I ran a diags but it only told me the fan was running too slow (slow being 2700 rpms, mine was running at 1500)but it was turned on alright. is there any way i can get it running at proper speed again? i wasnt running any programs in particular, just media player

Sorry, i meant to say i wasn't covered...not i want covered!

Thing is, a while back i spilled orange on it and sent it in to have the mouse pad replaced....turns out i want covered...fair enough....
However, they tried to convince me i needed to buy a new motherboard for 400€!!!!
I sent my machine in a week after the spill and the motherboard and fan were fine!!!!
The fan only acted up a week after i got my laptop back.
I'm afraid if i send it in they'll try to hit me for exhorbant charges again

how much do you reckon that'd cost?
could i live without it?

I suggest you call Dell regarding your fan problem as it sounds to me like your fan needs to be replaced.

I can see your reticence in returning the laptop for repair but if they sorted out everything before to their satisfaction and the fan has gone a bit pear shaped since then, you should be covered by your warranty provided of course you did not have any further spillages or the like which could have caused this new problem.

The other alternative is to purchase the fan yourself from Dell parts department and get installed either by a computer store or do it yourself if you feel confident enough to do so.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins6000/sm/fan0.htm#wp1000550

I've seen fans get lint and dust in them and fail the speed test.  I've even seen one in a latD600 that wouldn't run at all.

Cleaning the fan out manually made it run fine and no replacement was needed ...   just a thought

Nemisis, you are a man after my own heart!!!
I hate to sound like a total tech tard but is it easy to clean it manually?

take a look and decide for yourself:  http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins6000/sm/fan0.htm#wp1000550