To err is human, but to really frak things up takes a computer

[queenbookwench]

So after all that computer squee of a month or so ago, I now bring you a post of computer woe. Starting a couple of weeks ago, every time I tried to turn on my computer, this hideous beeping sound would start coming from inside the CPU, and it wouldn't turn on at all (i.e., nothing showing on the monitor at all). And I would finally have to turn it off with the switch on the back of the CPU. I talked to my computer guru in RL, kchoseng, and he suggested that I unhook everything that wasn't absolutely essential (speakers, zip drive, etc) from the back of the CPU, and see if the problem was still happening. So, I tried that recently, and yes, the problem is still happening, and I really don't want to bother kchoseng about it since he is in the middle of a work project that is pwning his soul. So, I was telling likeadeuce about the whole situation on Gmail chat, and she suggested that I appeal to the collective wisdom of my flist. So, since I have historically gotten good answers with this method, I'm trying it. Oh flist of mine, what do you think could be causing this, and what should I do about it? Bearing in mind that I am not a computer expert by any stretch of the imagination.

Comments

[qubitkid.livejournal.com]

First, define CPU. The CPU (Central Processing Unit)in a personal computer, is a chip on the motherboard that does all the computational work or referred to as a microprocessor. I doubt your CPU is the issue. I know you were referring to your PC. : ) Beeping can be several things. Buzzing generally is reserved for the power source and CPU fans. But you would probably still get at least into BIOS or Windows startup and your PC would need to be on for some time before burnout took place. So, because it's a beep and you can't boot up, I'm going to go with the power source. They are pretty cheap. Actually, your entire computer is easy to replace and you should be able to find plenty of replacement parts on eBay or newegg.

[queenbookwench.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Sorry I haven't been able to do LJ in forever. I didn't realize that the meaning of CPU was so specific. And as far as buying parts on ebay, think about who you're talking to :) I find that idea the very definition of terrifying.

[qubitkid.livejournal.com]

Just remember, anytime you take off the case of your PC, discharge your static electricity. Simply touch something (else) metal as you touch the case. I used to use anti-static tools when I worked on PCs too. I don't think you are the PC repair type, but if you are curious, I don't think you can damage your PC any further.
Just make sure it's unplugged from the wall before you play. : )

[kk1raven.livejournal.com]

Can you describe the noise more? Is it really beeps or is it some kind of gurgling or whining or something else? When a computer starts, it runs a serious of tests on its hardware. It is common for there to be a set of beep codes that the computer can use to tell you when one of those tests fail. The codes aren't all the same, but if what you're getting is a repeating serious of nine short beeps, that's probably a video issue. A constant serious of beeps may be video too. If the problem is video, it could be as simple as the video card being loose if your computer has a separate video card. YOu might want to take the cover off the case and check to make sure everything that plugs into a socket is well-seated. Be careful not to zap anything with static electricity if you touch it.

Hard drives can also make noises that might be described as beeps. A dead hard drive will not usually cause the monitor to stay completely blank, but it will occasionally do so. If you open the case and unplug the power cord to the hard drive, that would quickly tell you whether the drive is making the noise.

[queenbookwench.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Katrina! It is definitely a steady, continuous beep, until I cut it off, not a buzz or whine. I'm not someone who opens up computers by myself, but I'll definitely pass that on to my friend who's going to help me out when he gets a chance. Unfortunately, when he was over at my place setting up my wireless network, he couldn't get the case off. This was originally a computer that a guy custom-built himself, so it's quite nice for its age, but it has some quirks.

[kk1raven.livejournal.com]

When you turn the computer on, watch the keyboard. There should be three lights for num lock, caps lock and scroll lock. Watch to see if they blink when the computer is turned on. They should blink all together exactly once. If they do, then the computer is going through the power on tests. If they don't, that indicates that the computer isn't getting very far at all in starting. That can be do to power issues, motherboard failure, processor failure, or an extreme memory failure. Most other problems will let it get far enough to blink those lights.

Does the noise start immediately after you turn on the computer, or is there a slight delay?

As for getting the case open, try pulling the front piece off if there are no screws in the back that let you take the cover off when they're removed. There is one brand of cases used by a lot of people who put together good quality computers that has the screws in the front. The front panel varies some, but you should be able to grip it at the bottom and pull it off if that's the type of case you have. I've used a lot of those cases, and it is totally not obvious how they come apart if you don't already know.