Beeping computer

HC_2

I have a desktop PC that works perfectly well. However it emits loud beeps 2-3 seconds long. Usually there's a gap of perhaps 6 seconds between beeps; occasionally the gap is longer.

The beeps are coming from the processor, not from the speakers.

I used to be able to reboot and the problem would vanish for a while. Now, however, rebooting rarely makes a difference. It just starts up again.

I've searched the web for people with a similar problem, but can't find anything.

The PC works fine, but it's rendered unusable because of the maddening noise.

Can anyone throw any light on this?

BritBrat

Heat.

Take a look inside and if dirty clean out heatsink and fans. (seek help with processor fan and heatsink)

DO IT NOW before it's to late.

Try and tell us what beep code it is:
http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

bookduck

the mb has an onboard speaker/bleeper. Go tho the board manufacturers site armed with the board model no and search for bleep codes.

If you do not know the model of the board, it might tell you in the bios or on boot, but the real check is to remove the cover and with a torch, read the make and model no's somewhere on the board. There also are some utilities like belarc that may be able to do this too.

Oblivion

Another possibility is that the CMOS backup battery on the motherboard is running down and needs replacing.

Dave.

HC_2

I've just opened it up and vacuumed (carefully) and also aimed the hairdryer (on cold) in all the nooks and crannies.

It's been back up and running, with several programs open, for a few minutes now with no beeps.

DD is using it and will give me an update shortly. Seems as though it may have solved the problem. I guess it did cross my mind that it could have been dust stopping the fan working properly, but opening it up and fiddling around is a last resort for me.

I had a look at the beep code site you posted, BritBrat, but couldn't see anything that matched my beep pattern.

If it does start beeping again, I'll do what you suggest, bookduck.

Thanks for taking the time to help.

Moneybags55

I thought you meant ***** computer! :mad: not literally bleeping computer! :rotfl:

HC_2

Yes, but by the time I realised that's how it might seem, it was too late!

BritBrat

You may need to clean in a bit more depth.

Search Google for cleaning/installing processor and fan, all the other fans are simple to clean.

Also check the graphics card fan.

If the quick clean has stopped it beeping you know you are on the right track.

I clean mine about every 6 months and I mean clean, I take all the fans out and even lubricate them with silacon oil.

HC_2

The vacuum and the hairdryer blast seem to have done the trick - for now, anyway. There have been no beeps since yesterday afternoon. It's bliss!

Perhaps I should do it more often, because I don't want to get to the stage where I'm having to dismantle its entrails and clean them individually. I'd never be able to put everything back properly

BritBrat

I have been thinking of buying some filters to fit to the case fans.

http://www.quietpc.com/gb-en-gbp/products/casefanaccessories/fansis-fan-filters

At the moment I use cooker hood filter tapped to the case