identify siren sounding alarm (xp home ver 2002 sp2)

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Computer is making an noise a bit like a siren/ emergency vehicle. Not sure exactly when it happens, but when it does, it can continue for 15 minutes or more (usually turn off computer before then). It might be after connecting to internet. Comes from the internal speakers even with volume turned right down.
OS is Win XP Home Ed; internal (unknown) modem; USB2 port installed after problem; 2 hard drives. updates been installed.
Any suggestions of how to identify cause? Or how to turn off internal speakers?
I can attach an audio file taken with digital camera if that would help.
thanks, ruth

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Have you checked your sound scheme to see if the particular sound is associated to some event?

Joe

--Joe

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How do I check the sound scheme?

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How do I check the sound scheme?

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Joe: ok, I’ve worked out how to check the sound schemes. No it isn’t one of the listed ones. Also, each of those comes out of the speakers, and this one comes out of the tower itself.
thanks
ruth

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If it comes from the internal speaker, it is probably a signal from the motherboard that something is wrong inside the computer. Some possibilities:
– Abnormally high temperature, perhaps because of a failing fan.
– Loose connectors.

If you have a manual for your hardware, look through it to see if there is a description of sound alarms.

I would open the computer case and check that all connectors are in place, and if possible check that the fans are working properly. If you feel uncertain about this, let someone knowledgeable look at it.

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If it comes from the internal speaker, it is probably a signal from the motherboard that something is wrong inside the computer. Some possibilities:
– Abnormally high temperature, perhaps because of a failing fan.
– Loose connectors.

If you have a manual for your hardware, look through it to see if there is a description of sound alarms.

I would open the computer case and check that all connectors are in place, and if possible check that the fans are working properly. If you feel uncertain about this, let someone knowledgeable look at it.

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Joe: ok, I’ve worked out how to check the sound schemes. No it isn’t one of the listed ones. Also, each of those comes out of the speakers, and this one comes out of the tower itself.
thanks
ruth

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Have you checked your sound scheme to see if the particular sound is associated to some event?

Joe

--Joe

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Hi Ruth. Yeah, Hans is right- the siren is from the motherboard and indicates a problem of some sort, usually overheating (or in some instances, if the case isn’t properly closed). Depending on your BIOS, you should see a message when you first swicth on that says something along the lines of “Press F2 [or whatever] to enter setup”. If you quickly press the key indicated you’ll enter the motherboard BIOS. Have a root around here and you should be able to find a temperature indicator along with a fan speed indicator and an alarm setting. The values of these numbers will determine what your problem is.
Hope that helps.

L.

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Hi Ruth. Yeah, Hans is right- the siren is from the motherboard and indicates a problem of some sort, usually overheating (or in some instances, if the case isn’t properly closed). Depending on your BIOS, you should see a message when you first swicth on that says something along the lines of “Press F2 [or whatever] to enter setup”. If you quickly press the key indicated you’ll enter the motherboard BIOS. Have a root around here and you should be able to find a temperature indicator along with a fan speed indicator and an alarm setting. The values of these numbers will determine what your problem is.
Hope that helps.

L.

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Had a problem like that once. It turned out to be the tail end of a cable tie just barely clipping the fan blades of the CPU fan. Sometimes the problems are the simplest ones and not some major failure.
You should take a look inside the case and carefully push and move things around to see if the noise abates or goes away.
BTW, if you want to disable the internal fan, just unplug the connector on the MB. I have installed a micro switch in the power lead to the fan just to cut out the annoying POST beep.

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Had a problem like that once. It turned out to be the tail end of a cable tie just barely clipping the fan blades of the CPU fan. Sometimes the problems are the simplest ones and not some major failure.
You should take a look inside the case and carefully push and move things around to see if the noise abates or goes away.
BTW, if you want to disable the internal fan, just unplug the connector on the MB. I have installed a micro switch in the power lead to the fan just to cut out the annoying POST beep.

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Thanks all. I got into BIOS and it does seem to be hot. alarm set to go at either 60 or 57, and current temp after switching off and then back on again was 51, I think. so, tonight we will open up and inspect the inside. and then I guess look at location and other heat-reducing stuff.
thanks ruth

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That doesn’t seem too bad a temperature Ruth. What sort of CPU are you using? It may be possible to increase the alarm temperature setting by 5 degrees and that may solve the problem without causing any damage to your processor. Athlons in particular run quite hot.

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That doesn’t seem too bad a temperature Ruth. What sort of CPU are you using? It may be possible to increase the alarm temperature setting by 5 degrees and that may solve the problem without causing any damage to your processor. Athlons in particular run quite hot.

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Thanks all. I got into BIOS and it does seem to be hot. alarm set to go at either 60 or 57, and current temp after switching off and then back on again was 51, I think. so, tonight we will open up and inspect the inside. and then I guess look at location and other heat-reducing stuff.
thanks ruth

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