Question Author
Hey hey! My laptop fan is now blowing out cool air, just like a summer breeze on my face.
I, however, am a sweaty mess having struggled for at least twenty minutes trying to get the back off.
It would have helped if I had taken out the four screws in the battery recess. :-(
It's not loading any faster but at least I'm no longer afraid that it's going to burst into flames.
Thank you to all who gave me lots of suggestions as to what to do.