I have a Sony E-series laptop that WHENEVER it is plugged in, the fan is constantly running.  It is quiet noisey.

1) Is this normal?

2) Is there anything I can do/need to buy/to get it to shut up!?How old is it ? ?
If you feel comfortable with doing so i'd remova any/all access panels and clean it out with canned air...
If not take it to a shop for proper cleaning.It's 3-4 years old.  I have minimal experience doing repairs on hardware.
How much would this cost to take it to say a bestbuy geek squad?Not sure...30 - 40 bucks ? ?
Call around for estimates...
Sometimes the smaller local shops are better.I got a $15 gift card to bestbuy, think I'll just take it there.
Thanks man.  I will let you know what happens, but yea I guess the fan should not be running all the time.First, install SpeedFan (Google it, it's free) so you know what the temperatures inside actually are. Next, while it's running, blow hard on any vents. Dust will come out and make a mess. Then check the temperatures again and the red flame icons will change to a green check mark.

Once everything is running cooler, the fans will settle down. Do not use SpeedFan to try to change the fan speeds manually.Ran it, this is the initial readings:

Quote

SpeedFan 4.50

Readings:
 Found ACPI temperature
 Found Intel® Core™ i5 CPU M 580 2.67GHz
 End of detection

CPU Usuage (25.5%)
CPU Fan: 6180 RPM
Fan2: 0 RPM

HD0: 40C 
CPU: 78C 
System: 74C 
Temp3: 0C 
Temp1: 78C 
Temp2: 78C 
Core 0: 80C 
Core 1: 69C

SpeedFan 4.50

Readings:
 Found ACPI temperature
 Found Intel® Core™ i5 CPU M 580 2.67GHz
 End of detection

CPU Usuage (26%)
CPU Fan: 6180 RPM
Fan2: 0 RPM

HD0: 40C 
CPU: 75C 
System: 72C 
Temp3: 0C 
Temp1: 75C 
Temp2: 75C 
Core 0: 78C 
Core 1: 65C

... I bought Vaio E series.  I was very excited that I will have Vaio laptop. It was like my dream wish. According to our standard, we are poor country and the Vaio laptops are extremely expensive. But, Vaio laptops are know for high quallity laptops and great support from Sony. So, I bought it. I am very satisfied with the quality. But I have one problem. The cooling fan is making a lot of noise even the CPU usage its 10 %. I have the latest BIOS version. So, Sony I am expecting from you to RELEASE a new BIOS update fixing this issue.. I dont want to start thinking that I pay a lot of money only for the name. With that money I could buy a more powerful machine but I put my trust in Sony. The model number is ...

f you are running BIOS version R0170D6, then you are indeed running the latest version.
Please navigate to your Start Screen and type VAIO Control Center.
Click on Power and Battery and refer to the Cooling and Performance section.
Here you can control the fan speeds.  You have three options:  Performance, Standard, and Silence.

What is the exact model # of your Sony?
If you get the service manual, yup  will find out how to open the case.
The manual may have the part number.
Also, Sony has a community on-line where you can find t other owners who had the same problem.
http://community.sony.com/t5/VAIO-Hardware-Networking/Vaio-E-series-Cooling-Fan-noise/td-p/136455That user was thinking it was the BIOS. It wasn't.
They wrote back...Did you already check that?
Before you try working on it yourself, you should find out from Sony what options you have.
http://community.sony.com

That is the best I can do for you. 

Your CPU is far too hot, I imagine this is why the fan is loud, not because the fan is failing.

If the fan is still moving air and isn't dusty, you may need to replace the thermal compound on your CPU, at this stage it may be best to get a professional to do it for you.

So take it/contact Sony or some 3rd party?

If it's still under warranty you go to Sony, if not you will need to find a reputable third party repair company.