Major Computer Problem

[Smurfer]

This is copied from another forum. I did write it, so if you could help me, please do.

My coputer doesn't always start. I.E. I have a bouncing ball by my mouse cursor, but I can't click on anything. It's happened three times so far. My processor is also making a wierd noise. To be persice, the fan on top of the processor. It makes a loud noise for three seconds when it starts up and then I don't hear it again. Sometimes my coputer does start correctly, but that noise is always there. Could you please help me? Below is a list of other problems that may of caused or made the situation worst.

I just uninstalled Norton for the fourth time because my backround won't load (what I mentioned above is different and happened when Norton was uninstalled) and has e-mail scanning problems. (Sending me an e-mail that says I sent an e-mail to a location with a virus, except I've never sent an e-mail there and my computer isn't infected)

I just had my computer cleaned with compressed air, so it isn't dirt that is causing the noise or problem.

[Yoshi]

Noise = something physical . Better go check it.

[Smurfer]

Yoshi said:

Noise = something physical . Better go check it.

I know, it's the fan on top of the processor, but I can't see anything unusual.

[Jeeper]

What brand of PC is it?

[Smurfer]

Gateway. About three years old.

[Jeeper]

Gateway?!?

The best solution is to throw it in the dumpster...

But seriously, sounds like the fan is shot, and if it is, you run the risk of burning up your processor, so I suggest fixing it ASAP.

[Smurfer]

You sure? When I look at it, it runs fine and the noise only happens at start up for a few seconds. No worry though, I've already got help on the matter.

[macsurfing]

i had a strange noise once, my fan wasn't fitted in properly so it vibrated against the case, sticky tape fixed that, plus a few kicks and "shut-up you piece of crap"

[Nugget699]

one time i was playing championship manager and lost the game in the final minute, and me being the angry type i punched the tower and it switched off. On closer inspection i dislodged the fan, i felt quite an idiot when i told my parents wot happened

[Smurfer]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think my noise is just normal, since the fan is in place.

[Jeeper]

Yeah it's pretty hard to diagnose stuff when you can't see it for yourself.

[Xiziz]

You could allways try replacing the fan, most fans have a life of 20 000 hours or about 2-3 years. so it might just have given up.
Or send it back to gateway saying that it sounds weird, tho i guess thats out of the question

[Smurfer]

Xiziz said:

You could allways try replacing the fan, most fans have a life of 20 000 hours or about 2-3 years. so it might just have given up.
Or send it back to gateway saying that it sounds weird, tho i guess thats out of the question

After talking to someone else and physically seeing the fan run. (Which it runs fine) I've decided it's not a problem for now, but I'll continue to monitor the situation.