I have a Dell Lattitude D630, and use Windows XP. Periodically the computer emits sounds that sound like explosions. On some occasions, the sounds are sporadic. On other occasions they have been precisely 15 minutes apart. This occurs whether or not the computer is operating via battery or is plugged in to a power source, or is linked to an external USB port.  It occurs whether or not the speakers or the printer are connected.

The IT repair folks at my university have no ideas about what might be causing the problem. They upgraded the driver related to acoustics, and replaced the the motherboard, but the problem persists.

One variable about which I am not yet certain is whether this occurs when the computer is disconected from the Internet, or only when it is connected to the Internet.

No such problem occurs with other computers in the home that utilize the same wireless connection.

And, just this morning, for a few minutes, the computer was emitting popping sounds, which has now ceased.

Has anyone encountered this kind of problem? Any ideas?

Thanks very much.

michaelro