tech question open to anyone interested in responding

[anspach]

One of our laptop computers is a Gateway 1150 - I've called Gateway about this and they are stumped...

Anyway -heres the problem - every so often (maybe once a month)- someone will be using this computer on the internet and the computer makes this load cracking noise (sort of like a needle scratching a record) - then we have to shut down the computer and restart it and hope the noise goes away.

Could it be phone line disturbance or is my modem on the fritz.

It's driving us crazy and probably not good for the computer.

Any suggestion would help.

Rob Anspach

[(jj)]

Does this ONLY happen when the modem is being used?

You say you have to shut it down, why? Does the computer stop functioning or does it dump offline and the noise stays?

Does the noise reappear after a reboot without the modem being in use?


I know, more question and very little help. But we have to start somewhere.


Just my "For What It's Worth"

[Metro]

I know if I have my volume up loud & I reset my tapi modem I get a crakle sound while it resets. So it may be the modem.

[anspach]

noise only happens when online

I keep the volume at 2 bars - which is very low

if I don't reset the computer when the noise occurs it will freeze up the system

--this particluar laptop is a real pain - -I'm wondering if getting x-ray'd so many times through airports could have caused this glich

?????


Rob

[(jj)]

Ok, I'm going to assume here (and I do hate that) that you do not have any trouble with phone lines/modems on any other computer in your home.

That being true, then there is only one device left (well maybe 2) where the problem may lie....the modem.

If you have a PCMCIA modem with a dongle cord, it could possibly be a broken ground wire in the cord and it would only cause the noise when it was in the right position.

There are few possibilities that could cause what you describe.

Noise on the phone line
Bad phone line jumper cord or bad dongle cord.
Faulty modem.
Or, the modem is getting too hot from excess heat from within the laptop.

I know they claim that the Xrays do not harm electronics, but they'll never convince me of that. Overexposure to that can not be good for electronic components.


Just my "For What It's Worth"

[anspach]

maybe I should keep my office a cool 68 degrees so that this piece of chit wont over heat...or as the saying goes "grate-a-way" that Gateway

we are in the process of rewiring the phone lines with noise dampeners and suppressors - maybe that will help

but I think maybe the overheating is the big issue

thanks

Rob

[Metro]

The only problems I ever have with computers are the ones that are intermittent. They are the hardest ones to find. Now it’s your turn…. :D