Overheating computer

Hi,

I have a Toshiba lap top computer. It will be 2 years old in December and I have no warranty. Without going into unneeded detail I have a financial issue that if it goes down well - I have a problem.

My problem: The computer is consistently over heating. It seems to do this approx. two times a day on average but some times it will not overheat and rarely will over heat more than two times a day. Sometimes it will do it after being on for 5 minutes or the computer could not overheat after being on for 2 hours so it is a challenge to find a pattern.

Is there a maintenance technique, I can use?
Are there any general rules to always follow to avoid this challenge?
Or if there are any other pointers, please share?

I am not very good with computers so for the pro's if you could keep suggestions in beginner language it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

The only offer I have is the battery. They have been known to over heat.
At one point there was a recall on them.

Where are you using the laptop?
Should be in a position where there is ample ventilation.

I have heard about fires being started by overheated laptops. Such is the case in my city a couple of weeks ago.

Just an idea.

 

Thanks Mo, thoughts appreciated and yes I learned from my last puter the importance of proper ventilation.

Thanks

 

What model Toshiba? You may need to blow any dust out of the heatsink and air duct.

 

With it being 2 years old dust or dried cpu compound could be the cause. It would be a good idea to know where primarily you use your laptop, if you have a cooling pad. Overheating can also be caused by a stressed system. You could try speedfan to see just how hot your cpu is getting, and how busy it is. A constantly busy cpu will create a lot of heat. Which if thats the case (cpu is always busy) you could have a virus problem.