On this subject, I have a similar problem with my old laptop (DELL Inspiron 5150) where the fan is nonexistent when it boots up and then once it loads up it goes insane. It happened after one last drop a few years ago. Would silverwook's fix be of any help to me? I'd like to avoid taking my laptop apart, as I have a history of being unable to put things back together (my first NES broke, I can't re-attach my Dreamcast's top without the disc being unable to spin, etc.) and I would like to keep it for both sentimental reasons and practical ones. Hey, native Windows is useful sometimes.

For reference, the model is known for having issues with overheating. I think I've had my parts replaced enough that whatever factory defects existed were probably fixed, though. If it's really a matter of replacing it, at least the part is cheap.