need computer help?

When I got up this morning I had an error message on my monitor about how my system fan had failed and I needed to get the computer serviced immediately. I took the cables out and pulled the computer out. The fans were all spinning well and quietly and there was no drag on them like they were going to quit working. So I plugged hte computer in with the side panel off and waited to see if they would work and they did. They were quiet and spinning fine. So I put the side panel back on and plugged in all the cables and turned it back on to check it out again and it is working fine. The computer is not overheating. It is cool to the touch. Im wondering if I should be worried about this? I do not see any issues with the computer's fans not working at all and dont see any issues with the computer overheating either and when I checked the manufacturers website it said the computer does this shutdown to avoid damage when the computer is too hot and the fans not working properly. Any advice? Also how much does a fan cost and where would I find out which one would need to be replaced? Last question is there a fan that is hidden that I would not be able to see when I take off the side panel?

Jessica I'm not sure as I've never seen that kind of message but I did google system fan error and the first one that popped up was for an HP (which I think you have)

http://www.computing.net/answers/hardware/error-system-fan-has-failed-hp/52088.html

Maybe you could do a bit of googling and find out more. This link I think also explained how to measure the temp of your fans/computer to see if your fans need replaced!!! Hope you get it figured out I'd hate to think my computer was gonna quit at anytime!!!

Thanks...I did download that but the information it gives you does not really help me because I do not know how to interpret it. I am taking the computer in tomorrow to have it looked at. If it is a fan they seem to be fairly inexppensive so I will just buy it and install it myself I guess. Just really sucks that it came at such a bad time.

You may just have to make sure your tower stays well ventilated. I know that the desktop that I could not put it in the enclosed area on my computer desk that was the specified area for the tower because it would get too hot in it.