My laptop fan runs all the time now. It didn't do that new. Only in the summer when it was hot in the house. I've searched online for answers and came up with suggestions to install Speedfan. Has anyone had any experience with this program? It sounds a bit technical. What exactly does it do?

Other things I've done is clean out the vents. Nothing came out. Maybe I didn't do it right. I opened up a couple areas and checked for dust bunnies...nothing. Not sure what else to do. The fan is making me crazy.

Speedfan allows you to adjust how your laptop fan works -- what temperature it comes on at, how long it runs, the speed at which it runs...

http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

Are you sure the fan isn't just noisier than it used to be? Over time, they do wear out and get noisier. Also if the fan is coming on in response to processor temperature, the thermal paste between the processor (or video card/chipset) and the heat sink may be drying out and not making good contact anymore.

Also, if you've updated the firmware, sometimes laptop manufacturers will adjust the temperature when the speed comes on.

Where did you get the laptop? Is it under warranty?

It's a Gateway gaming laptop. I've had it for a couple years. Yes it's still under warranty. I should probably take advantage of my warranty and check with Gateway. Hadn't thought to do that. :\

I'd definitely check into that. If it needs the fan replaced or the thermal paste reapplied, it's best to have it done while the laptop is still under warranty.

I think the fans are supposed to run all the time - not always at full speed though, that will depend on the temperature of your comp. The faster they spin the louder they get.

I think Jenny is right, you should check with Gateway since it's still under warranty. But, since this is a gamer, I wonder if you are using a cooling pad to keep the laptop from overheating?

I use a concave shaped cooling pad to elevate it and to provide air circulation. I never set the laptop on a flat surface because the tiny little legs don't offer enough clearance for ventilation.
It may have run all the time when it was new and I just didn't notice it as it didn't make much noise. Now it's noisy so it probably is just getting that way with wear and tear.

I'd sure still follow Jenny's suggestion. Unless there is a problem, the fan shouldn't be that noisy.

Thanks all for your suggestions and advice! I appreciate it.