Questions about Fan on Laptop

I can't believe I just found this forum. Have had my laptop for 3 years I think now and the fan has always been an issue on this laptop. One of these days the darn fan is just going to stop working because it runs so much. How do I fix this? Is it bad that it seems to always run? Plus, if it sits too long while I'm away and runs, the pc gets hot.

How should I change my settings in regards to this or is it even possible to change something to fix this?

The problem is probably either an underspecified cooling system (in which case there's not a lot you can do about it) or a build-up of dust inteh fan path (does it get hotter than it used to?).

You should take the machine to a professional and request that they clean out the fan and check the cooling - do NOT take it to a big-box store, as they'll probably mess with it. Take it to a local store that's been recommended.

Download and use speedfan to test your temps. Do it quickly overheating can kill your rig.
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

I've actually considered taking it to the local guy around the corner. great minds think alike, so I guess I might try that option. I want to check out speedfan. thanks for the replies and yes it does seem to be hotter