Expert: Lorry - 11/26/2007

Question
Recently (last two weeks i've noticed) my computer will randomly make a 'scream' noise or a wolf howling noise.  At first it only occurred if I had an IE window open (although the IE window was always minimized).  Now however, I've noticed it occurring without IE open....but I will have some kind of program running i.e. game, word, etc.  I've run virus scans and adaware, removed the suspect file, but still it occurs.  I cannot find any pattern to when the noise happens, it seems very random.
I assume its some kind of virus or something.  Any suggestions on what i can run to try and find/remove it?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

It could be the fan. Turn off and unplug the computer. Take the cover off, is there an excess of dust around the fan? If yes, you could vacuum it out or use the canned air to spray it out.

While under the cover, verify that the video card is seated securely.

Using Internet Explorer go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Click the GO button, then under Virus Detection, click Start. You might be told that you need to download and install ActiveX Controls for the scan to work, answer Yes.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

I would also suggest downloading Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.5, a program that removes spyware, available from:

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10743107.html?tag=lst-...

Check for updates before running. If you have trouble getting the updates, near the top of the Update Window, click the little arrow next See-Cure  #1(Europe), highlight the next one on the list, See-Cure #2 and try to download the updates. If that doesn't work, try the next one the list. until you get one you can download from. Being a free program, if too many people are using the same site to download the updates, some people will not get them.

Hope this helps!
Lorry