Solved Random clicking noise every so often

[Gittarackur]

Yes, you can call me Git. *snickers*

The problem I'm having is that my Windows 7 Laptop has started making the sound that plays when you click something in Windows every so often. I don't know why either. I'll post my list of processes and programs in separate images in an imgur album I'll link you below.

Thanks for reading!

 

[mrjimphelps]

Clicking often means that your hard drive is going bad. If you can determine for sure that the hard drive is making the clicking noise, do a backup, then replace the drive.

 

[Gittarackur]

Clicking often means that your hard drive is going bad. If you can determine for sure that the hard drive is making the clicking noise, do a backup, then replace the drive.

Err, it's the actual clicking noise made by my speakers. Like, the sound Microsoft programs into Windows to make when you are clicking a link. Ironically, I just installed a new SSD late last year.

 

[Gittarackur]

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

White spots in my program list are purposefully omitted. I also, in the time that I was creating these screenshots, uninstalled something called "Microsoft Compatibility Database" which I'm pretty sure was a virus because it had no publisher name, unlike how Microsoft programs usually say "Microsoft Corporation" under each program. I also deleted two others like this called AMDProcess and WindowsProcess which I'm pretty sure were both some sort of malware Zemana and McAfee weren't picking up.

 

[TechnoMage2016]

In your Control Panel, go into Sounds and shut down all the little clicks, beeps, burps and such.
Some themes will really load you up with Junk Sounds that can drive you crazy. If it's not some sound
that you REALLY need, shut if OFF!!!

I go to many customer's homes and find that they have totally turned OFF their sounds, due to all the clicks, clacks, burps and chimes that drive them crazy!

Or you can just MUTE your audio output, to make sure that's where the clicks are coming from.

Yes, an SSD won't make any clicking sounds! rofl

Silence is Golden!

 

[Gittarackur]

I see. Yeah, but the sound is basically as if someone is clicking something in the background I can't see. It's actually kind of creepy. I think I also get the aero loading wheel on my mouse cursor when I hear it.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Have you checked your system for malware/viruses?

 

[Gittarackur]

I also deleted two others like this called AMDProcess and WindowsProcess which I'm pretty sure were both some sort of malware Zemana and McAfee weren't picking up.

:sarc::sarc::sarc:

In case this answer wasn't obvious enough, yes.

 

[Snick]

When did your clicking from the speakers start?

Did you add any programs or peripherals just beforehand?

Did you move the location of the speaker or wires (EM interference)

How were you pretty sure the files you deleted were viruses?

Did you submit the files/folders to Virus Total to be checked from SHA hash for match or scanned and verified by over 50 AV engines?

Did you scan with Malwarebytes anti-malware?

Have you run SFC Scannow to determine if necessary system files are missing?

Have you checked your audio device drivers for missing or corrupt drivers?

If you just "assumed" they were viruses then deleted them, you might have deleted necessary files for the operation of your machine and associated installed programs.

 

[lehnerus2000]

:sarc::sarc::sarc:

In case this answer wasn't obvious enough, yes.

It was a bit confusing as you said your AV programs didn't detect anything, but you deleted some files anyway.

Do your AV programs scan for Rootkits?
Do they have a Boot-Time scan option (scan before Windows boots)?

You could also try using an online scanner if you think your installed AV software isn't working.


Have you checked for corrupted system files using SFC (as @Snick suggested)?

Tutorial
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker