clean a computer system fan

How to clean a computer system fan

 

Cleaning a computer system fan, whether it is a CPU fan, case fan, or power supply fan, requires some care and the right product. Below, are the steps and suggestions for cleaning the fans within your computer to help keep your computer running cool and efficiently.

Caution: While inside the computer, make sure it's off and that you're familiar with ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) and its potential dangers.

Caution: When cleaning a PC fan, it is best to make sure the fins of the fan do not spin. Keep the fins in place while using canned air or the vacuum/duster. This will help prevent damage to the fan and make it easier to remove the dust from the fan.

Clean fans with compressed air

First option for cleaning computer fans, or any computer part in general, is by using canned air designed for electronics. This type of canned air is designed to be static free, helping prevent damage to computer components. Static can be hazardous to computers, causing damage and failure. Using canned air made for cleaning electronics is the safest approach, as well as the cheapest.

Tip: When using compressed air try to position the computer in a way that helps the dust and dirt escape the computer and not just move somewhere else in the case.

Clean with electronic vacuum

The second option is using a small electronic vacuum or electronic duster. These devices are designed to reduce the chance of static generation or discharge, helping protect electronics like canned air for electronics.

Caution: Use caution when using a vacuum that plugs into the wall. These vacuums generate ESD, which could damage your computer. Whenever using these types of vacuums, remove the fan from the computer.

Damp cloth

If the computer you're working on is in around a smoker, the fan may look like the picture shown in the picture on this page. In this situation, it's usually best to moisten a cloth with water and rub the fan down. We also highly recommend removing the fan from the computer when using a damp cloth.

Steps in cleaning

Once you've decided what you're going to use to clean the fans open the computer case and locate the fan you wish to clean. In most situations, you're going to need to remove the fan so that both sides of the fan can be cleaned. If the CPU fan is connected on top of a passive heat sink, it must be removed to access the dust on both sides of the fan and dust in the passive heat sink.

 

 

Once the fan has been disconnected from the computer holding the fins of the fan in place with your fingers or placing your finger in-between the blades either blow the dust away using the compressed air or suck up any dust using an electronic vacuum.

Fan

A hardware device that keeps the overall computer or a computer device cool by circulating air to or from the computer or component. In the picture to the right, is an example of a fan on a heatsink.

How to remove a computer CPU fan

Removing a computer processor fan from the computer is a relatively simple process and may be necessary to clean the fan or to replace a bad or noisy fan. Below, are the steps required for removing most computer processor heat sink fans.

Caution: While inside the computer, make sure it's off and that you're familiar with ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) and its potential dangers.

Removing any covering

Before removing the heatsink from the processor make sure the processor is visible. If any duct or ventilation system is above the CPU it must be removed fist. In the below picture, is an example of a processor duct system in an OEM Dell XPS computer. The fan for this computer's processor and the duct will not be visible until this is removed from the computer.

In the case of this computer, the duct system can be removed by pressing in on the clips and pulling the duct away from the case and the processor. After the duct has been removed the computer processor and the heat sink should be visible.

Disconnect the fan

Before disconnecting the heat sink fan from the computer it must be disconnected from the motherboard or its power source. A two, three, or four pin power cable should be connecting the fan to the computer motherboard. Locate where this cable is connected and disconnect it by grabbing on the connector end and pulling up on the connector.

Caution: If the connector is accessible, do not pull the wire by the cable. Instead, disconnect the cable by pulling on the connector end. Pulling on the wires may loosen them from the connector.

Unclip the heat sink from the processor

After the wire fan has been disconnected from the computer locate the clip holding the fan to the processor. In the picture to the right, is an example of what this clip may look like. In this example, inserting a screw driver into the small hole and gently pressing down and away from the processor will unlatch the heat sink.

Tip: With some computers the fan may also be screwed into the heat sink. If you see screws on the heat sink and you only wish to remove the fan, unscrew any screws and disconnect the fan instead of unlatching the heatsink. All of the below steps can be skipped if the fan was able to be removed this way.

After the clip holding the heat sink in place has been unlatched the heat sink can be pulled away from the processor.

Caution: Do not pull hard, the heat sink should be able to be removed with very little upward force. In some situations the Thermal compound or thermal pad that allows the heat to be transferred to the heat sink may have a strong hold preventing the heat sink from being removed from the processor. This can almost always be overcome by gently twisting the heat sink while pulling up.

CPU

Alternatively referred to as the brain of the computer, processor, central processor, or microprocessor, the CPU (pronounced as C-P-U) was first developed at Intel with the help of Ted Hoff in the early 1970's and is short for Central Processing Unit. The computer CPU is responsible for handling all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer.

In the below picture, is an example of what the top and bottom of an Intel Pentium processor looks like. The processor is placed and secured into a compatible CPU socket found on the motherboard, and because of the heat it produces it is covered with a heat sink to help keep it cool and running smoothly.

As can be seen by the above picture, the CPU chip is usually in the shape of a square or rectangle and will have one notched corner to help place the chip into the computer properly. On the bottom of the chip are hundreds of connector pins that plug into each of the corresponding holes on the socket. Today, most CPU's resemble the picture shown above; however, Intel and AMD have also experimented with slot processors that were much larger and slid into a slot on the motherboard. Also, over the years there have been dozens of different types of sockets on motherboards, each socket only supports so many different processors, and each has its own pin layout.
In the CPU, the primary components are the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) that performs mathematical, logical, and decision operations and the CU (Control Unit) that directs all of the processors operations. Over the history of computer processors, the speed (clock speed) and capabilities of the processor have dramatically improved. For example, the first microprocessor was the Intel 4004 that was released November 15, 1971 and had 2,300 transistors and performed 60,000 operations per second. The Intel Pentium Processor shown on this page has 3,300,000 transistors and performs around 188,000,000 instructions per second.

Note: Many new computer users may improperly call their computer and even sometimes their monitor a CPU. When referring to your computer or monitor it is proper to refer to them as either computer or monitor and not CPU.

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Rundll, Rundll32, and Mmsystem.dll Error Messages in Windows XP

Rundll, Rundll32, and Mmsystem.dll Error Messages in Windows XP

 

This document resolves the following error messages:

"RUNDLL - This program has caused an illegal operation and will be shut down. "

"RUNDLL32 - This program has caused an illegal operation and will be shut down. "

"RUNDLL caused a general protection fault in module MMSYSTEM.DLL at .... "

"RUNDLL32 caused a general protection fault in module MMSYSTEM.DLL "

 

Windows System Restore

These error messages can be caused by corrupted system files in Windows. Windows will automatically replace the damaged files when System Restore is used.

To run Windows System Restore follow the instructions on HP Notebook PCs - Using the Microsoft System Restore Feature .

Correct the system.ini file

If Microsoft Windows System Restore does not resolve the error message, manually edit your System.ini file.

1. Click Start , Run . In the Open field type: System.ini

1. Click OK . The file should open in Notepad. If it does not, a window will appear titled Open With. Select Windows Notepad and click OK to continue.

1. If a line similar to drivers=mmsystem.dll can be found under [boot], type a semicolon(;) at the beginning of that line. For example, line drivers=mmsystem.dll wndrv.dll is found under the [boot] section. A semicolon is placed at the beginning of the line so that it looks like this: ;drivers=mmsystem.dll wndrv.dll .

1. Type the following new line under the [boot] section (see Figure 1): drivers=mmsystem.dll .

1. Click File , then Save from the text editor.

1. Close all open windows and restart the computer.

   Figure 1: Boot section of System.ini

   

Related support

Microsoft Support Article Q138835, Error Messages in Rundll32 or Mmsystem.dll (in English)



NOTE:One or more of the links above will take you outside the Hewlett-Packard Web site. HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside of the HP Web 

Resolving Illegal Operation

Resolving Illegal Operation and Invalid Page Fault Errors in Windows 98, Me, and XP.

This document applies to Microsoft Windows 98, Me, and XP.

This document explains how to eliminate illegal operation and invalid page fault error messages. The following examples show types of illegal operation error messages:

(Name of software application): This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down


Illegal operation caused by (name of the software application) in module unknown


An Invalid Page fault occurred in module unknown




What is an illegal operation error?


When the processor is unable to perform a task required by a software application, Windows responds by displaying an illegal operation error message. Windows closes the software application or sends the software application an exception error message.


NOTE:An invalid page fault message normally appears within the text of an illegal operation error message. This document addresses both errors.




Step 1: Reducing the number of software applications that open with Windows


The following steps will prevent unwanted software applications from opening when Windows starts:
1. Click Start and then click Run .
2. In the Open field, type: msconfig .
3. Click OK . The System Configuration Utility window appears (Figure 1).
4. Click the General tab and select Selective Startup .
5. Remove the checkmarks from Load startup group items and Load static VxDs . Load Static VxDs is not available in Windows 98.
6. Click OK and then restart the computer.
7. After the computer has restarted, try using the software application that caused the error to see if the Illegal operation error messages continue.
8. If the Illegal operation error messages continue, go to Step 2 : Finding the software application. If the Illegal operation error messages are not present, another software application was causing the error. Disable or remove the software application that was causing the error. For more information, refer to HP Notebook PCs - Preventing Programs from Starting When Windows Starts.
   

   Figure 1: Selective startup options in the System Configuration Utility

   


Step 2: Finding the software application that is causing conflicts


If the computer displays an Illegal operation or Invalid page fault error message, close the software application that is currently in use. Find the conflicting software application by using the following steps:

1. Create a list of all other software applications that were open when the error message occurred. Use this information in the future to find the software application that is causing the error messages.
2. Turn the computer off.
3. Wait one minute and turn the computer on again.
4. Do not open the first software item on the list. Draw a line through the first software application on the list to note which software application is not open. Software applications that remain open are the software applications that can potentially cause software conflicts.
5. Open all other software applications on the list.
6. Open the software application that caused the error message.
7. If the software application causes an error message again, repeat these steps, opening one less software application each time. Repeat these steps until the software application that is causing the error message is identified.
   

   

   NOTE:If closing antivirus software solves the problem, disable the anti-virus software whenever working with the software application that caused the error message. Do not open new software applications, new document and spreadsheets, or use e-mail with the anti-virus software disabled.


Step 3: Eliminating the errors


1. Change how the software application is used. For example, if the error occurs when a certain setting in the software application is used, try using a different setting. If the error occurs when printing with a certain printer driver, try setting the print driver so that it prints directly to the printer.
2. Uninstall, and then reinstall the software application that is causing the errors.
   1. In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click Start, Settings, Control Panel .
      In Windows XP, click Start , and then click Control Panel .
   2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. The Add/Remove Programs window appears.
   3. Select the software application that is causing the lockups and click Add/Remove or click Change/Remove .
   4. Read and respond to windows that open. Click OK or click Yes to windows that open and ask for the removal of a shared file.
   5. Click OK or Close in the Add/Remove Programs window.
   6. Restart the computer.
   7. Reinstall each software application, following the software manufacturer’s instructions.
   8. Open the software applications. If the error message occurs again, continue to the next item.
3. Check the software manufacturer's Web site for a resolution or a software patch.
4. Uninstall any software applications that conflict with the software application that caused the error message. If uninstalling the software application is not an acceptable option, close all other software applications while using the software application that caused the error message.

 

Error occurs when reading CDs or DVDs (Windows 98 and Me)

Error occurs when reading CDs or DVDs (Windows 98 and Me)

If a CD or DVD was recently removed from a drive, replace the disc, wait ten seconds, and press the Space key. Make sure the compact disc is clean and unscratched. A dirty or scratched CD can cause Fatal Exception errors.

If the errors persist in Windows 98 and Me, turn off the CD-ROM drive cache. This may make the drive more reliable but can reduce the drive's performance. Turn off the CD-ROM drive cache by following these steps:

1. Click Start , Settings , and then Control Panel .
2. In the Control Panel window, double-click the System icon.
3. Click the Performance tab, and click File System .
4. Click the CD-ROM tab (see Figure 1). In the Optimize Access Pattern For list, click No Read-Ahead .
5. Drag the Supplemental Cache Size slider to the Small setting, and click OK .
    Figure 1: CD-ROM optimization screen
    
   
    

FATAL ERROR WINDOWS XP

Resolving Fatal Exception Errors in Windows 95, 98, Me, and XP

This document applies to Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, and XP.

This document explains Fatal Exception errors, how to eliminate them, and how to reduce the likelihood that the errors will occur again.

For information on errors related to Fatal Exceptions, see the "Related Support" section at the end of this document.

What is a Fatal Exception error?

When a computer's processor is unable to perform an operation, Windows sends an exception message to the software program that was using the processor. If the software program does not handle the exception, a Fatal Exception error occurs.

Typical Fatal Exception errors are as follows:

A Fatal Exception 06 has occurred at 0028:00000026
This Program Has Caused a Fatal Exception 0D at 00457:000040B1 and Will Be Terminated
What to do while the error is on the screen
1. If a CD or DVD was recently removed from a drive, replace the disc, wait ten seconds, and press the Space key.
2. Press Enter to try to clear the error message. The program that was running should close automatically, and the system will try to return to the main screen.
3. Save work if the error message disappears.
4. Click Start , Shut Down , Restart , and OK . If the computer does not restart after doing this, wait one minute and press the computer's POWER button for five seconds until it shuts off.
    

   Preventing or reducing Fatal Exception errors

   When a Fatal Exception error appears while working from a software program, follow the steps below, until the error is resolved:

   1. Temporarily turn off virus scanning. If an error consistently occurs when an operation is performed, like saving a file, turn the virus scanning software off while performing the operation. Click Start , (All) Programs , and then click the name of the virus scanning software.
   2. Increase the computer's system resources, such as memory, hard drive space, and processing power. For information on increasing system resources, go to Improving the Performance of Your Notebook PC . This document will help you increase hard drive space, increase virtual memory, and reduce the load on the computer's processor.
   3. Uninstall and reinstall the program that was being used when the error occurred:
      1. In Windows XP, click Start , and then Control Panel . In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click Start , Settings , and then Control Panel .
      2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
      3. Select the desired program from the list and click the Change/Remove or Add/Remove button.
      4. Click OK (Windows 98, Me) or Close (Windows XP) and restart the computer when finished. Answer any questions if any pop-up screens appear when uninstalling.
   4. Verify that Windows is managing the virtual memory:
      1. In Windows XP, click Start , and then Control Panel . In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click Start , Settings , and then Control Panel .
      2. In Windows XP, click Performance and Maintenance , and then double-click the System icon. In Windows 95, 98, and Me, double-click the System icon.
      3. In Windows XP, click the Advanced tab, click the Settings button under Performance. In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click the Performance tab.
      4. In Windows XP, click the Advanced tab and then click the Change button. In Windows 95, 98, and Me, click Virtual Memory .
      5. In Windows XP, select System Managed Size , if it is not already selected, and click OK . In Windows 95, 98, and Me, select Let Windows Manage My Virtual Memory , if it is not already selected, and then click OK .
      6. Close all open windows and restart the computer. Test for errors.
   5. Prevent other programs that are not useful from starting up with Windows. See Preventing background programs from loading for more information.
   6. Perform a virus scan with updated virus definitions.
   7. Check the software manufacturer's Web site for updates or compatibility information.
   8. Back up important files and perform a full system recovery. This should be done as a last resort because you will need to manually reinstall any software that did not come with the Presario.