Odd things happening!

[scobe]

Hi

 

Haven't been on here for some time as everything has been running relatively smoothly!

It's nice to see this site still going strong.

 

Been having some odd problems recently though!

 

To start with my PC is very slow. From the initial start page right through to opening all programs. It takes an age for anything to open & run. Even the pointer takes time to move to were I want it to point until everything has loaded.

 

I have run Oldtimer TIFC, to no effect.

 

But the oddest is the electronic switch that shuts down your PC keeps going off randomely. Not shutting down the PC, but everything stops momentarily & then the switch makes the shutdown noise without actually shutting down the PC. If that makes sense?

 

Any help would be gratefully received.

 

 

Steve

 

 

Dell dimension 2300

[RandyL]

It's hard to say. Does the light go off on the switch or does it just make a noise? If it's just a noise you might be hearing the hardrive. I have seen failing hardrives cause your first set of symptoms. It might help to run the Dell diagnostics.

[scobe]

Thanks for your reply Randy.

 

I tried the dell diagnostics 32 bit, but this did not work. So I will try option 2 Basic at a later date. I spent all evening yesterday trying, but everything kept freezing.

I will say though, I tried booting from the operating disc & everything was fine.

 

The PC is operating OK today, with just the occasional freeze up.

 

It's definitely the off switch making the noise! There is a high pitched whistle that makes the screen freeze, then the switch goes off & everything works fine. The light remains on! Often though the whistle & switch will go off over & over, freezing me up for some time.

 

What are my options with a failing hard drive? Other than buying a new PC?

 

Steve

[RandyL]

Very odd that everything works fine when you boot from the disk. Try option 2 as you said.

[scobe]

I followed the instructions in the link you gave me.

 

The diagnostic mode took around 5 mins.

 

The results:

IDE Drive Diagnostics

 

Primary IDE

Drive 0: MAXTOR 6Y080L0 - Pass

Drive 1: No IDE Device

Secondary IDE

Drive 2: Samsung CDRW/DVD - Diagnostics Not Supported

Drive 3: No IDE Device

 

This was the only diagnostics mode I could see.

[RandyL]

That says your hard drive is working. Have you cleaned the insides lately? Maybe it's a heat issue caused by dirt or a failing fan.

[scobe]

Hi Randy

 

Thanks for your help mate & sorry for the delay in replying.

 

I have checked & cleaned the internals. Wasn't too bad & made no difference.

 

Could it be a failing on/off switch? I give it a tap & it seems to get things going again(but not for long!). But that could just be me grasping at straws!

 

Things are getting worse' with regular freeze ups.

 

I really don't know know what to do next!

 

Steve

[RandyL]

It's possible. I don't know any way to test it without trying a new switch.

[KenB]

There is a high pitched whistle

 

the switch makes the shutdown noise

I have never heard a switch make any sort of noise.

 

It could be a capacitor failing. Inspect the board. Capacitors should not have bulged tops or be discoloured.

It could be the PSU.

I doubt that it is the switch.

 

Have you taken the panel off and listened to see if you can locate the source ?

 

Take the video card / RAM / and any other cards off the motherboard.

Switch on.

If the whistle is not there then put the cards back one at a time to locate the problem.

(switch off at the wall between each addition )

[scobe]

I have never heard a switch make any sort of noise.

 

It could be a capacitor failing. Inspect the board. Capacitors should not have bulged tops or be discoloured.

It could be the PSU.

I doubt that it is the switch.

 

Have you taken the panel off and listened to see if you can locate the source ?

 

Take the video card / RAM / and any other cards off the motherboard.

Switch on.

If the whistle is not there then put the cards back one at a time to locate the problem.

(switch off at the wall between each addition )

 

Really? you don't get the click as your PC is completely shut down? (not stanby!) Mine is a bit of an antique!

 

I am completely hardware illiterate mate! If you could talk me through everything you said, I will try it!

 

Steve

[KenB]

you don't get the click

No

 

Shut down normally and Switch off at the wall.

Take the panel off.

Inspect the motherboard capacitors and look for bulged ( domed ) tops or discolouration.

http://www.eventlogblog.com/blog/2008/01/18/Bad.jpg

The tops should be flat. Any discolouration indicates leakage.

 

Switch on.

Try to locate the source of the sound.

 

Shut down normally and switch off at the wall.

The motherboard has cards ( Video / RAM / Sound / NIC etc that can be removed )

If you feel that you will not remember where things are located take a photograph before removing.

 

Take all cards off the m/board.

Switch on.

 

If you do not get the high pitched sound then switch off and put the cards back one at a time.

Test after replacing each card.

 

http://www.rigshowcase.com/img/2982EMFh/4934

To take the RAM out you need to release the white levers at each end.

 

The other cards may be held in by one screw into the case.

[scobe]

Hi Ken

 

I removed all the cards & the one that stopped the whistle & click was the RAM card in the white clips.

 

What are my options now?

 

Steve

[KenB]

Hi,

 

....click was the RAM card

Give the contacts a clean with a pencil eraser and try again.

If this doesn't solve the problem .....

If you only have one RAM module I would suggest replacing it.

If you have 2 than try them one at a time to identify the problem one ( the system will run on 1 module )

 

If you need to replace then you may wish to upgrade.

A free scan from here will tell you the exact RAM that is compatible and the max. supported by your motherboard.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner/

 

There is always a possibility that the problem lies with the motherboard - but I would bet on the RAM itself.