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Thread: Computer DramaRama!

  1. #1
    madmaxine
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    Angry Computer DramaRama!

    My desktop computer is emitting a high pitched buzzing noise, and I can't take off the cover on the hard drive because it's riveted on with bolts (I thought they were Allen Key-able, but my brother checked and said no, I can't take them out.) It's a Dell Dimension.
    I used a shop vac to blow out dust, swabbed the disk drives with Q-Tips....the worst part is I'm too afraid to run it more than 20 minutes at a time, so I can't download anti-spyware software (wiped the drive a few weeks back), and the poor thing is clusterf*cked with spyware. Dial-up modem too....URGH!!!!!!
    Any ideas: WHAT is this buzzing? I don't detect any overheating. The fans are running. Bro thinks it's a piece of cockroach stuck in a fan motor
    Oh great, the buzzing sound just changed. Gonna log off.....HELP!!!

  2. #2
    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    Quote Originally Posted by madmaxine
    My desktop computer is emitting a high pitched buzzing noise, and I can't take off the cover on the hard drive because it's riveted on with bolts (I thought they were Allen Key-able, but my brother checked and said no, I can't take them out.) It's a Dell Dimension.
    I used a shop vac to blow out dust, swabbed the disk drives with Q-Tips....the worst part is I'm too afraid to run it more than 20 minutes at a time, so I can't download anti-spyware software (wiped the drive a few weeks back), and the poor thing is clusterf*cked with spyware. Dial-up modem too....URGH!!!!!!
    Any ideas: WHAT is this buzzing? I don't detect any overheating. The fans are running. Bro thinks it's a piece of cockroach stuck in a fan motor
    Oh great, the buzzing sound just changed. Gonna log off.....HELP!!!
    You should get an external disk drive and make a back up NOW.

    Hard drives can make a high pitched whine when they are about to die.

  3. #3
    God/dess Casual Observer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    What is the specific Dell model and number? They don't rivet the cases together; they usually have retarded press-and-slide case enclosures. If we know the model and number, there's likely to be a guide on case removal in PDF form on the internet.

    And Deogol is right; sounds like your hard drive may be ready to give up the ghost.
    Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

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    God/dess Silverback's Avatar
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    And it wouldn't hurt if you'd quit hitting the poor thing.
    "He will come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During the rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large and moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!"

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    Ack! Noises like that can't ever be a good thing! Eep! Hope you figure it out!

  6. #6
    God/dess DancerWealth's Avatar
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    Actually, it may be a lot less of a problem then you realize. I've run into this same issue many times without it being the hard-drive. Most likely it's an accumulation of heavy dust buildup on the CPU or PowerSupply fan. The buildup causes the fan to spin off balance like your washing machine does when it has too much heavy clothes on one side of the drum. Buy a can of compressed air at an office supply store or computer store for around 6 or 7 bucks and spray the inside of the computer and the inside of the fan compartment from the outside with the air. Be sure to do this outside and don't look directly at the computer for the first few seconds of blasting as you'd be amazed at how much dirt and junk will fly out of there. If this isn't the issue, then it could be something else like the hard drive but my bet is that it's just dirt.

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  7. #7
    Banned Madcap's Avatar
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    Goddamnit, am i actually able to post? I posted long and it went "not (fucking) responding."

    Test test test


    EDIT: what the living fuck?

  8. #8
    Featured Member Tiff_7_17's Avatar
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    I wouldn't worry about it too much...its way more likely to be the fans then it is the hard drive, but CO is right...most Dell towers are fairly easy to open.
    People forget that those internal fans need some lovin' (okay, just dusting) too...and not opening the case isn't ususally sufficient.
    Figure out how to open it and get one of those cans of air and just giv'r on it. Make sure the inside is all dust free, and you'll be surprised at how much better your machine runs. The comp needs to be cool in order to function at its peak, and the fans need to be clean for it to be cool, you know?
    Good luck!!!

  9. #9
    madmaxine
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    Thank you all. It blinked out with a blue screen that told me to Get Thee to a Techie. LOL. I will try can of air but then off to the shop. Ack, I hope it's not fried. Guess I'll see you all much later.

  10. #10
    Banned Madcap's Avatar
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    Default Re: Computer DramaRama!

    Quote Originally Posted by madmaxine
    My desktop computer is emitting a high pitched buzzing noise, and I can't take off the cover on the hard drive because it's riveted on with bolts (I thought they were Allen Key-able, but my brother checked and said no, I can't take them out.) It's a Dell Dimension.
    I used a shop vac to blow out dust, swabbed the disk drives with Q-Tips....the worst part is I'm too afraid to run it more than 20 minutes at a time, so I can't download anti-spyware software (wiped the drive a few weeks back), and the poor thing is clusterf*cked with spyware. Dial-up modem too....URGH!!!!!!
    Any ideas: WHAT is this buzzing? I don't detect any overheating. The fans are running. Bro thinks it's a piece of cockroach stuck in a fan motor
    Oh great, the buzzing sound just changed. Gonna log off.....HELP!!!
    Maxie,

    Can you open up the case? There should be some screws in the back that will let you open the case to see the system board. The reason i ask this is that i'd like to know what part of the box is making the noise? It may be the Hard Drive, because they scream when they die. Hard Drives don't die quiet. If you can open up your box and take a listen. What is making the noise. If it's your hard drive, immediately put anything you wanna keep onto cd, and spend a few bucks on a new hard drive. All that site does is look for deals on PC hardware. Always at least check it.

    If you need it, i'll walk you through the install (I need to do it myself this weekend for my own box, so i can take, like, notes and shit and send them to ya if ya want). I do it damn near every day on one box or another.

    I'm thinking you got yourself a hard drive issue. Run, grab yourself another one quick, that is if you want to save anything (I have translation software i can send you). If not, just get a new one and chuck the current in the nearest river.

    PM or email me, i'll do what i can.

    I fucking hope this one, uh, actually posts...

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