Sorry bout your problems Bet happened to me once but son n law replaced it for me from some old parts he had on hand.
I'm impressed with your determination and hard work. So sorry to hear all of the trials you are now being put thru thanks to the cooling fan. I guess I would lose the geek's number if I were in your shoes. I', not not very patient with people who are so rude. I agree with rescuer. Hopefully you have a computer store near you who can help out. My husband uses a store like that and has rescued us many a time. Looking forward to the update to the update to the update to hear you are up and running again.
Love the start - update on the update. I admire you for your persistence on file cleaning and sorting. My laptop fan causes hiccups and I need a new laptop but the dilemma is what to buy. Considering I used and taught with computers I am now hopeless. Computers have moved on and I am no longer surrounded by experts...
Good luck with getting finished and hope neither the internet or laptop cause too many problems in you reaching the end of the job.
Did I mention that my internet went AWOL (Absent while on leave) for 8 hours this a.m.? AGAIN.
If you have a used computer store anywhere close to you, call them. They (most) won't sell a bad fan (because they need repeat and word of mouth business) and they might be able to help you tomorrow.