Labtop Shuts down automatically all the time!

[feifei]

Hi, I have a serious problem w/ my labtop. Originally I have winME installed. However, it freezes and shuts down automatically all the time. I thought it's because of Win ME. However, now I try to install WinXP, it does the same thing again. Plus after I installed winXP, my modem doesn't work. Also everytime i have to restart in order to have my sound card activated!! It really bothers me. Some people told me it's because of my HD is damaged, and some told me it's over heated. I don't know how to check it,where to fix it and how to fix it. Can anyone tell me what's wrong w/ my labtop?? Please help me!! Thank you So much!!
feifei

[ArcticFox]

Try taking a fan and aiming it at the bottom of the notebook at full blast, if it runs fine or at least goes longer without crashing, it's probably a heating issue. Also, don't use it on a bedspread or anything soft that conforms to the underside of the book, it's gonna overheat that way.