Solved MSI 760 gm motherboard PC has ticking sound at startup with screen fli

[loninappleton]

Today and unaccountable problem with a MSI 760gm/ AMD CPU began. Power on gives repeated 'ticking' sound,
Windows 7 will then load but is unstable with rapid screen flicker. There's no beep code to trace only the ticking
sound.

I've swapped out USB and PS2 mice both to check. I installed a backup HD. I reset the CMOS after a cold start (shut down the power supply, and drained the capacitors with the power off test.) But the problem persists and makes the rig unusable.
I can replug my screen.....but it really seems to be some sort of input "chatter." And I changed a mouse battery. None of this has done anything. While waiting replies I do a google check but that is a needle in the haystack.

This must be a common problem. In case of need, I think I have a compatible old CPU to swap but haven't gone that far with it.

For now I think I have to do some PC rearranging. PC for me is news and music etc.

- - - Updated - - -

Well I got the ticking to stop after I fixed the time and date after the CMOS reset.
What I haven't done is power down yet since I need the rig until there is some reply here. It is an always on
machine for me anyway.

I once again started up, got the ticking noise, but went to the BIOS setup. Fixed the date then F10 and so far
Bob's your uncle-- no screen chatter.

But to be clear, before I did the CMOS reset all the ticking and something like an enter key or CR being stuck just ran down the screen uncontrollably. I've never seen anything like it. Not a virus because I got past it for now.

- - - Updated - - -

Complete motherboard and periphs exchanged from my other build and the problem persisted at the monitor.
Monitor is very old. But the thought occurred to me: what if it was only a loose plug?

Frankly I know about the plugs on that old glass CRT. If that turns out to be the problem what can be done to
fix? I'm not tinkering with the insides. Best I can do is jiggle some plugs.

- - - Updated - - -

Apparently a plug jiggling issue at the CRT. I have not got it fully reconnected but it does still display POST. However it is a hulk and I'm looking (at long last) for a replacement which would be easier to move than a 75 lb crt.

Perhaps in the coming weeks before Christmas there will be some deals.

- - - Updated - - -

I marked it solved

 

[loninappleton]

Marked unsolved again. Though the monitor is old it is very solid. I may give it another test and also the m-board. Since the problem seemed to be at input-- load windows and see a bunch of unasked for activity, I finally swapped out the
keyboard for a better one-- newer anyway.

will report back if this is finally stable.

 

[Megahertz07]

'ticking' sound is normally from a defective HDD.

Check the drive with Crystal Disk Info
Extract to a folder and run. It's a portable, don't need to install

 

[loninappleton]

Nope, not coming from that HDD. Everything has settled down with the replacement of the keyboard and-- ticking-- well I think
that came from not having the BIOS set to date and time after CMOS reset. I'll mark it solved.