By the time you see the M1004 errors, it's likely the mainboard has been damaged enough that replacement will be necessary to solve the problem.  Before trying a cooling pad, though - verify that the fan is working, and remove the heatsink from the CPU, clean it thoroughly, and clean off all the old thermal contact material - then apply new material and see if that helps.

Thanks.  Not to be even more of a computer idiot, is there any links or websites that will help me do any of what you mentioned?

I also have been receiving M 1004 error messages.  I have read somewhere in this forum, that this is a problem with Laptops having Bios 1, 2, or 3.  I did not have this problem prior to upgrading to 'Bios A02.  My PC has been shutting down with the message about overheating.  .  I now also have problems watching streaming video.  After 5 or 10 minutes, the video starts stuttering, it also echos, and then freezes up.  I wonder if this has anything to do with the overheating error code.  Previously, I had ATT Light internet access, and could watch streaming without problems.  But now after upgrading Bios, I also upgraded to ATT Ultra, but this did not stop the streaming problems.

Dell has made available, Dell M1004 error message removal A01.  This utility will clear the error #m1004 message.  

When I try to download the removal tool, I receive message:  "Sorry, an error occurred while processing your request".  I have tried this on more than one occasion.  Suggestions, anyone?

Jeanette

In my case the error was generated by charger (E7240) .