computer won't start - alarm sounds

[knowles-haefele]

This used to happen every once in a while, but the last three times I've started the computer it beeps (like an alarm) when I push the button. I have to just do a hard shutdown to stop it and it will usually start again on the second try. The last three times I've started the computer it's done this and one of those required two hard shutdowns to finally start. The computer is only about 18 months old.

[itsmyname]

@knowles-haefele -- what sort of alarm? The motherboard can sound an alarm if the fan on top of the heat-sink on top of the processor has failed (or is too slow to announce to the motherboard that it is OK).

The motherboard can also "beep" if there is some problem.

Count the number of beeps, and the pattern, e.g., beep-beep-short-pause-beep-long-pause" then it repeats. Tell us the pattern, and your count of the beeps in each cycle.

Also, tell us the specific type of computer, e.g., "Envy" or "Compaq", and the exact model-number.

[knowles-haefele]

Thanks. It's a Pavilion desktop that is less than 2 years old. After the fourth time I tried using a vacuum on the side with the vents and so far it's started without the beeping two days in a row. I will make note of the pattern if it happens again.

[itsmyname]

@knowles-haefele -- it is good that it is now working, but I still recommend that you take the computer to a computer technician, for them to open-up the computer, and to remove more dust from your computer.

Dust can accumulate in the heat-sink that is on top of your processor, and in the fan on top of that heat-sink, and inside the power-supply.  So, the technician will have many places to use compressed-air, and/or Q-tips to physically "brush" any deposits of dust.