Remove and reinstall a laptop processor

Paul's idea to set the laptop on a cooling stand was a good move. Laptops can easily overheat if placed on a soft surface such as a bed, pillow carpet, sofa, or lap. Even more so than a hard, flat surface, a cooling stand can encourage airflow in and around the hot areas of the laptop.

However, in this case, the cooling stand isn't enough. What are some other possible causes of an overheating laptop?

Too many processes running at once

Failing RAM

Dust around the hard drive

Missing hard drive

Direct sunlight or working in a hot room

Incorrect system board

Failing battery

Dust on the vents and fans

Disconnected wireless network card

Damaged fans not spinning properly

Poorly seated heatsink