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Author Topic: Weird Smell  (Read 2518 times)

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notuslethe

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Weird Smell
« on: June 12, 2009, 01:48:16 PM »
Yesterday I dusted out my computer. I only used an old t-shirt and q-tips, no chemicals at all. I took off the fans (the one near the power source, and two others, but not the processor fan), cleaned them, and replaced them. The power source fan and one other fan blow out, one fan blows in.

All day I've been smelling something like burnt hair. When I try smelling around my computer, I can't smell it, but sitting at the desk I can. I'm not sure if I'm going crazy, or if it's something wrong with my computer.

Could my computer be making this smell, or am I crazy and it's just something else in the house?

I run SpeedFan, and it tells me nothing's wrong.

DaveLembke



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Re: Weird Smell
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2009, 03:11:47 PM »
The smell could be anything electronic with resistors or other carbon and waffer based semi-conductor to smell like hair. If you smelt something fishy smelling thats usually electrolyte from capacitors, they often let you know to their failure though with a hissing or a loud pop or bang when they blow their tops. Have you smelt around other devices, ac adapters, battery backups, monitor etc?

BC_Programmer


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Re: Weird Smell
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2009, 08:32:55 PM »
Also- just to double-check, make sure your hair isn't on fire.   :P
I was trying to dereference Null Pointers before it was cool.

Mulreay

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Re: Weird Smell
« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2009, 08:58:12 PM »
See I was gonna say 'make sure there is no one behind you with a lighter' but thought it's non-constructive. 3hrs I've been thinking about that post.  Should go with instinct next time  8)

Karnac



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    Re: Weird Smell
    « Reply #4 on: June 12, 2009, 09:25:57 PM »
    If it smells like toast, get to emergency, you're having a stroke.


    Never argue with a stupid person, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

    Mulreay

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    Re: Weird Smell
    « Reply #5 on: June 12, 2009, 09:33:58 PM »
    See I'm worried now. Are you feeling a slight dis-function to a side of your body?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpR5_LQCyzk

    Stay with us please!!

    BC_Programmer


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    Re: Weird Smell
    « Reply #6 on: June 12, 2009, 09:35:04 PM »
    do strokes normally last 8 hours?

    EDIT:

    wait a sec, he never replied.
    I was trying to dereference Null Pointers before it was cool.

    Mulreay

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    Re: Weird Smell
    « Reply #7 on: June 12, 2009, 09:47:09 PM »
    Were all going straight to *censored* if he is!!

    BC_Programmer


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    Re: Weird Smell
    « Reply #8 on: June 12, 2009, 09:48:28 PM »
    Quote
    All day I've been smelling something like burnt hair. When I try smelling around my computer, I can't smell it, but sitting at the desk I can. I'm not sure if I'm going crazy, or if it's something wrong with my computer.

    burnt hair and burnt toast smell quite different.
    I was trying to dereference Null Pointers before it was cool.

    ImnoGuru



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      Re: Weird Smell
      « Reply #9 on: June 13, 2009, 04:34:33 AM »
      You don't own any pets notuslethe?
      A little puppy/pussycat sitting just under the table maybe?
      It takes 15 years to become an overnight success & Windows 10 will add another 10 years to it.

      patio

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      Re: Weird Smell
      « Reply #10 on: June 13, 2009, 08:36:38 AM »
      Use a can of compressed air to finish the cleaning.
      NOTE: When doing the fan/heatsink areas use a QTip to hold the fan blades in place to prevent damaging them.

      The initial cleaning probably lodged some dirt/hair close to a heat source which is what's causing the smell
      Good Luck !
      " Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "