new to computers

ceridwen

Hi

Daft question - but I am new to computers - and just bought first one. Its making a heck of a noise from base unit - as in constantly at present - am I doing something wrong, or should I just stick in the earplugs. Sorry to sound so naive/stupid!

ceridwen

Browntoa

is it a brand new Pc, in which case it should NOT make that noise ad it needs to go back to the shop

if it's 2nd hand then it just needs a fan changing , if you open the case you should be able to hear which one

kingmonkey

Computer fans drive me crazy!!!!!

0rsen

Browntoa wrote: »

is it a brand new Pc, in which case it should NOT make that noise ad it needs to go back to the shop

if it's 2nd hand then it just needs a fan changing , if you open the case you should be able to hear which one

Quite right. However, in the case of a 2nd hand unit, it could also be a failing hard-drive.

ceridwen

hi

thanks to all for the responses - couldnt believe how fast the first one was - 1 minute! Good going! Sounds v. likely to me - at least I know what I'm looking at now. Heartsink feeling that I am in for a trip back to a shop that shall we say has a name reminiscent of food - as I only bought this pc in April from them.

Re the noise level to be expected from a home pc - now this question also shows how ignorant I am about these things. Should I expect total silence, quiet hum in background or what when its operating? (I must sound so ignorant re computers - believe me I am - I'm congratulating myself at managing to find my way into logging onto this forum, as I thought I might find it full of helpful people - I was right, I have). Like the photo! So - if I have to swop to new base unit then I guess I have to do the back-up bit of what I have input into this pc and just slot in CD into new base unit and bingo computer back to normal (but with perfect new base unit)? Back-up - hmm - oh dear!

Browntoa

mine produces a low level noise all the time, unless it goes full pelt (which it very rarely does) then it is noisy

modern Pc fans aare quiet, you should know it;s on but not have to wear ear plugs.

they should just repair the fan actually

assuming you have vista then it does have a built in back up tool, assuming you have at lease the "home basic" edition

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/backup.mspx

ceridwen

Hi Browntoa again
Thanks again. I do have a Vista one - Home Basic - Packard Bell. Will check out the back-up page you recommend. Subsequently spotted another user complaining about noise as well - so think I might also investigate to see if I can spot any dust - out with the pastry brush I think to give it a go-over - as tower unit had to sit on carpet for first couple of weeks till I got a computer workstation.
Do appreciate helpful hints again.

Browntoa

this stuff blows out the cobwebs

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=28999&doy=5m6

scheming_gypsy

give the tower a wobble. There's a chance that one of the cables is catching on the CPU fan.