computer noise

[calypso]

A few times today while using the computer it made a sound like it was trying to read a disk when there were no disks inserted. It lasted for a few minutes each time. The first time I shut it off thinking it was going to self destruct or something. The second time it stopped by itself. It hasn't acted like this before. Dang...there it goes again. What could this be? Is the computer overheating? I checked all the vents etc.

[Gamehendge Jazz]

Is the "noise" coming from a hard drive? Is the case well-ventelated (and/or in a ventelated location)?

[Sylvander]

"there were no disks inserted"
OK, it's a guessing game right?
I'll guess it's the FDD rattling away.
And I'll guess this is happening whilst you're working within Windows.

If so, delete all the shortcut files in the "C:\WINDOWS\Recent" folder.
One or more of those will lead to files you recently accessed on a floppy disk in the a: drive.
Those are what cause the FDD to rattle like a machine gun as Windows attempts to read a file on a floppy that isn't available.

"The first time I shut it off"
If you hit the off switch instead of shutting down or hibernating, the you need to scan the file system for possible file system errors introduced as a result.

[calypso]

I guess the noise was the fan on high. I had the computer backed up into a corner. When I pulled it out from the corner the noise started up again and I could feel the fan blowing hard. Maybe the excess heat was just getting recirculated back there. I will see if this helps. Thanks for the reply

[calypso]

thanks sylvander, you are right, I was working in windows etc. I'll check out what you suggested.