wrote:
7 year old Dell, running Windows 7, 250 GB SSD C:\
with 960 GB spinner for image storage etc.

Makes a peculiar sound at first day startuo :

https://vocaroo.com/i/s10aoBahOEH6

No other adverse symptoms.

It's NOT the CD Drive because it's still there
with the drive disconnected,

Any idea what this is ?


It sounds like a fan starting up but bumping against a loosely hanging
cable.
I've had that problem. After a second or two it keeps the cable at bay
with generated wind. If I'm right, you should hear something similar at
shutdown.

Ed