I thought it was the power supply, so I installed a new power supply last week, then that didn't work. I then had a geek friend clean out and put thermal stuff on the cpu - he was thinking that could be the problem. That did the trick for a few days, but then I noticed that the clock and date are wrong when starting up again. Then it did it again - shut off right after the long continuous beep alarm sounds until I unplug it or turn of the rocker switch at the back of the power supppy. What else could be the problem? And how do I check it without spending tons of money on a service call?
2006-11-28 05:18:18 · 14 answers · asked by mrschrisc 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Mine did this for a while, and my ISP told me I had a very serious virus that was causing the issue. I ran AVG 7.5 (a free virus scan) and the problem left and never came back. Did your geek do a complete scan for viruses?
2006-11-28 05:20:44 · answer #1 · answered by Rebecca 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF the beep alarm sounds BEFORE the operating system has loaded and given you a desktop or login screen, that is called a "post-code".
The BIOS on the motherboard is telling you that SOMETHING is NOT working correctly when it runs it's tests on startup.
IF it AUTOMATCALLY shuts off the system, that would indicate a "short circuit" or overheating, usually on the motherboard or a plugged in board, and it turns off to prevent further damage;
BUT,
It could be the CMOS battery, the BIOS settings, a bad card connection, a bad cable connection, a bad chip, etc. (A shop SHOULD have a "reader" that they can plug into the MB that will output the specific code visually, so they can find the specific problem.)
In ANY case, you need the services of a shop, not the neighborhood "geek".
If your computer is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer. (In some cases, you may have "voided" the warranty by having your "geek" friend mess with it by "servicing" the CPU, which should NOT have needed it!)
2006-11-28 06:29:45 · answer #2 · answered by f100_supersabre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have two problems here, your CMOS battery is probably dead or dying. You'll need to have that replaced. (RadioShack has them) That battery keeps time on the computer when you turn it off.
Second one, the beeps. They are diagnostic codes, you usually hear them when your RAM sticks are loose. It makes sense if your computer was overheating, the heat pushes them out of the slot. You probably need to make sure your cards (Video Card, Sound Card, Modem, LAN, etc) are all pushed in firmly.
That should eliminate the problem. Tell your geek friend what this ex-tech-support-geek told ya.
EDIT: Whenever people scream "Virus" or "Wipe the Hard Drive" or "Your computer is too old" ignore them. They are uninformed. Viruses that do what you're describing are rare.
2006-11-28 06:09:12 · answer #3 · answered by Turd Ferguson 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the beeps are a code used to help diagnose problems with the booting up of the operating system. depending on what bios you have will depend on what the codes mean. get your "geek friend" to check the ram is seated properly and the cpu is in correctly. the fact that the date is wrong suggest that the cmos battery(big watch battery on motherboard) needs replacing as this is what holds info about time/date when you close down your pc. i think that if you change the cmos battery then that may cure the problem outright possibly.
2006-11-28 05:25:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone I know is having a similar problem - it's not a DELL is it ? My IT helpdesk said there is a virus doing the rounds at the moment that causes computers to do this - have you got a firewall ? If it's new - send it back - it should be under warranty still - let the manufacturer sort the problem out - they've taken your money - they should give good Customer Service !
2006-11-28 05:23:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes when your computer just shuts down out of nowhere, its because its too hot. Make sure its in a well ventilated area. You can downoad a program for free called "Everest" and it will tell you what the internal temperature is of the computer.
Also, if your motherboard is on the fritz, then you will need a new one. Those can be picked up cheap though, if you know how to replace it
2006-11-28 05:23:58 · answer #6 · answered by fryegirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said you heard the beep alarm. Check the ram, remove the ram and turn on the computer, see if you can hear the beep.
Usually, when there is a problem with the memory, it gives you the beeps.
2006-11-28 05:24:00 · answer #7 · answered by Webballs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the geek did fix it, but you're logging on to something that has a bug or virus in it.
Do system restore back to the date of the geek's work, then monitor what you do to narrow down to the culprit.
Run adware and/or spybot weekly, get a virus detector like Mcfee or symantic
2006-11-28 05:22:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had that problem for awhile as well, and mine also ended up being a virus. Instead of doing a virus scan, my computer was so old anyway, I just ended up buying myself a new laptop computer (which now it is old-only 4 years old lol). Anyway, I suggest taking it in to Best Buy and seeing if they can fix it, or just getting a new computer if you can afford one. Good luck!
2006-11-28 05:53:15 · answer #9 · answered by aloneinga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your CMOS BATT On your Motherboard if it not keeping the Time That may be your problem Check that out
2006-11-28 05:22:13 · answer #10 · answered by vaio751 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋