Windows 7: Fan Constantly Keeps Running on IBM Z60m laptop

Dear Forum Members,
Through the absolute cheapness of Microsoft, my uni only provided me w/ an update copy of Windows 7 that I had to install over a full version of Vista. I have 1.5gb of ram and have turned all the options down for performance (e.g. looks like Windows XP.lol) and have a 7200rpm WD HD.
Here is the thing. I did a test install on my old drive (5400rpm) that was running XP Pro. Windows 7 ran smoothly and the fan hardly ever kicked on as I do minimal tasks and have a stepped processor. When I did a clean install on the 7200rpm drive, everything was also fine. However, as I couldn't register my upgrade copy I had to install over Vista. This is where the problems started.
The computer is noticeably slower than when I did the clean install. Also problematic is that the fan seems to constantly run even when the computer is performing no task, not even word processing or internet surfing. I do not care about the noise (in XP it just used to kick on real loud every now and again), I just want to make sure that my hd/cpu isn't getting fried. It seems to indicate a problem.



Any suggestions?

Regards,
D.M.L.

Link is about a year old, but maybe still relvevant.

Measuring CPU Temperature using a Windows Program - Cooler-and-Heatsinks - Overclocking

There is a way to perform a clean install with upgrade media. It seems to me that the upgrade is the source of your problems so why not just use this tutorial to perform a clean install that will work with the upgrade CD and allow you to register normally.

Also when you hear those fans crank up it's usually because the CPU is overheating. It sometimes helps to reapply the Thermal Interface Material 'TIM' and make sure that the clamp or pins are securing the CPU heat sink they way it should be. I had the same problem a week ago with on old Compaq I was restoring. I unclamped the heatsink which wasn't secure and then reapplied the TIM and clamped it back down, no more fan noise.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

It doesn't strike you as odd though that the clean install was fine but the one over Vista now has problems? I am mostly a Mac user and not terribly skilled w/ an IBM. Maybe there is a setting Vista defaults to that would cause the processor to work more of the HD to keep indexing or et cet.?

-D.M.L.

TY so much for the kind words and rep. Helping others successfully is truly rewarding.

Constant fans imply heat, but do you have a baseline of temps to compare to??

All fans eventually die and yours may be dying slowly, which increases heat, which makes them run even more if they are wired to operate when temps move up. That is--it may be running at 1000 rpm constantly rather than 1500 rpm occasionally, just like a failing refrigerator motor might work overtime.

See if you can lay eyes on the fan to determine if it or any other cooling vent is clogged.

dude try updating Your BIOS this will Regulate your fan Speed and get serviced Your Laptop .........

Use Speedfan To measure temp of ur laptop....

a can of compressed air sprayed around the vents is a good idea its surprising how much dust and debris can accumalate in a short period of time

The extra heat could be due to the new hard drive. Some 7200 RPM drives will draw more power and can run hotter. How much will depend on the manufacturer of the drive and how old your original 5400 RPM drive is. However, some new 7200's draw less power than older 5400 RPM Drives.

Dear Red,
I thought that could be the culprit too w/ the faster HD. However, the clean install of Windows 7 on the 7200 rpm drive was just peachy. I really think this is a Vista cock-up.

-D.M.L.