Cleaning Inspiron 6000

I have an old Inspiron 6000 that is soon being replaced. However, I would still like to keep this machine up and running. My problem is extreme heat. The CPU reaches temps as high as 177F. I desperately need to open this thing up and clean it out, but am terrified to do so. I've checked out the instructions on Dell's website- is it true that I need to remove basically everything (optical drive, hard drive, hinge cover, keyboard, display, and palm rest) in order to clean the dust out of this thing?

 

Yes, that is correct, however it is very easy to do if you sit at a table and cover it preferably with a white table cover. I have just cleaned by brothers 6000 and the main part that gets dust is between the fan and the visable bit of metal acting as a grill, that can be seen from the outside of the laptop. His grill was literally CAKED with dust, obviously restricting most if not all airflow, heating the system up. Believe me, taking the laptop apart is easy once you get into it, don't be afraid, as if it comes to the worst at least Dell have online manuals which show you how to put things back together.

Good Luck,
Guy

 

Thanks for the reply. I kinda knew that would be the case, but was hoping someone would say "No, actually, you just need to take off this one piece and blow out the dust!" I think I will give it a try, but not until my new laptop arrives.

Are there any special tools I might need? Dell's documentation calls for a Small plastic scribe, but I don't even know that that is...

 

A scribe is what Dell say to cover themselves, what I use is a flat ended screwdriver, or in some cases just my fingers.

Cheers
Guy