Hewlett Packard HP- Hewlett Packard HP company is outsourced. Bad customer service, bad computers. Every computer goes out after the Warranty is up! Internet

I've found it's important to keep the vents clean and NOT place the computer on anything that would restrict airflow. This includes placing on a carpet, towel or even your "lap" for extended periods.

Air MUST circulate freely to avoid excess heat build up and parts damage.  Heat and electronics are a bad combination.

I blow the vents out several times a year and will eventually remove the bottom and clean the rest of the interior including the fan.  IF you decide to blow dust off the fan, first prevent it from rotating as you blast the canned air at it.  Otherwise the spinning fan motor can cause damage to the fan circuitry or the fan itself.

If your current HP ran cool(er) when you got it, perhaps it's time to do a cleaning.  I aim the air tube obliquely across the  vents to minimize blowing it into the computer or spinning the fan.

I currently have a  2 year old Dell Studio 1735 and it runs moderately warm.

Good luck and if you're uncomfortable cleaning yours, find a friend who might help you.

Any company you buy from, you will have the same problem.  They are designed that way.  This is exactly why I build my own.

Laptops are known for overheating because most people don't use a cooling pad and run them for longer than intended.  This is especially a problem with the dual-core models.  

People also don't realize that they aren't actually intended to hold in your lap.  Putting them in you lap covers the small air vents on the sides and bottom of the unit.

Unless you absolutely have to have a laptop, get yourself a desktop, they last longer.

Also, if you are serious about never buying another HP product again, stay away from Compaq, they are owned by HP.