# Popping noise made my computer, then...nothing, for a while **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 31, 2001, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popping-noise-made-my-computer-then-nothing-for-a-while/60183 "2001-03-31T00:43:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2001, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popping-noise-made-my-computer-then-nothing-for-a-while/60183/1 "2001-03-31T00:43:36Z")
Ok, this morning I started up my home computer to check e-mail before work. Well, the computer started up, then there was a “pop” sound, the screen went blank, and it stopped starting up. I shut it down, and started it up again, but the same thing happened. After work, I thought I’d try again. It had barely begun to start up, when it happened again. The next time, it got almost all the way up-scan disk was finishing up because of the morning shut down-when it happened again, only this time it froze and wouldn’t shut down or continue. I unplugged it(yeah, I know, maybe not a great idea) I let it sit for a while, then tried again, and it started right up. Once it was completely up, I checked the hard disk for errors and none were found. So, 2 questions: 1. Any idea what was going on? Is it time to start looking for a new computer?(This is a Compaq Presario 1200, about 10 months old) 2. Is it going to keep happening? This was MOST annoying. 3. Hi Opal! ---
**Author:** ![DaveRaver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/daveraver/32/1078_2.png) [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2001, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popping-noise-made-my-computer-then-nothing-for-a-while/60183/2 "2001-03-31T01:07:44Z")
I experienced popping sounds from my screen when my warm, moist breath was too close to the screen. I have solved the problem by installing an anti-glare screen in front of the monitor, and there have been no further popping problems. You could temporarily improve your situation by not leaning so close into your computer. However, I’m not sure if this is your exact problem since my monitor certainly did not freeze. But you could give it a try. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2001, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popping-noise-made-my-computer-then-nothing-for-a-while/60183/3 "2001-03-31T01:28:57Z")
Thanks for the input, but in the morning, I hit the button and walk away while it starts up. Unless there’s someeone else living here that I don’t know about that’s not it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![486](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/4/ecccb3/32.png) [@486](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/486)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2001, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popping-noise-made-my-computer-then-nothing-for-a-while/60183/4 "2001-03-31T07:49:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lsura \* > \*\*Ok, this morning I started up my home computer to check e-mail before work. Well, the computer started up, then there was a “pop” sound, the screen went blank, and it stopped starting up. I shut it down, and started it up again, but the same thing happened. > > … > > 1. Any idea what was going on? Is it time to start looking for a new computer?(This is a Compaq Presario 1200, about 10 months old) > > 2. Is it going to keep happening? This was MOST annoying. > > 3. Hi Opal! > > \*\* If the pop sound is coming from the computer, it may be the power supply going out – you should not use the computer until you have it cheched out, or you risk damage to the other parts. A power supply can easily be replaced. If the pop comes from the monitor it’s probably time for a new monitor. The problem is most likely with a high-voltage capacitor or the h-v supply, these are not as easily repaired, and can be dangerous to work on. (I have a monitor that once made a ‘pop’ sound, and blinked on and off at the same time…that monitor is unplugged waiting for repair) If your pc has an electrical problem it will only get worse with time, I would recommend that you not leave it running unattended especially if its the monitor (there is a mall risk of fire from bad monitors) -486 ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2001, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popping-noise-made-my-computer-then-nothing-for-a-while/60183/5 "2001-03-31T16:11:06Z")
When you unplug an appliance for a minute, it resets the electronics inside. This works for any appliance & its a great trick to try first.