Thermal shutdown occurred

[Fastronny]

Help PLEASE! The past month been receiving random (one or maybe two per day) message "Thermal shutdown occurred". Your notebook has been put into hibernation shutdown to avoid overheating. The system is now operating normally.

Overheating may occur if the cooling vents are blocked etc.

System Temperature (900)

ENTER - Continue Startup

I've done some research. I am NOT a power user, nor play games on my notebook. Simple emails, fb, and Google searches. There is plenty of fresh cool air circulating with the fan blowing smoothly and no obstructions. It may occur when first powered up or in the middle of drafting an email. I don't get it, no dust around or strange noises from the laptop. Heard something about heat sinks possibly failing. Make sense to anyone? I know it's old, but I'm disabled and can't afford a new one. Do any harm just running it the way it is. Thank you so kindly. Ron

[Echo_Lake · Accepted solution]

@Fastronny

Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

I recommend you to perform the following steps to isolate the issue and fix the Thermal shutdown error.
 

Hard Reset:

1) Shutdown the computer.  

2) Unplug all the Adapter and peripherals connected.  

3) Remove the Battery. ( not for Built-in Battery computer ) 

4) Press and hold down the power button for 15 to 20 seconds.  

5) Plug-in the Adapter and put the Battery back into the computer if it's a (removable battery)

6) Try to turn on the computer and check, If the issue persists continue next step

Set BIOS default and restart:

1. Restart your notebook.
2. During startup, press F10 repeatedly until the BIOS menu is displayed.
3. Once the BIOS menu is displayed, press F9 to restore factory defaults.
4. Select Yes to confirm.
5. Press F10 to save changes and exit.
6. Select Yes to confirm.
7. The computer restarts using the default settings.

If the issue persists then please perform the steps as described in detail from this HP article. These steps usually help in fixing such issues. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,Thank you for posting in the HP Support Community.  Have a great day!