Overheating macbook pro and start up problems

Hi
I have a 2007 macbook pro that had system 10.4 on.
I did a system update on it to 10.6.8.
Now It wont work at all - I cant even get past the spinning wheel at start-up!
Also before I did this it was getting very hot quite quickly.
Ive done some research and I think it may have a faulty logic board also.
Basically I just need to know if the mac can be rescued or if its time to sell for spares!
Thanks
Gareth

Is your 2007 MacBook Pro a Unibody? (I keep forgetting when the Unibody form factor was released)
If not, remove the battery and try to reboot without it: this will downclock the processors (I know I'm technically cutting corners here, but it has the same effect as downclocking the processors), and help keep your Mac's working temperature at a manageable level.
If you've got 10 USD to spare, install CoolBook on your machine; it'll undervolt your logic board, thus making it disperse less heat.
Of course, if your logic board is already toast...
I were you, I'd zero the hard drive after backing up my personal data (try booting in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key until you get the grey Apple backdrop and the progress bar), then reinstall Snow Leopard as clean install, with the battery removed (provided you can actually remove it, of course). Worked for me the last time I had to reinstall on a prone-to-overheating 2006 MacBook Pro.
Message was edited by: FrenchToast, who's got a cold. Microbes, anyone...?

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