What might this computer fan problem mean? Is it resolved?

July 23, 2009

One of the two fans underneath my laptop computer began making some TERRIBLE grinding noises, so I unscrewed the laptop’s case, and vacuumed out a big clot of dust and debris from the fan’s housing.

This did not actually solve the problem entirely; it was still making loud whirring noises whenever it was rotating quickly (though it was largely quiet before its high-speed setting kicked in).

Then I simply shut the computer off for 24 hours. When I restarted it, it made the same terrible whirring noises, but after about four hours of operation, the fan suddenly returned to its normal noise levels.

The fans are still operational and my diagnostic software says the computer temperature is at normal levels, so, it seems to be operating correctly.

What happened? Is it possible for a fan problem to linger after an obstruction is removed, then spontaneously resolve itself later on?

This particular laptop is somewhat older (about 4 years of age).

Whats the differance between Device manager, and System Information?

July 22, 2009

what is the difference, dont they mean the same thing??..
i know that system information talks about the software about the computer…but dont they mean the same thing between device manager and system information??
I also can look up information in the direct x diagnostics tool.

Start>run>dxdiag

but dont they all mean the same thing??
windows xp pro edition.

Restoring/reinstalling (?) a computer?

July 21, 2009

i have a computer that is pretty virus-ridden and really can’t be saved. i’ve managed to back up everything before it stopped accepting usb drives and writable discs, which is good. i have a bunch of discs that dell sent me a while ago in order to do this. i have… (1) dell dimension resource cd, with device drivers, diagnostics and utilities, and computer documentations (2) reinstallation cd – windows xp professional service pack 2 (3) installation disc for roxio easy cd creator (4) disc for reinstalling dell tools system software – antivirus, support, multimedia, internet software. // now, which should i use first, and what exactly do i do? i know i should probably just call dell, but i hate phone support. i’d rather do it on my own.

or, alternately, where on the web can i find instructions to do this?

Starting a small business? ?

July 20, 2009

I am trying to start a small business; which would entail; basic computer hardware, software repair and diagnostics. Television repair as well as game consoles. Can someone help me out? I know I would be able to turn it into a profitable business. I just need financial assistance.
The only thing I need the financial assistance with, is getting a few parts to help it move along.

Windows XP diagnostic question?

July 19, 2009

My father’s computer is very slow and it makes a grinding noise when it has to process information. I’m pretty sure it’s not a problem on the software end. I think maybe the RAM is toast or the hard drive damaged. Is there a diagnostic tool in XP (or maybe in BIOS) that can run checks on my hardware to see if they are performing as they should?