Just a word of caution about using this type of air. Most of the stations
have very fine water and oil droplets in the air. This can be dangerous to
the computer.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Lore" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 12:21 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] opening the "box"


> Hi,
>
> Canned air can be expensive, unless you find it on sale and it is not so
> powerful.
>
> I'd go one step further, if you don't have an air compressor of some
> sort at home or in the car to use, take the computer for a ride to your
> local friendly gas station and use their air compressor for $1.00 or so.
> Open it up there.  It will be much cheaper than canned air, gets cleaned
> better, and the mess gets blown outside and not inside the house.
>
> Make sure to clean not only the cpu fan, but the power supply and case
> fans as well.
>
> The fans should spin freely when the air blows on them.  If it looks
> like any of them are binding you may want to get them replaced while you
> have it opened.
>
> That is one thing I do for my customers every time they bring their
> computer in to my shop.
> Not so much for them, but for me, I hate working on a filthy computer.
> I usually open it up in front of them and ask if the rest of their house
> looks like this.  The reactions and apologies are priceless.
>
> Thanks and have a Great Day!
>
> Joe Lore
>
> ----------------------
>
> First, go to the store and get youself a can(s) of compressed air. Then,
> turn the computer off and undo the power cord. Take the screws off from
> the back and remove the sides. Next, blow the various boards and the
> components inside the computer with a stream of air. Make sure you get
> the fans. Do NOT blow air inside your floppy or cd-rom drives (they have
> special kits to clean them). You can use a very soft brush on the boards
> if you desire after blowing them off with the air. Remove all the
> cob-webs, hair balls and othe extraneous matter. Put the sides on,
> replace the screws and turn it back on. You are done.  Not too bad was
> it.
> ---------------------
>
> > I have been using a computer for years but have never opened it.  I'm
> > intimidated!!!
> >
> > I know it needs to be cleaned because it's sat on the floor for about
> three
> > years and I have a dog that sheds.
> >
> > I could take it to a computer repair business to clean the inside, but
>
> > I thought maybe I should try to clean it myself.
> >
> > Is opening and cleaning the inside of the computer risky for a
> first-timer?
> >
> > How does "one" clean the inside?  What materials do I need?
> >
> > Christine in Baltimore
>
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>

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