Can any of you computer whizz-kids help me?

[Big Jenny]

On two occasions in the last few days my computer (well, the tower thing on the floor - where the "engine" lives) has made a two-tone wailing noise, a bit like a fire engine or the noise the 'phone makes when you fail to replace the receiver properly. Nothing appears on the screen to tell me that I've done something I shouldn't have, so on both occasions I have just gone to "start" and turned off the computer. When I have turned it back on a bit later, everything appears to be o.k. and the noise has stopped. It's only happened twice, with three or four days between, but it's a horrible noise and I'm rather worried. Any clues as to what it's all about?

[mattie]

This could be a warning that your CPU is overheating, check that all internal fans are working, and also check that the heat sink on top of the CPU is not clogged with dust.

[October]

Jen - are you on dial up internet access rather than broadband ?, cos it sounds like the noise you get when your PC is trying to access the internet. If it is, then just mute the volume.

[alunrw]

A common reason for noise is possibly the fan ,they tend to get a lot of dust etc. but thats more of a droning sound ?

[Big Jenny]

October. No, I' m on Broadband, not dial-up, so I know it's not the noise you get when trying to access the internet. It's a much louder and more alarming noise than that - like a siren wailing. I don't like it at all.

Mattie, what is a heat sink on top of a CPU? I can't check it cos I don't know what it is!! I'm not very familiar with this new-fangled technology, I'm afraid, so you may as well be talking in a forgeign language. It'll have to be words of one syllable for me to understand.

Alunrw. It doesn't sound like a clogged fan. It's like an alarm.

[alunrw]

Could it be something like a warning alarm that the battery is going - Im not sure if there is such a device, but seems feasible?

[Big Jenny]

It certainly sounds like a warning alarm, but I had no idea that PC's had batteries in them. Are you pulling my leg? You could be, quite easily, and I wouldn't know.

[alunrw]

Just another thought. has any software installed itself that makes this sound - have you carried out a full spyware test, it could be something like that (seems unlikely, but again, you never know) - why not check also what programmes are running in your task manager and if theres nothing suspicious, at least you can discount that?if youre unsure of wjat processes are running theres a good site advising what are actual windows programmes and what they do?http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processl ibrary/

[alunrw]

Hiya Jenny, not pulling your leg, I wondered if it was something certain PC's have (Ive never heard of it, but you never know what theyll do next:-)) ?

[alunrw]

To qualify the last post, PCs DO have batteries, but I dont know of one that has an alarm :-)

[Big Jenny]

Well, I've never put new batteries in mine. Where do they go, and what sort are they? Mine plugs in to the mains.

[alunrw]

They are there to keep your settings etc.saying that Ive never changed one either - heres some info from a website

There are thee main categories of computer batteries:

The first type of battery is the backup battery, which is commonly referred to as the "CMOS battery". This battery is what holds your computer's computer settings, such as the time and date. This allows your computer to remember basic computer settings and allows you to boot the computer without entering those settings each time you start the computer. Additional information about CMOS and the CMOS batteries can be found on our CMOS help page.

The second type of battery is the "bridge battery". This battery is only found within portable computers and is used as a temporary backup for the main battery. This allows you to remove the main battery and replace it with a good battery without having to turn off the computer.

The third type of battery is the main battery. The main battery is also only used with portable computers and is used as an alternate source of power for when the computer is not connected to a standard wall outlet.

[evenstar]

Hi Jenny,
My PC started doing this and would often turn itself off after making the noise! Luckily my eldest son is great at computers. He looked inside it, said it was probably the cpu overheating and the noise was to let me know and it turned itself off as a safety thing. He bought me a new cpu fan and fitted it for me and I've had no trouble since! He also installed a programme that enabled me to check the temperature of my cpu, but I have no idea what its called!!! I hope this is of some help cos I know how much I panicked when I heard that noise!!!

[Big Jenny]

Send him round, evenstar! My sons are both total technophobes, so they're no use to me at all. However, if you want your windows cleaned, it can be arranged.

Seriously, though, this overheating business sounds like it might be the problem. The noise is definitely like some kind of alarm, and I will try to find someone who knows what to do.

Thanks to you all for your help.