NOISY LAPTOP

[karenmac60]

My laptop has just started making the most awful racket. I think it's the fan, but I've taken the keyboard off and cleaned a huge wad of fluff out from around it and it's not made a jot of difference. Any suggestions that don't involve major mechanics? Ta

[cazzle]

If it's not your fan (which you say you've cleaned), then the only other thing that can make a noise is the hard-drive (HDD).
You shouldn't normally be able to hear it, but If it's making a frantic 'tock-tock-tock', sound then failure maybe imminent - back up now !
Once you have saved your data, you can attempt to run hardware tests - for instance, in XP there is an error-checking function: in My Computer, right-click on hard-drive icon, Properties, Tools. Error-Checking, select 'Check Now...' tick both options, and start. You will then have to reboot for it to run.
If this does not fix the problem, and you have managed to save your data, it may require a new drive - depending on the state of the drive, you may get away with cloning it to a new one, which can just be popped in.
Can you get access to the HDD? Some just pop out, others may mean some disassembly of the laptop to get at it.

Hope this is of some help.

[looobylooo]

mines noisy too karen.. its intermittent. but it dont arf get on my wick!!
im wondering if its my fan? i keep meaning to buy one of those cans of compressed air to clean it?
so, to clean mine, do i get to it by taking the keyboard off too? i thought it would be via the back of the laptop?

[karenmac60]

Hi Cazzle, thanks for all that info but it was definitely the fan - I could feel it rattling and when I pressed the area over the fan the sound would change. I took it apart again, gave it another clean and made sure everything was firmly back in place and it seems to have done the trick. I got the lappy second hand and I don't think it had ever been cleaned cos it's quieter than ever now and I can feel the cold air being pulled into the vent underneath now.
Looby, google the type of laptop you have and 'fan cleaning tutorial' and you should find instructions as to how to get into your fan. I thought it would be through the back too, but I just pinged a wee panel off and there were screws to remove the keyboard under it - dead easy and I didn't use compressed air, I just picked the fluff out and gave it a wee blow.

[looobylooo]

thanks karen, i will have a google then.
my noise changes slightly too when i press down over where the fan is.
glad you got yours sorted :o)

[karenmac60]

Thanks Loooby, good luck x

[rialsnogard]

normally it's the bearing that goes or gets jultted out of place not an easy fix. best to get PC word to replace if your not happy or warrenty is out of date, unless your ok with fixing computers and replacing the screws.
if it's not a bearing fan it will be to do with centre failing after so much use/ spinning around the same axis .

the fan runs like a gyro and can also wobble out and knocking it can get it back in line but it will affect the computer/ fan in the end hitting it all the time. not advised

[TTG]

Don't take to PC world. Take it to local pc shop.

[karenmac60]

Thanks, but I sorted it myself.

[Hopkirk]

Try sticking your vacuum cleaner nozzle against any air vents.

[AlBags]

I'll come and get rid of your fluff anytime ; )
Ax

[karenmac60]

Just keep your nozzle away from my vents Al ;) x

[AlBags]

Thought you'd catch up with your reading sooner or later ((( (.)(.) )))

[karenmac60]

I always do ;)

[AlBags]

What .. Get rid of your fluff? ; )
x

[karenmac60]

Amongst other things, yes. Had to do that tonight, I've got a very small outfit for Rocky Horror tomorrow night! :D

[AlBags]

lol Karen.
Unfortunately, I won't meet you at the Cocky Horror Show.
Have lotsa fun tho (and don't bend over)
x

[karenmac60]

I'll try my best :) x

[AlBags]

You bring your knees in tight.
But it's the pelvic thrust.
They really drive you insane.
Let's do the Time Warp again. : )

[karenmac60]

I do like that pelvic thrust ;)

[AlBags]

How was it the? Survive the night?
How was your pelvic thrust?
x