All Power to Fans

[jkhoch]

I need help. When I turn my compter on, the fans go on but are unusally loud. The computer won't run. It seems like all of the power is going to the fans, and none to the CMOS or BIOS.

 

[Navid]

You have better chances of figuring out the problem if you provide more information. For starters, a list of your components and what exactly happened. Was it working? What did you do just before it started behaving this way?

 

[jkhoch]

I have a Dell Dimension 8400. I purchased it in 2004. Everything inside the case is the original hardware. I haven't added anything. The problem occurred when my wife turned on the computer yesterday. Before that, it was running fine. I did have some trouble with the computer freezing up last week but the computer kept running. Is this enough info or do you need more?

 

[Harvey]

Without knowing more, I can think of two possibilities:

1. Something on your motherboard is overheating and causing the fan controller to kick into a high cooling mode.

2. If you have a voltmeter, try measuring the voltage on the fans. If it's high (greater than 12 volts), it would suggest you have a power supply problem.

If Dell's motherboard uses standard power supply connections, you could try connecting another power supply. If the system continues to do the same thing, the problems' on your motherboard or some component plugged into it.

 

[Navid]

Open the case.
Use a dust buster to remove dust bunnies from the inside specially from the CPU heat sink and the fan on it. If you have a can of compressed air, you can use it too for cleaning but do it outside.

Now, power on the computer and make sure than the CPU fan spins.

 

[jkhoch]

Thank you, I will try your suggestions.

 

[jkhoch]

Thank you, will do.

 

[jkhoch]

I cleaned all of the vents. I took the CPU fan off and cleaned it and the heat sink. I cleaned all of the dust out of the computer cabinet, but still have the same problem. Any other ideas?

 

[aceO07]

What does it say on the screen? Anything?
Does any of the keyboard light blink?
Any beeps? Sounds from the speaker?

In line with what others have mentioned, did you check to make sure the heatsink isn't loose?