I agree with mwshook: this is either a case of two cheap components failing that are easily fixed, or OH SHIT it's the motherboard. So here's how to check out the easy stuff.
CHECKING THE CPU FAN: The analog method for checking whether the CPU fan is really working is to take off the side of the case, then turn the computer back on and WATCH. It's pretty obvious whether it spins up or not.
Most computers also have a function that monitors the CPU's temperature, tucked away in the BIOS (the software that handles booting up the computer, before the operating system comes into play). You should be able to access the BIOS by hitting a particular key (usually Delete) during boot-up, then keyboard navigate through the screens to find the one that deals with CPU settings. To figure out what key it is, either check your manual or watch for instructions during boot-up. There will usually be a line that scrolls by saying "To access system setup, press [X]".
THAT DAMN BATTERY The battery the "Previous fan failure. System battery is low" error refers to is called the CMOS battery (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000239.htm). This is what allows your computer to remember things like how many hard drives you have and what the day is when it's turned off. If it's really low on charge, it's trivial (and cheap) to replace. There's probably a page about it in your PC manual, but basically just look around on the motherboard for a round, flat battery slightly smaller than a quarter. Pop it out, take it to Best Buy, and say "I need another one of these".
Removing it will, of course, make your computer forget all those things about hard drives and what day it is, so it's a good idea to write down your BIOS settings before you do this. Then you can just re-enter them once the new battery is in place.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2009-03-02 03:42 pm (UTC)CHECKING THE CPU FAN:
The analog method for checking whether the CPU fan is really working is to take off the side of the case, then turn the computer back on and WATCH. It's pretty obvious whether it spins up or not.
Most computers also have a function that monitors the CPU's temperature, tucked away in the BIOS (the software that handles booting up the computer, before the operating system comes into play). You should be able to access the BIOS by hitting a particular key (usually Delete) during boot-up, then keyboard navigate through the screens to find the one that deals with CPU settings. To figure out what key it is, either check your manual or watch for instructions during boot-up. There will usually be a line that scrolls by saying "To access system setup, press [X]".
THAT DAMN BATTERY
The battery the "Previous fan failure. System battery is low" error refers to is called the CMOS battery (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000239.htm). This is what allows your computer to remember things like how many hard drives you have and what the day is when it's turned off. If it's really low on charge, it's trivial (and cheap) to replace. There's probably a page about it in your PC manual, but basically just look around on the motherboard for a round, flat battery slightly smaller than a quarter. Pop it out, take it to Best Buy, and say "I need another one of these".
Removing it will, of course, make your computer forget all those things about hard drives and what day it is, so it's a good idea to write down your BIOS settings before you do this. Then you can just re-enter them once the new battery is in place.