# Is my computer headed for the graveyard? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 2, 2002, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040 "2002-08-02T17:24:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/1 "2002-08-02T17:24:08Z")
My approximately 5-year old computer makes a weird clicking noise when I try to power up. I can see the light indicating that the hard drive is being written to flashing a few times. Sometimes it sticks in this mode for a while. I usually have to try to power it up 2 or 3 times before it boots up. Once it boots up, it works fine. Or as good as Windows machine will do. For the time being, I’ve been putting my terminal on standby when I leave, but I know eventually, this being a Windows machine, that’s it going to freeze up and I’m going to have to use the old “turn it off, turn it back on” trick." So it sounds to me like the power switch is the problem or is it just “old age” from a computer standpoint ---
**Author:** ![Jpeg\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/4bbf92/32.png) [@Jpeg\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jpeg_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/2 "2002-08-02T18:08:11Z")
You’ll have to describe the clicking a little better. Is it coming from the hard drive or maybe one of the fans? Or is the actual power switch a little goosey? One of my case fans clicks for a while when I first power up, but the noise goes away soon. If it’s the hard drive, that’s probably bad news. It could be close to failing. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/3 "2002-08-02T18:16:24Z")
The clicking seems to be from the power switch and not the fan or the hard drive. It’s almost like it’s a car engine that won’t turn over when you start it. Once the computer is powered up, it’s fine. And if I use “restart” the computer boots up OK. ---
**Author:** ![Jpeg\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/4bbf92/32.png) [@Jpeg\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jpeg_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/4 "2002-08-02T19:08:04Z")
Just to be sure, are you talking about the power button on the front of the case, or the switch in back of the case that’s attached to the Power Supply Unit for the computer? I’m having trouble understanding how the power button on the front of the case could make any kind of persistent clicking noise. It’s not attached to a motor or anything. It’s just an electronic solenoid. I guess I’m at a loss, if that is what’s happening. ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/5 "2002-08-02T19:49:39Z")
**Jpeg Jones** has a legitimate question…newer machines (and that should include those made 5 years ago) have power buttons rather than switches; that is, the button on the front essentially sends a low voltage signal to the power supply (through connections on the motherboard), telling it to turn on the main power. There is actually a small amount of power supplied to the system at all times to support things like “wake on LAN” or hibernate/standby, unless you turn off the master switch. If it was an older system, where 120V actually runs through the power switch, or if you’re actually talking about the power switch (master) in the back (and not all machines have this), it could be arcing (a tough word to spell properly and have it pronounced right) due to dirty or worn contacts on the switch. If it’s the switch in the back, it could also be due to a power supply problem, which seems more likely, and it just **sounds** like it’s coming from the switch (since the main switch is built into the power supply). If that’s the case, a new power supply would probably solve the problem. I doubt there’s a problem with the hard drive. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/6 "2002-08-02T20:39:09Z")
My vote is that you are having hard drive spinup problems with a PS problem a remote second. A HD spinup problem sounds exactly like all the things you have described. It could be located in the front of the box quite near the power switch. Note that the HD light going on means access (read or write) and not just write. A PS making clicking sounds means that the PS is trying to lock onto the right voltages and is failing and restarting. If this was true you would notice a _lot_ of other stuff going on too. Here’s one test: unplug the power connector to the HD, put a boot floppy in, and power up. See if the noise goes away. Note that you should completely unplug the PC when working with the innards. ---
**Author:** ![ScarletSteve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@ScarletSteve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ScarletSteve)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/7 "2002-08-02T21:50:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ftg \* > \*\*Note that you should completely unplug the PC when working with the innards. \*\* Not what I have been taught. I believe the PC should always be left plugged in but switched off at the mains when you have it open. That way it will still be earthed, and if you touch the chasis before any other components you will earth yourself and prevent static damage to any chips or other delicate components. I would still disconnect from the mains if I was workin with the PSU, though. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/8 "2002-08-02T22:18:50Z")
Hmm. Sounds like a plan. This does assume that I will be able to find the power connector to the HD. Should this be fairly easy to locate? And if there is a HD spinup problem, is it worth fixing? And I was not clear early, I have a power button, not a switch. To turn the computer off without using the Windows shut off, I have to hold the button down for about five seconds. ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/9 "2002-08-02T22:44:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ScarletSteve \* > \*\* > > Not what I have been taught. I believe the PC should always be left plugged in but switched off at the mains when you have it open. That way it will still be earthed, and if you touch the chasis before any other components you will earth yourself and prevent static damage to any chips or other delicate components. > > I would still disconnect from the mains if I was workin with the PSU, though. \*\* Do you know anyone at all that would work on their PC in this way? I don’t know how your house is wired but that would mean there was no power in the room where my computer was. In the electronics labs where I work and have worked there would be a conductive mat that equipment sits on and people would have wrist straps to ensure that they were at the same potential. I however have never heard of leaving stuff plugged in to keep it grounded. Most computer places will sell the mat and ground strap for relatively cheap if you want to go that way. I, myself, just touch the chasis first to ensure that I and the computer are at the sample potential. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/10 "2002-08-02T22:57:06Z")
Just turn it on, then use the switch on the power strip to turn it on/off from now on. Don’t have a power strip? You should. ---
**Author:** ![Jpeg\_Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/4bbf92/32.png) [@Jpeg\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jpeg_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/11 "2002-08-02T23:40:11Z")
**handy** , I don’t think what you suggested is a good idea. Computers are very sensitive machines and they don’t like being turned on and off in this way. If there’s something wrong with **BobT** ’s power, this is definitely not the solution. ---
**Author:** ![stockton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@stockton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stockton)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2002, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/12 "2002-08-02T23:51:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by handy \* > \*\*Just turn it on, then use the switch on the power strip to turn it on/off from > now on. Don’t have a power strip? You should. \*\* Ouch! Please tell me this is a joke. …and if you crack the case open, DON’T leave the damned thing plugged in. I don’t think I need to tell you why. The WAGs are thick as flies in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/13 "2002-08-03T00:07:43Z")
Well, I was thinking of buying a new computer. The computer has been turned off at the power button frequently because I seem to get a lot of memory problems that causes the system to freeze. And the computer is 5 years old. And it may be time for a new one. But I made a new system bootup disk for the next time it goes down. But I hope to get by with using “standby” for a while. ---
**Author:** ![Number](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/number/32/242_2.png) [@Number](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Number)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/14 "2002-08-03T07:40:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by stockton \* > \*\* > > Ouch! Please tell me this is a joke. > > …and if you crack the case open, DON’T leave the damned thing plugged in. I don’t think I need to tell you why. > > The WAGs are thick as flies in this thread. \*\* The suggestion is perfectly valid. Using a power strip to turn the computer on and off shouldn’t cause any damage if Windows is shut down properly beforehand. I disagree with your second comment as well. When working inside a computer either a) Leave the machine plugged in and flip off the hard power switch on the back of the computer’s PS or b) Plug the computer into a power strip and turn off the strip. Either one of these methods will protect your computer’s sensitive electronic components from static electricity as long as you’re touching the case. There is no risk of electrocuting yourself since there is no current flowing into the box. ---
**Author:** ![Urban\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Urban\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urban_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/15 "2002-08-03T08:11:53Z")
I don’t think keeping the case grounded will help against a static discharge. If you touch a card, it’s not likely it is grounded. Even if it is, you can’t tell how the current will flow. Better ground yourself before hand. ---
**Author:** ![Number](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/number/32/242_2.png) [@Number](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Number)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/16 "2002-08-03T15:11:58Z")
Yes, by touching the case. ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/17 "2002-08-03T15:48:49Z")
I really have to disagree strongly with keeping the computer plugged in and turning off the power supply. This is not a safe way to work on electronics. Some parts of the computer will be at 120V AC. They should be contained within the power supply but you are poking around the computer with the case off and you might accidently touch the powered part. You might be using a screw driver to remove screws and slip allowing the screwdriver to enter the power supply through one of the many holes in the power supply shield that are there to allow for proper cooling. Unplug the computer. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/18 "2002-08-03T16:05:21Z")
"I really have to disagree strongly with keeping the computer plugged in and turning off the power supply. This is not a safe way to work on electronics. " I don’t know how that comment of mine got confused. The person wondered if it was the power switch, so I said to use the switch on the power strip. That way you can test if its the power switch on the computer thats the issue or not. I never told anyone to open the case with it plugged in. I rememeber my comptuer 5 years ago, it was perfectly fine to turn everything on at the same time at the power strip. That kept the printer, modem, zip drive, etc from being on all the time, see? ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/19 "2002-08-03T16:09:28Z")
We went thru this “Leave it plugged in so you can use it as a ground” nonsense in another thread a week or 2 ago. Sheesh. **Unplug** it. Completely. Don’t just turn it off, don’t rely on a power strip. 1. Modern PCs and many older ones have power on _all the time_ with the front power switch seemingly off. This can easily lead to damage to the system or _to you_ if something gets dropped or touched causing a short. 2. Power switches on power strips can be faulty or easily accidently flipped on. _Unplug it, unplug it, unplug it._ You have to be _doubly_ careful around electronics. A “little caution” is completely inadequate. The power connector to a HD is usually a group of 4 wires (red, black, black yellow) with a white connector. Gently pull it straight out. Do not rock. May take some time, so _take time_, don’t rush it. Replacing a HD is relatively basic work. The place you buy a new HD from can do it (sometimes free or $), copying all the old files over. Or you can use a knowledgable friend. Definitely not a big enough problem to consider replacing a PC if that’s all it needs. [As I mentioned in the last thread where this bad advice came up. On tech boards, you can get kicked off for recommending this to novices. It is truly dangerous advice. If I see it suggested again, I’m going to start lobbying that this rule be applied to the SDMB.] ---
**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040/20 "2002-08-03T16:47:31Z")
Electronics parts can get damaged due to static electricity. The problem arises because you are at a different potential than the computer. In order to remedy this problem you need to bring yourself and the computer to the same potential. This can be done by touching the computer case. However, as you move around you can change your potential due to friction with the floor and other surroundings. In order to keep you and the computer at the same potential you can use a wrist strap that keeps you electrically connected with the computer case. Wrist straps are cheap and available at finer computer stores everywhere. They are even available for purchase on the internet. [http://www.cablesnmor.com/anti-static-wrist-strap.html](http://www.cablesnmor.com/anti-static-wrist-strap.html) Leaving the computer plugged into a power strip that is shut off will keep the computer chasis potential at third wire ground potential. You walking around your house are not necessarily at third wire ground potential. So unless you connect yourself to the computer chasis by touching it or using the wrist band you have not protected you computer equipment by leaving it plugged in and it is potentially dangerous for the reasons I and ftg have mentioned. Unplug all electronic equipment you are working on period. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-headed-for-the-graveyard/122040.md?page=2)