wilkes

Is this computer a Compaq? I know that is a common problem with them.

That makes sense. I'll do that. Thanks for your help.

Ok

In that case the bearing in the fan is probably shot, you will need a new fan, take it to a repair shop you trust, the fan will run under $25 and maybe 1/2 hour labor to install it, around $50 total

I checked and the fan is running but it sounds louder than it used to.

In these cases, when the processor overheats the system will restart.

Laptops will overheat when the cooling system has either not been designed properly, or has suffered some sort of malfunction, such as the fan becoming clogged or the vent obstructed.

The fan has probably stopped, or clogged, look to see if the fan is turning, you should be able to see it through the vents on the bottom or side if it is stopped it will need to be replaced

For the past few weeks my laptop gets hot and cuts off. What could be causing this and what can I do about it? I have started using a cooling pad and that helps.