New Laptop-Warning problem with cooling system

BOBS

My Toshiba L500 V1 which I got from Argos in August has flashed up this message 'Problem with cooling system detected - turn off immediately and return for service' - flashed up last night and I turned off - tried again this morning and same message within a few minutes of turning on.
I know probably will have to return it to Argos clearance but worried about all the passwords and credit card information that is stored on it ....

Any advice really welcome .....

davb

Most likely you will need to get it repaired (depends on the warranty as to where it goes).

But first off, make sure that you are running it on a flat solid surface such as a table, not a carpet or your knee (to make sure the vents are not obstructed). Also, check the vents are not clogged with dust, maybe use a vacuum cleaner to clean them out.

googler

Take the Hard Drive out and hold onto it.

Too many stories here and elsewhere about repair depts losing data from HDDs in their care ....

BOBS

googler wrote: »

Take the Hard Drive out and hold onto it.

Too many stories here and elsewhere about repair depts losing data from HDDs in their care ....

How would i go about doing this on a laptop ? Would it not void the warrantly if I opened the unit ?

BOBS

davb wrote: »

Most likely you will need to get it repaired (depends on the warranty as to where it goes).

But first off, make sure that you are running it on a flat solid surface such as a table, not a carpet or your knee (to make sure the vents are not obstructed). Also, check the vents are not clogged with dust, maybe use a vacuum cleaner to clean them out.

Had been using it on my knee - left on kitchen bench all night and turned on there - same thing happened within minutes.
Will vacuum vents - although newish .... and see if still happens.

Hammyman

BOBS wrote: »

How would i go about doing this on a laptop ? Would it not void the warrantly if I opened the unit ?

No and this has been tested in a court of law.

davb

If you want to remove the hard drive there is a guide here
You only need steps 7, 8 and 9.

Remove the power lead and the battery first.
It's fairly simple, but it's always a good idea to make a backup of anything important first.

BOBS

I have never actually sat down yet and worked out how to do back up ........ isnt that really bad!!!

smufflemuppet

Speaking as an ex Toshiba owner, you should contact Toshiba UK - you may still have a guarantee that can be used with this PC. Even if it was a clearance model, Toshiba usually offer a 3 year guarantee (though this may have changed now).

BOBS

Thanks smufflemuppet - has now worked ok since Monday and no more warnings - do you think I should just carry on saying I have a 12 month warrantly from Argos clearance from the August purchase date ??