Annoying Windows 10 sounds could mean deeper problem, or a reason to switch to Linux
Q: I have a characteristic problem with my Dell XPS computer, purchased in 2011. It experienced hard disk failure two years ago; the hard disk was replaced and loaded from a back-up. I run Windows 10, even though my computer model was not tested for this update. The computer will signal a connect and disconnect sound periodically and the cursor will often freeze and become unresponsive often for an extended period. Sometimes it revives when I disconnect and reconnect the mouse or when I restart the computer. I have tried and continue to try software solutions to this problem; none have succeeded. My question boils down to something more simple: Is this problem beyond redemption? Should I purchase a new desktop computer? — Johann Cohn, Lakewood Tech+ I have no idea what you’re talking about. But I did a Google search for “computer will signal a connect and disconnect sound periodically” and found a few possible fixes: •This message board had people chiming in that it was the mouse, or the monitor going to sleep or the router: dpo.st/con•This message board had one person suggesting that if it’s the sound that’s annoying and nothing else, turn the “device disconnect” sound off (type “change system sounds” in Windows search to pull up “Sound” folder. Select “Sounds” tab and scroll down till you find “Device Connect” and “Device Disconnect.” Follow the on-screen instructions to change the sound to “None.
I’d also skim through the entire message and other links from the Google search to see what seems to work for other people.
That said, your computer is from 2011, so there could also be physical issues, like a loose wire on the circuit board or another component that’s falling off because the glue is old. It’s hard to fix that unless you
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like to take your PC apart to fix it — and put it back.
Windows freezing up could also be due to an inordinate number of things, including outdated or the wrong software, or a PC that doesn’t have enough processing power to complete tasks in a hurry. It’s best to do a search online that is specific to your issue because someone somewhere may have the exact fix for you.
If none of these tips work and you don’t really want to spend a few hundred dollars to fix the machine, I’d suggest switching to a different operating system, like Linux. A version called Ubuntu is more Windows-like and user friendly — and it’s free.
And a good resource is a Denver company called System 76, which I wrote about a few years ago: “System 76 in Denver shows how easy it is to use Ubuntu Linux computers.” The company sells Linux Ubuntu computers, but last year, it unveiled its own Linux-based operating system called Pop!_os, a trend PCWorld proclaimed “Exciting.”
Also, if you’re the type of person who prefers hand-holding when it comes to technology, System 76 does offer customer service with their machines — for life.