SOLVED HELP - Mac keeps making random alert sounds

[Ironbeard]

For the past 2 days my iMac has been making alert noises. They appear at random, sometimes 10 minutes apart, other times every few seconds. The alerts don't seem to be connected to any particular app an they start as soon as I log on.

So far I have tried:

Switching off bluetooth
Switching off bluetooth devices
Disconnecting from the internet
Switching off wifi
Rebooting
PRAM Reset
SMC Reset
Deleting all Cache files
Deleting and Reinstalling web browsers
Running Anti-Virus Programs
Unplugging and checking all cables for damage
Turning off all notification sounds

Yet the sound still persists!!!

The only way I have managed to stop it is by going into safe mode. It also stopped when I tried logging in using a different account. In both instances the problem goes away but as soon as I log on to my main account it starts all over again.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

• Which model iMac?
• Which version of macOS?
• What does the alert sound like?
• Have you checked what items are in Login Items for your user?

Definitely a software issue/setting in your user, since it doesn't happen in another user or in safe mode.

C

 

[Ironbeard]

Hello and welcome.

• Which model iMac?
• Which version of macOS?
• What does the alert sound like?
• Have you checked what items are in Login Items for your user?

Definitely a software issue/setting in your user, since it doesn't happen in another user or in safe mode.

C

Hello Cory,

- It's a iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015)
- macOS Monterey 12.6.8 (up to date)
- The alarm/sound sounds like the typical error sound and when it happens the options at the top start flickering and on certain programs cause the sidebar to open close like a button is being pressed.
- Checked the Login items and there doesn't seem to be any activated.

The problem went away for a good 5-6 days but started all over again about 6am this morning (while in sleep mode). Weirdly doesn't seem to affect safari but trying to use apps or folders on my desktop and it just goes mad.

Thanks, Richard