Laptop overheating

[Brownlow]

My laptop has recently started to get quite hot, just above the touch pad. I assume that the processor is located beneath that spot. The only fan, that I can see, is located at the top right corner of the machine and comes on, occasionally, when something is happening; particularly when a DVD/CD is inserted. The laptop is constantly connected to the mains. It's only disconnected when in transit and is reconnected on arrival at the new place. I often had my previous desktops in bits, but have little knowledge of opening laptops up; the situation underneath is a wee bit baffling. Can anyone be of assistance to me, please.

[ACtheTROLL]

laptops do get hot ... depends what you are doing ...(encoding video etc) but the higher the workload ... the higher the temperature

they even sell cooling pads
http://computers.listings.ebay.co.uk/Laptop-Ac cessories_Cooler-Pads_W0QQsacatZ96915QQsocmdZL istingItemList

[mattie]

The processor in a laptop is usually situated next to that fan you can hear.

However, that fan can get clogged with dust and be less efficient, and this could cause the temperature within the laptop to go up.

[Brownlow]

As I said, previously, the fan works very well, when anything is happening, usually if a DVD/CD is being read. It, also, works at other times and certainly isn't clogged up. I've watched it work, to make sure of that.
I've had this laptop for over two years and had no trouble, until I started to use it instead of my desktop, which meant adding the broadband connection. It may be that the work load is greater than it was intened to cope with.

[ACtheTROLL]

I wouldn't worry

As I said they do get hot .... very hot (possibly hot enough to cause sterility!!!!!! hence the cooling pads!
cooling not for the lappy .... it's for the lap!

real overheating would cause crashes
no crashes ... just doing more work- getting hotter

[Brownlow]

Thanks guys.
I've packed it, so that it's now raised. It's been on for about three hours and doesn't seem to be building up the heat.
So, I'll have to get one of those coolers, as that appears to be the problem..