The problem progressed until the PC would stay up and running for only an hour, before shutting down. So, I ran through all the usual troubleshooting tricks:
- chkdsk
- defrag
- update MS Windows
- antivirus/spam/malware scan
- full backup
- reinstall MS Windows XP OS
Ok, I thought, this is a problem I can fix. I opened the laptop, and 47 miniature phillips-head screws later, removed the culprit - the heatsink fan. With a model number in hand, I found a (refurbished) replacement part online. I could tell it was refurbished because, when it arrived, it was dusty and cobwebby. But, no matter, I was assured by the vendor that this was a functioning fan.
So, another hour and something less than 47 miniature phillips-head screws later, I had reassembled the laptop enough that I could plug it in and test the fan, but without the pesky cover, keyboard and bezel in place (I needed to see that it worked).
It didn't. The fan, I mean. But the laptop happily booted up. Then shut down.
A scientist by training, I propose a theory, test it, refine, rinse and repeat until a solution is found. That said, the problem could only be heat-related.
What to do? Move the test lab to the kitchen, where I had access to a butter knife and two packages of frozen peas.
I placed the butter knife under the fan (under the printed circuit board) and against the metal heat sink, while balancing the handle between the bags of frozen peas.
Voila! The laptop happily booted up, I was able to connect to the wireless network and I had a functioning laptop again. The PC continues to work, so long as I keep the peas and butter knife configuration - without that, it's more of an art piece than anything else.
