I purchased a zalman 3100 CPU cooler to replace my screaming 6000 RPM cooler. Upon removing the old cooler, the 4 rubber pads came off my athlon XP and flaked into little peices [junk]. I cant get a CPU Shim because all shims I have looked at use the pads to hold them in place. Could I get just as decent safety from core cracking/damage by applying dabs of hot glue where the 4 pads were, and then applying the heatsink while the glue is still hot and then remove the Heatsink and let the glue dry? I also have considered silicone. any ideas/suggestions/other ideas/mods would be much appreciated. I am worried because I transport my PC often and I want to feel safe with a heavier heatsink on my processor. (the stock cooler was aluminum and smaller [lighter] and the zalman is larger and copper [heavier].

I don't recommend what you're suggesting.

See if you can find some "peel & stick" foam/rubber padding or strips at a store...I'm guessing some sort of weatherstripping? Take one of your old pads (if there's anything left) with you to help you judge thickness & density. Then use a razor knife to cut small squares & stick them on the 4 corners of the CPU

Hellz Yea!