[MikeyB14]

The computer was runnign fine.. I went out to eat and when I came back, it was in hibernate mode. I moved the mouse and when it flicked on, its making a grinding noise... There was no way to shut it down so I unplugged the power cord. I know this is bad but I didn't think a grinding noise was better.

Does anyone have any help? I am on a different computer writing this.. and I am scared to try to turn it on.

I already plugged it back in once and turned it on. It did the same screeching noise..

Please help... Thanks

 

[HarleyDude]

If the computer is still running ok probably not the HD, check fans, cooler, PS Fan, disk drives etc. Look close at the mechanical compinents. I have heard some pretty scary noises coming from a fan with a bearing gone.

 

[jenae]

Hi, take the side cover off the computer make sure the power is disconnected. Have a good look at all connections if you notice it's dusty and dirty in there then clean it out compressed air is fine for this. Look at the fans make sure there are no insects in there they can cause the noise you describe. Start the computer with the side off (use normal precautions) see if you can locate the source of the noise if you think it is the HDD, turn off immediately. Post back the results for more instructions.

 

[MikeyB14]

The computer is less than a year old and I am not sure if it is still under warranty or not, hopefully it is.

I emailed gateway and am about to call them.. I am hesitant to take the cover off because that can void the warranty...

I waited overnight and then turned it on and the problem persists. The power supply is ont he top and the fan is about 2/3 the way down and it sounded liek the sound ccame from between it.. I cannot tell where.. but again.. i dont want to ruin or void the warranty..

Do most computers have a 1 year warranty??
I bought it April of this year.. 7 months old.. and wouldnt this be a hardware problem?? I know we cant tell now.. but I doubt its soemthing I did. since it worked an hour before that without a problem.

 

[Wrench97]

It should be under warranty call Gateway and arrange the service.

 

[MikeyB14]

Yeah I talked to a support person, and they said it was under warranty and they can send replacement parts, but they need to figure out what is wrong.. they asked where the noise is coming form.. and I honestly couldnt answer them..

I ased if I could open the side panel without it voiding and they said it will still be under warranty as long as I dont replace the mother board.. I have the conversation saved so they cant say it voided my warranty...

I am gunan open it up and run my computer to find it out.. but does anyone have any ideas?? I dont think its in the power supply and i dont think its the fan... any ideas?

 

[Wrench97]

Video card fan if it has one.

 

[MikeyB14]

Hmm. I dont think my video card has a fan, it is a stock nVidia 7100 LE i think.. not too impressive, however a buddy of mine said it could be the reader of my hard drive. And its grinding against the reader thing... I dont think it could cause a sound liek this. but even if it did.. 1. would i haev to replace my whole hard drive, 2. would I love everything, and 3. what damage could spread from this, RAM, motherboard, etc?

 

[Doby]

If it is the hardrive making that noise the drive's finished and the computer would not boot to windows so if you can boot up its not that. I am a little confused if you have tried or did successfully boot to windows since this problem began so please clarify.

I think like the others its a fan, pull the side case off and have a look inside, make sure there is no wire or other object against any of the fans then boot up and see if you can tell were the noise is coming from.