Computer sounds alarm when burning

[theobserved]

Hello,

A loud continuous alarm sounds from my system and will only stop once I close the program that I'm using. My problem has occurred since I started to burn DVDs or encode them. I thought it was limited to one program, DVDSanta, but then it happened when I tried to convert an AVI to DVD in WINAVIDVDCOPY, and now it is starting to happen when I use Nero. Please note that, I have successfully burned the same type of file in the recent past with Nero.

My operating system is Windows XP, and CPU is Pentium 4, 1.60 GHZ.

I assume the problem is related to my Operating System, however, this has only occurred when working with media files. I have scoured the internet to find an explanation and have found no answers to my problem. Also, I tested the temperature using SpeedFan, and there seems to be no problem there.

If anyone has any suggestions, I would be very happy to read them!

Thank-you very much in advance
You assistance is Much appreciated,:)

[HardwareGeek]

Try to identify the software process that is making the noise.

Go to Task Manager > Processes tab and click on the CPU column heading once or twice to view processes that consume the most CPU at the top.

Do this while your system emits the alarm.

[ammck55]

Welcome to the Forum:

Whether this problem turns out to be hardware or software related, I'd get in a hurry to back up my sensitive/irreplaceable data. Don't get caught short.

ammck55

[theobserved]

It looks like it is a memory issue. I checked the CPU (txk.mgr) when the alarm sounded, and it was at 99%. Does this mean I need to add more memory to my system?

[ammck55]

Please note that, I have successfully burned the same type of file in the recent past with Nero.
Have you successfully done any encoding in the past, or just sent files straight to the burner? Encoding will definitely strain your system resources; the more memory, the better. I've got 512 MB's of DDR installed in both boxes that I encode with and have never had a problem as far as memory.

How much memory is installed? If you've only 128 MB's and running XP, then you definitely need more. If you've 256 MB's, or even 512 MB's on board, then one, or both (not likely) of your memory sticks could be failing.

Memory is relatively cheap these days, if you can, buy a stick and install. You might also try moving the sticks around that are in place. Say, if you've got two 256 MB sticks, pull one out and reboot and test. If it still goofs, switch slots with the one stick and try again. Just try different combinations of placement and number of sticks installed and you should be able to get a handle on which of your sticks is failing/failed, if indeed, this is the case. One of your memory slots could be the culprit, if a stick performs well in all slots save one, this is your clue. Good luck!

ammck55

[theobserved]

Have you successfully done any encoding in the past, or just sent files straight to the burner?

How much memory is installed?
ammck55

Yes, I have successfully encoded in the past, using the same program WINAVIDVD Copy. To answer your Q, I have 352MB's, which I suppose is quite low. I'm glad to hear that it is cheap to increase the RAM. I think that should solve my problem.

Thank-you for relieving my confusion.
:o

[smiller667]

CPU load is not directly related to memory usage. Little memory will certainly slow your box down, but that's because of swapping out to disk (which is disk I/O intensive but not really putting stress on the CPU). Putting in more memory won't reduce CPU load when doing encoding work.

If you hear an alarm, could this be simply an overheating alarm of your PC's BIOS? You did not say when the alarm occurs precisely - already when you simply burn sth. or only when you do some sort of conversion in Nero/Santa/whatever?

Converting/encoding video is a very CPU-intensive activity and will give your system a nice workout - if your CPU/case fan is clogged with dust, you might simply be hearing an overtemp alarm.

Steve

[HardwareGeek]

I checked the CPU (txk.mgr) when the alarm sounded, and it was at 99%.
Which tab in Task Manager were you at? If you were at the Performance tab, and the CPU Usage read 99% (see link below for example), then your CPU is getting hammered, and it's likely a heating problem that is causing the beeping.

352MB of RAM under XP should be adequate, provided you do not have open lots of programs at one and the same time.

To cool a CPU under duress, it helps to have good airflow. This can be provided with an intake fan to pull in cool air from the outside, and an exhaust fan (usually in the back) to expel hot air. Otherwise you're just blowing hot air over the CPU, which doesn't do a good job of cooling it.

Please see this link for a snapshot of a CPU under duress: Task Manager (http://www.AskAboutComputers.com/task_manager.jpg)

[setarip_old]

You might want to open up your system and clean out all dust bunnies and any grease that may have accumulated, including on your fans.

And while you're in there, check all wire conncections and make sure cards are properly seated...