How to Fix Grinding Noises Coming From Computer

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

It can be scary to hear your computer make a grinding noise when you turn it on or even just suddenly after running it for a while. The only components that can make this kind of noise inside a computer are mechanical moving parts, such as cooling fans or drives (hard disk drives or optical disc drives). The actual part that is making the noise can either signal a minor or a major issue, so it is important that you determine the source of the noise as soon as possible. Other symptoms that can be noticed during the noise are the computer to be running slower than usual, freezing or even crashing.

In order to find which of these components is causing the noise, you have to listen closely to determine where the sound is coming from. If possible, the computer case may need to opened for a more accurate assessment.

• In case of the optical disc drive, without having to open the case, you can just eject the disc quickly and listen if the noise disappeared.
• In case of a hard disk drive, the sound is more like a hard ticking or crackling noise. The disk drive may also be overheating and be unsafe to touch. In this case, you should be backing up your data as soon as possible as the disk may be at risk of failure.
• In case of a cooling fan, the sound is like a loud whirring or miniature motor and is caused either by lack of oil, dust gathered on the fan and inside the case, the fan being misaligned or wires or other objects touching the fan blades.

Hearing a grinding noise coming from your computer can be alarming, as it often indicates a mechanical issue that needs immediate attention. The grinding noise could be emanating from various components, such as the optical disc drive, hard disk drive (HDD), or a cooling fan. In this article, we'll explore the steps to diagnose and fix grinding noises from these different sources.

Optical Disc Drive

Identifying the Problem:

• The grinding noise is typically heard when a CD or DVD is inserted into the drive.

Steps to Fix:

1. Eject the Disc: Remove any disc from the drive and check for damage or dirt. Clean the disc if necessary.
2. Check for Foreign Objects: Ensure no foreign objects are lodged inside the drive.
3. Clean the Drive Lens: Use a lens cleaner disc to clean the optical lens inside the drive.
4. Update Drivers: Ensure that your drives drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause the drive to malfunction.
5. Replace the Drive: If the noise persists, the drives mechanical parts might be worn out. Consider replacing the optical drive.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Identifying the Problem:

• Grinding noises from an HDD are serious as they can indicate a failing drive. This noise is often accompanied by slow performance and frequent read/write errors.

Steps to Fix:

1. Backup Your Data: Immediately backup your data if you suspect your HDD is failing.
2. Run Disk Check: On Windows, run chkdsk in the Command Prompt. On a Mac, use Disk Utility to perform a "First Aid" check.
3. Check for Loose Components: Open your computer case and ensure the HDD is securely mounted and that all cables are properly connected.
4. Reduce Mechanical Stress: Avoid moving or shaking your computer while the HDD is in use.
5. Consider Replacement: Persistent grinding noises often mean the HDD is on the brink of failure. Replace it with a new HDD or consider upgrading to an SSD (Solid State Drive) for better performance and reliability.

Cooling Fan

Identifying the Problem:

• Grinding noises from a fan can occur due to dust buildup, misalignment, or bearing issues.

Steps to Fix:

1. Clean the Fans: Shut down your computer, open the case, and use compressed air to clean out dust from the fans.
2. Check Fan Alignment: Make sure the fan is properly aligned in its housing and that nothing is obstructing its rotation.
3. Lubricate the Bearings: If the fan has serviceable bearings, you can try lubricating them with a small amount of light machine oil.
4. Replace the Fan: If cleaning and lubrication don't stop the noise, the fan may be worn out and need replacement.

General Tips

• Regular Maintenance: Regular cleaning of your computer's internal components can prevent many issues related to dust and dirt.
• Be Observant: Keep an ear out for unusual noises from your computer, as they can be the first sign of a component failure.
• Avoid DIY if Unsure: If you're not comfortable opening your computer and handling internal components, it's best to seek professional help.

A grinding noise from your computer is a sign that shouldn't be ignored. Whether it's coming from the optical disc drive, HDD, or a cooling fan, prompt attention can prevent further damage and potential data loss. Regular maintenance, careful handling, and being proactive about backups are key practices to minimize the risk of hardware failure. In cases where the issue is beyond basic troubleshooting, consulting with a professional technician is advisable.

It is highly recommended to seek a professional for help in these situations. However, if you feel tech savvy enough, there are few things you can try doing yourself.

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If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

2. Requirements

For an optical disc to be read properly:

1. Make sure the disc drive is capable of reading the disc type you are inserting (CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc).
2. Make sure your device containing the disc drive is placed on a stable flat surface in the position it's intended to be used in.
3. Make sure you are inserting the disc correctly in the drive. Most optical disc drives can only read discs placed in a horizontal position with the label facing upward, whereas others can read discs in a vertical position as well.

Check your devices documentation if you're unsure what types of discs it can read, how to position your device or how to place the disc into the drive.

3. Check Disc

1. Hold the disc by the edges without touching the top or bottom surfaces.
   

1. Inspect the disc for dirt, scratches or visible defects.
2. If the disc is dirty, use a soft, clean, slightly damp cloth to clean it by lightly wiping from the center of the disc outward.
   

1. Use water only. Do not use solvents to clean the disc.
2. If the disc still can't be recognized or played, try it in another unit of the same type or try another disc of the same type in the unit.

4. What's next?

5. Storage Drive Types

Computer storage drives are devices that allow you to save your data and store it for future use. There are two main storage drive types in use today:

• Hard Disk Drives (HDD) containing mechanical parts, mainly metal platters with a magnetic coating and reading/writing heads on moving arms that access data while the platters are spinning. Compared to SSDs they are less expensive and provide higher storage capacity, they have a longer life span but are more vulnerable to physical damage due to their moving parts.
• Solid State Drives (SSD) containing no mechanical parts, but instead containing interconnected memory chips similar to those found in USB flash drives. Compared to HDDs they provide much faster access to data and are less vulnerable to physical damage due to lacking moving parts, but have a shorter life span due to their cells wearing out over time.

6. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

7. Check Drive Type

1. Type optimize in the search field at the bottom left corner of your screen then click Defragment and Optimize Drives in the search results.
   

1. Look at the Media type column. It will show what type of drives your computer has.
   

8. Data Backups

It is always wise to backup your computer's data. Data backups should be performed regularly. Even beyond the scope of malware or for the sake of security, it is always prudent to have frequent backups because hard drives can fail, systems can crash, things can break, "life can happen," so you're always better off safe than sorry.

Data backups, just like any type of backup, are a matter of redundancy. One backup solution is good, two or more is better.

Offsite backups (such as online data backup services) are always a good idea, especially as a secondary backup. That way, in the unfortunate event that a fire, flood, or theft happens, you have a copy of your data in a remote, offsite location to fall back on.

It is always prudent to set your backups to use a versioning scheme. When it comes to backing up data, versioning is like a saved history of your files. Versioning allows your backup service to record multiple copies (or versions) of your files in its system (how many depends on the service). You can use file versioning to go back and retrieve the version you need. That way if files are corrupted, infected, or locked, you don't have to worry about having only one backup which may be the bad version.

If you are using a local backup such as an external hard drive or flash drive, it is always a good idea to disconnect the drive when it is not in use. This is a safety precaution, as some forms of malware can encrypt or corrupt all of the data on any connected drive, so a drive that is no longer physically connected cannot be affected.

9. Get External Hard Drive

We will need an external disk to store the backup on.

Return to this guide when you have purchased an external hard drive.

10. Backup

Windows 10 comes with its own backup software.

To begin you'll need an external drive.

1. Connect your external hard drive to your computer.
2. Select the Start menu in the corner of your screen, then select Settings.
   

1. Select Update & Security.
   

1. Select Backup.
   

1. Make sure your external drive is connected and select Add a Drive.
   

1. Select the drive you want to backup your data to.
   

1. Backups will start automatically, you do not have to make any other changes.
2. Windows 10 will now make a backup every hour of C:\Users\<your username>.
3. If you want to change these settings click More Options beneath Add a drive.

11. What's next?

12. Check Drive Type

1. From the Apple menu select About This Mac.
   

1. Then go to System Report.
   

1. Select Storage in the left pane then look for Medium Type in the right pane.
   

1. If the medium type shows Rotational that means the storage device is a Hard Disk Drive and if it shows SSD then it is a Solid State Drive.

13. Data Backups

It is always wise to backup your computer's data. Data backups should be performed regularly. Even beyond the scope of malware or for the sake of security, it is always prudent to have frequent backups because hard drives can fail, systems can crash, things can break, "life can happen," so you're always better off safe than sorry.

Data backups, just like any type of backup, are a matter of redundancy. One backup solution is good, two or more is better.

Offsite backups (such as online data backup services) are always a good idea, especially as a secondary backup. That way, in the unfortunate event that a fire, flood, or theft happens, you have a copy of your data in a remote, offsite location to fall back on.

It is always prudent to set your backups to use a versioning scheme. When it comes to backing up data, versioning is like a saved history of your files. Versioning allows your backup service to record multiple copies (or versions) of your files in its system (how many depends on the service). You can use file versioning to go back and retrieve the version you need. That way if files are corrupted, infected, or locked, you don't have to worry about having only one backup which may be the bad version.

If you are using a local backup such as an external hard drive or flash drive, it is always a good idea to disconnect the drive when it is not in use. This is a safety precaution, as some forms of malware can encrypt or corrupt all of the data on any connected drive, so a drive that is no longer physically connected cannot be affected.

14. Get External Hard Drive

We will need an external disk to store the backup on.

Return to this guide when you have purchased an external hard drive.

15. Backup

1. Purchase an external hard drive at least as large as how much information you have to back up. To see approximately how much space you'll need:
2. Choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
   

1. Click the Storage tab.
   

1. Connect the external hard drive to your computer, and power the drive, if required.
2. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
   

1. Click Time Machine

1. Click Select Backup Disk, Select Disk, or Add or Remove Backup Disk.
   

1. Select a backup disk from the list, then click Use Disk.
2. Click the Time Machine

1. icon on the top-right side of your Mac, and choose Back Up Now.

Your initial backup will take a while to complete. Do not turn off your Mac, but you may continue using your Mac. A message will pop-up in the top-right corner letting you know when the backup is complete.

You can check the status of the backup by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the top-right.

16. What's next?

17. Dirt Buildup

18. Clean & Oil Fans

If you had a computer for more then a few months, it is likely to have accumulated some dirt inside and out. Dust, grime, hair and other debris can build up on fans, heat sinks and other parts. Components can also come loose or become unseated over time. All these can affect a computers performance in a negative way.

Using a compressed air duster is the best and most recommended way of cleaning inside a computer.

When blowing compressed air, keep the can upright at all times and never shake it to prevent the liquid refrigerant from leaking onto your electronics. Use short bursts of two or three seconds. When the can gets too cold to hold, set it down for a few minutes until it warms up again.

For a desktop computer

1. Turn the computer off and unplug its power cable.
2. Open the computer case and remove the side panel.Only open the computer if its warranty has expired. If it's still in warranty, only clean it from the outside.
3. Blow compressed air to clean up the inside of the computer. Pay special attention to the fans. Also remove any wires or objects that may be touching the fan blades.

1. Blow some air through the vents as well, from the inside and the outside.
   

1. Locate any fans and peel back their sticker partially to see the bearing. If there is a protective cap underneath, remove that as well. Add one or two drops at most of oil.
   Only use lightweight mechanical oil. Do not use cooking oil or spray lubricant.

1. Once done, put the side panel back in place, reconnect the power cable and turn the computer on to test it out.

For a laptop or all-in-one computer

1. Turn the computer off and unplug its power cable.
2. Locate the air vents or other openings.
3. Blow compressed air to clean up the vents or other openings.
   

1. Once done, reconnect the power cable and turn the computer on to test it out.