My last laptop before I replaced it would overheat if you placed it on any surface. I had to keep it on a fan or make sure my legs were crossed so that it could get air. It was the worst!!! I am so happy with my current one.
Before I switched to Linux, I was at the point where I had to actually reinstall Windows every one or two years. It was infuriating.
Granddad had the same problem a few years ago. Turns out Win wasn't at fault, the hard drive was busted from the factory. Somehow that man managed to go through three laptops before we got one that would endure.