Why is my computer squealing?
Discussion
Short answer: It's f
ked, get a new one.
Long answer: Listen for where exactly the noise is comming from, is it speakers, the screen, the air vents, where the power socket is or the power brick itself.
If it's the air vents then it's just the fans spinning up (on mains most laptops quickly jump to full pelt before settling down again).
If it's the screen then hmm... sounds inverter-ish but not sure why it's only do it on mains... unless your screen brightens?
If it's the speakers then sounds like an unshielded connection somewhere, try moving the power cord and see if it goes away.
If it's the power socket. Something is wrong. It's either the socket/soldering around it going banjo or the power brick is having a hissy fit. Both are fixable. See below for power brick problem. You'll need screwdrivers and a soldering iron, crack the case, find the socket look for a dry joint... if you don't spot something just resolder/replace the connector.
DO NOT got to PC World or somewhere similar about this, they'll want to replace the whole damn logic board and that'll cost £££ even for an old laptop for something that uses 10 pence of solder and an hour of your or some geeks time
If it's the power brick then unplug it, look at the sticker on it to get the voltage settings and see if a universal laptop brick from Maplins or Novatech will do the job.
Obviously if under warranty... phone them up and complain.
ked, get a new one. Long answer: Listen for where exactly the noise is comming from, is it speakers, the screen, the air vents, where the power socket is or the power brick itself.
If it's the air vents then it's just the fans spinning up (on mains most laptops quickly jump to full pelt before settling down again).
If it's the screen then hmm... sounds inverter-ish but not sure why it's only do it on mains... unless your screen brightens?
If it's the speakers then sounds like an unshielded connection somewhere, try moving the power cord and see if it goes away.
If it's the power socket. Something is wrong. It's either the socket/soldering around it going banjo or the power brick is having a hissy fit. Both are fixable. See below for power brick problem. You'll need screwdrivers and a soldering iron, crack the case, find the socket look for a dry joint... if you don't spot something just resolder/replace the connector.
DO NOT got to PC World or somewhere similar about this, they'll want to replace the whole damn logic board and that'll cost £££ even for an old laptop for something that uses 10 pence of solder and an hour of your or some geeks time
If it's the power brick then unplug it, look at the sticker on it to get the voltage settings and see if a universal laptop brick from Maplins or Novatech will do the job.
Obviously if under warranty... phone them up and complain.
Edited by ThePassenger on Thursday 26th April 02:04
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