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Did I just compromise my computer? HELP!

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Jefferson:

Hey all, I'm nearing completion of my 2nd cab (a cocktail) and suddenly my PC is less stable-- freezing occasionally, getting 'usb connection found' and 'usb connection lost' sounds back and forth, and THE WORST, a 'hard drive spinning down' sound coming from within my pc.  Like its hard staying up and going.  I had to hard-shutdown once or twice so I've come to you for advice and understanding!

I suspect it started when I plugged in my first attempt at 'oscars' volume control, and while fumbling with the exposed wires and my crap solder, I must have touched the wrong two terminals on the pot and shorted something out.  Thats when the 'drive winding down' sound started.  Up and down it would wind, sending chills down my DIY spine.  I shut it down and restarted with out the knob and all seemed fine.  Even now its able to function normally for some periods, its just getting finicky.

I feel like my only options are:
-Back up all my mame/mala stuff
-Try running the speakers to the 'front' audio out jack instead of the one I possibly fried, in case the damage is isolated to that sound card

Has anyone else had this problem, is there a 'part' i can replace in my pc to fix this?  I'm a better builder than I am a computer guy! I'm fuh-reaking out!!!  So close!

BobA:

Does your sound card still work with the volume control removed?    When you powered down did you disconnect the AC to the power supply or just turn off the computer.   Try pulling the AC plug out of your power supply and then powering it up again.   If your sound card has a problem then it would be a real good idea to remove it.

Jefferson:

I removed the oscars volume knob hack right after the initial scare and went back to just the crappy computer speakers, which work fine (soundwise, aside from the general computer problems I detailed)

I just restarted (it may have been a hard shutdown) after the initial scare, and didn't unplug anything, inside or out.  Did you mean the AC adapter between the computer and the wall?  I'm generally wary of mucking around inside of a comp unless its something easy (wiring an arcade powerbutton, ram or an AVGA.)

I'm gonna try and fire her up again with the 360s in new USB plugs and the speakers in the front jack...





Jefferson:

OK I unplugged and replugged the ac adapter, speakers and all usb (kbd, mouse, 2 360s)

It boots, goes to mala, preview videos are fine... and then they freeze and the drive winds down.  it winds back up and the preview videos start and stop.  I get a lot of usb found and usb lost noises. and then it just freezes, and I cant right click the mouse or ctrl alt del or safe shut down via power button.  My only option is hard shutdown.  Help!  I will keep experimenting (next up... no speakers) but I'm afraid if I have to keep shutting down hard I'm just making it worse!

Jefferson:

Still freezes in mala without 360s or speakers plugged in. ahhhh

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