have experience servicing, this proceedure is
very simple). Remove the four heatsink mounting screws taking care not
to lose the screws (magnetic driver or tweezers) gently twist & lift
the heatsink upward and toward the rear. Once removed you can easily
clean the heatsink and fan ducting including fan blades with
compressed air. Clean the old thermal paste from the heatsink and CPU
and apply a new dab of thermal paste to the CPU and remount the
heatsink. This easily resolves the shutdown problem.

If you have no service experience an easier solution would be to take
this cover off and get yourself a small can of compressed air like
"Dust Off" or similar product and apply small short bursts of air from
the back vent through the heatsink toward the fans, do this the full
width of the heatsink several times. After this you will notice a
considerable collection of debris clumping near the fan venting. Hold
the laptop up with the bottom facing and tilted
down, then using small short burst of air blow all the debris through
the fan venting (grills) toward the back. You will have to do this
back and forth blowing several times (depending on how clogged it is)
to get the debris to break up and blow past the heatsink and out the
panel opening or vents. This works but is definitely not as thorough
and clean as removing the heatsink. If in doubt, use a service
technician.

All laptop and box fans and heatsinks should be cleaned on a regular
basis to avoid problems. Most laptops have fairly simple access to the
heatsink but, not all. If you are an adventureous novice it is a very
good idea to download your laptops' hardware service manual so you
know exactly the order in which the components must be removed for
servicing....not to mention re-assembled!

Hope this helps...

Rain