Why does my computer make a grinding noise when it turns on?

Answer 1

If you have this problem, you probably have a 1 year old or more computer.

It makes the "grindstone" sound because it is using the fans to cool down the system. However, the fans are worn out, so they make noise. The plastic wore away the inside part of the fan (attached to what spins it) and it bumps around where it's trapped. Simple as that.

Answer 2

If your hard drive is making a grinding noise, then chances are your computer shouldn't be able to boot into windows. Depending on the type of grinding noise, how loud, then yes it could be a sign that it is on it's way out and if you can, certainly back up your data. You might want to check on some other things as well including the CD player as well as fans (cpu, and any other cards you might have installed).

Answer

I would suggest that perhaps you have overloaded your computer and do not have enough operating memory for it to load, particularly if it takes a long time! If you repurposed your machine from Vista to Windows 7, for example, that may also be a cause if you had just the minimum amount of RAM available. This won't fix the speed (mghz), but creating some space might help. To check the memory you have available, go to My Computer. Right click on the drive icon and choose Properties. If you have very little free space, then do the following: Run the Disk Clean up utility (Programs>Accessories>System Tools > Disk Clean up) to clean up excess files--check mark the temp files and set up files and most others--there should be no problem since the files are just taking up space. Next, back up your files, using copy, if you can, on to an external drive or CD disk. Delete any old document files you don't need. If you know you have programs on your computer that you don't need, Go to Control Panel and choose Uninstall or Change a Program. Right click and choose the delete option for any programs you no longer use. Err on the safe side: any question, leave it for now. The final step is to run Defragmenter (if you have free space!) to optimize the space you have. Choose the option from System Tools. If all is well, restart your computer and hopefully the grinding has reduced or is gone. In any case, as the other person stated, having a back up is very wise.

Answer 3

That is normally a symptom of a hard drive that is about to fail. My advice is to backup everything you do not want to loose immediately. A noisy hard drive is a sure sign it is failing and it could happen today.

Answer 4

The problem is with your PSU (The Place where you connect your power supply cable for CPU). There is a fan in the power supply unit that usually wears out with its grease and lubrication.The fan makes that sound so just go to a repair shop and have it lubricated or just open up your CPU under supervision and guidance of elder if you are a minor and take out that PSU and put machine oil from in the back part of the fan the noise will go away.This noise problem is common and is always related to the PSU fan only.