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Guest Ginger Bread Man

Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

where can i find a replacement LCD for an ibm thinkpad t40... i dont have all the specifics for it right now but anywhere LCDs are being sold at areasonable price is good... ive been searching ebay and all types of places for one. alas the exact part number i need is never auctioned

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

so i got a box of ubuntu cd's in the mail on friday,

only i didn't get them because the postal faggot

didn't want to leave a fucking box on my porch,

 

instead, he leaves a pink slip. "pick up at post office"

 

finally got osme time to do that today. the box was

totally sliced open, bent, broken, fucked. a rubber band

kept it from falling to shit.

 

ridiculous. why do they open the shit? it has a sticker on

the outside of the box that states what's in the box.

fucking govt.

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

PC Support

Get all your Windows, Hardware, Networking, and software support questions answered here

 

PC Tips and Tricks, Modding

 

Linux/Unix Support

Get all your Linux/Unix questions answered here

 

Linux/Unix Tips and Tricks

 

Mac Support

Get all your mac questions answered here

 

Mac Tips and Tricks

 

Electronics

Get all your questions on MP3 players, Digital Cameras, Digital Video Cameras, TV's, etc. answered here

 

hey for the viewers what the hell do you want to see posted here add yer comments

 

What Do You Want To See Here

 

Computer Graphics

Computer Hardware

Computer Security

Computers

Cyberculture

Databases

Embedded Systems

Encryption

Firefox

Hacking

IT

Instant Messaging

Internet

Internet Tools

Java

Linux/Unix

MacOS

Mobile Computing

Multimedia

Network Security

Online Games

Open Source

Operating systems

P2P

PHP

Peripheral Devices

Perl

Programming

Shareware

Software

Supercomputing

Video Games

Web Development

Webhosting

Weblogs

Windows

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

Fire

“The only IM client you need!” A Multi-Protocol IM Client For OS X

 

http://fire.sourceforge.net/

 

Fire is a free Instant Messaging client for Mac OS X. It supports the seven most popular Instant Messaging services:

  • AIM®
  • ICQ®
  • irc
  • Jabber® (including Google® Talk and Apple® iChat Server)
  • MSN®
  • Yahoo! Messenger®
  • Apple Bonjour® (aka Rendezvous)

Now a Universal Binary supporting both Intel and PowerPC Macs.

Includes Full Support of every MacOS release from 10.1 through Tiger.

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

Gates was on TV this morning from Las Vegas. It was really interesting. He says we will have these things in about 4 years.

 

WOW...looks like Bill Gates was right a couple of years ago when he said "You haven't seen anything yet"

 

---- whaddya think these are?

 

unf.jpg

 

look closely n' guess what they could be...

 

unffown.jpg

 

PENS WITH HIDDEN CAMS??

 

any wild guesses now?

 

no clue?...

 

ladies and gentlemen... congratulations! You have just now looked into the future...

 

yep that's right! no booing now... you have seen something that would replace your PC in the near future....

 

NOW SEE THIS...

 

unkqwwn.jpg

 

In the revolution of miniature of computers, the scientists are ahead with Bluetooth technology... See the forthcoming computers within our pockets ..

 

udenknown.jpg

 

This pen sort of instrument produces both the monitor as well as the keyboard on flat surfaces from where you can just carry out the normal operations you do on your desktop.

 

unkfwn.jpg

uown.jpg

unfwn.jpg

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

XP: Get Updates No Matter What or Change your Invalid Product Key

created: 2006-03-23 13:34:39 last updated: 2006-03-26 12:24:17

 

If your windows installation has issues, or for some other unmentionable reason is unable to get updates from the windows server, this is what you need to do.

 

If you have any problems, please check out some of the additional tips in the comments section of this post.

 

Ok, i've been sitting on this one for a while, but with Vista and all, i don't see as much harm.

 

Move on over to the updates site Microsoft Updates

 

now when the page loads it will give you the options for custom or Express, if you were to make a choice now you would be given an error like Invalid CD Key or something to that effect... but if you want your updates any way then put this in the title bar:

 

javascript:void(window.g_sDisableWGACheck='all') and press enter

 

Then make your selection. The process will continue normally, just leaving out the little part about verifying your Key :)

 

*Hoping you are using this for legitimate reasons, if you perhaps entered your key wrong and would like to try changing it do this:

 

1) change the registry key at path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\wpaevents

key name: OOBETimer

-By double clicking, just replace a letter or number, this will de-activate your windows so you can change the key.

 

2) open the key changer:

start\run type %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

click the telephone customer support

click next

click change product key

 

3) Enter your product key carefully:

then click update

*you will be returned to the previous screen and click the remind me later option

 

4) Restart

this will re-activate your windows and fix your registry key, and if the key is an actual key, that is not already in use (as it's supposed to be) you will now be able to get updates without the above.

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

If you have just bought yourself a replacement computer and find yourself with a spare heap of hardware in the house, what are your options?

 

It's tempting to get rid of the original PC once and for all but, on the other hand, it served you well once and surely you can find a productive use for it now. Then again, having just splashed out on your new kit, you're probably not inclined to pay out more to upgrade your old one.

 

Allow us to help. Here we suggest no fewer than 25 sensible things to do with a redundant computer. A few require a little technical expertise, several are absolutely free and others will set you back a few quid, but all of them are better than simply throwing that PC away.

 

Give it to the kids

Youngsters may take to technology like ducks to water (or writers to clichés) but have you ever seen one back up critical files before installing a dodgy Britney Spears screensaver?

 

Rather than letting the little darlings loose on your main computer with their wacky wallpaper, relinquish the reins on the old machine instead and let any worthy kids you know do their worst to it.

 

Give it to a relative

Be honest. Do you have a technophobic aunt who would be grateful for your dusty disks and mouldy monitor? Do her a favour by formatting the hard disk, reinstalling Windows and loading a little useful software first, including an antivirus program. Then set it all up for her and get her online.

 

MP3 jukebox

If you have accumulated a sizeable collection of digital music files in MP3 format, you may well record them on CDs so you can play them on your home stereo system. But why not turn your old PC into a dedicated jukebox instead?

 

Just hook it up to your stereo system's line-in socket with a simple audio cable. It's a whole lot cheaper than a standalone MP3 player, if not quite as convenient.

 

Digital video recorder

Are you intrigued by those hard disk-based video recorders but don't want to splash out? Not to worry - use your computer instead. So long as it has a TV tuner card and access to a TV aerial, it should be able to receive and record television programmes.

 

Connect the graphics card to your telly. Most TV tuner cards ship with basic programme-recording software but check out ShowShifter for more advanced features, including time-shifting.

 

Games platform

How about turning your old PC into a computer games console? Be aware that the PC will need a high specification, especially its graphics card, but it will mean that games can be kept separate from other computer activity.

 

Forget it unless you have at least a high-end Pentium II processor and an AGP slot. Alternatively, install emulation software such as MAME and play less demanding classic arcade games instead.

 

Recording studio

Connect a keyboard to your computer's MIDI port and you can make a racket - or record a masterpiece. Results depend as much upon the quality of your sound card as your musical ability but, with a little sequencing software, anyone can produce passable multi-track music. Plenty of memory helps with real-time recording.

 

Video editing suite

In a similar vein, a PC makes an excellent video editing platform, especially if you have a digital camcorder and a modicum of talent. A high specification helps - again, memory matters most - and a sizeable hard disk is vital as this determines how much raw video you can store and work with. A recordable CD or DVD drive is a bonus if you want to share your finished work.

 

Install Linux

If you have the time and patience to learn how to use Linux, here is your chance to get Penguin power. There are three options: replace Windows completely; install Linux in a separate hard disk partition; or run Linux as an application from within Windows.

 

The first option means abandoning all that is familiar to you; the other two preserve Windows but you'll need extra software.

 

Networking

Set up a simple home network with cable or wireless connections and convert a clapped-out computer into a secure storehouse for important files. Simply back up your work from your main PC across the network and rest assured that copies of your files will be safe in the event of disaster.

 

Broadband gateway

Expanding on the networking theme, why not set up your superfluous system to be permanently connected to your broadband internet connection? You can then leave it turned on all the time and share the internet connection with your other computers using a simple network and a hub.

 

That means anyone in the household can use that fast internet connection independently, regardless of what anyone else is doing. Run a firewall such as ZoneAlarm on the connected computer and perhaps even set up a Wi-Fi network to cut out the cables altogether.

 

Internet terminal

With the arrangement described above, the less you muck around with the gateway computer, the better. In contrast, however, consider setting up your old system as a dedicated surfing machine.

 

The idea here is to have the internet on tap. No more fussing with booting and rebooting or running programs, just set up the PC to share your main computer's internet connection and leave it on whenever you want access. You'll never have to interrupt anything to get online again.

 

Upgrade it

There comes a time when every PC reaches the end of its useful life, or so some in the industry would have us believe. The real issue, in fact, is changing habits: suddenly you want to edit video or play computer games or record DVDs but your hardware lacks the wherewithal.

 

However, if your system is less than five years old (for the sake of argument), why not upgrade it rather than replace it? Many upgrades are perfectly straightforward including fitting extra memory, installing a pumped-up graphics or sound card and even adding a larger hard disk.

 

Downgrade it

Odd though it sounds, it may make sense to reverse the improving process and strip your system of superfluity.

 

Roll back the operating system to Windows 98 (format the hard disk first), uninstall everything that isn't essential, install an old copy of Word and connect a printer and you'll have a stable and reliable word processor. You know it will just work and you can save the flashy stuff for a new PC.

 

Cannibalise it

Just about any machine will yield some reusable spare parts. An ancient PCI graphics card is fine for use in a dual display system (running two monitors simultaneously) and an old modem is useful alongside a broadband internet connection, if only to retrieve email in an emergency or send the occasional fax.

 

Donate it

Your surplus system could find a new lease of life in the charitable sector. Express Link-Up, for instance, recycles older but serviceable PCs for use by sick or disadvantaged children.

 

There's no shortage of deserving recipients but just imagine the logistics of collecting computers from all corners of the country. To this end, Express Link-up has opened one major recycling plant in Nottingham and plans to offer others nationwide. For some alternatives see the Recycling centres list below.

 

10 MORE TIPS

 

In case you're still not convinced that your ageing hardware deserves house-room, here are 10 further suggestions to get you thinking.

 

* Treat yourself to a new notebook computer and keep the old one as a basic desktop system. You can even access it while you travel, using Windows XP Professional's Remote Desktop feature or software such as Laplink Everywhere.

 

* Use it as a photo/video archive to showcase your multimedia collection.

 

* Run a sophisticated voicemail system. All it needs is a modem, access to your telephone line and some communications software.

 

* Automate your home. With X10 devices, you can configure your computer to wake you up, make the coffee and turn on the heating. See Automated Home for some ideas.

 

* Install a computer-managed CCTV home security system. See Digital Cybermasters for details.

 

* Make money! Well, not a lot probably, but it might be worth auctioning the whole shebang on eBay, for example. Be sure to completely scrub the hard disk first.

 

* Strip it bare and use the case as the basis for building a brand-new computer.

 

* Set up a hardware firewall for the ultimate protection for your home network. See ClarkConnect for an example.

 

* Network it, connect a printer and use it as a dedicated print server. This will free any other PCs from print queue bottlenecks.

 

* Use it as a guinea pig. Experiment freely with hardware installations, system configurations and performance tweaks or install suspect software here before exposing your main machine to risks. In short, muck around with gay abandon, secure in the knowledge that your files are safe on your other PC.

 

Waste not want not

So there you have it - more than a score of suggestions to help you find your old computer a new home or new purpose.

 

Forethought and preparation are the keys: a five-year-old monitor may no longer have a crisp enough display for image or video editing, and no relative will ultimately thank you for a bug-ridden PC that crashes as soon as it catches scent of the internet.

 

You may conclude that it's simply not worth spending extra money to upgrade a system for fancier tasks but that shouldn't stop you considering one of the lowlier single-function options. With a little diligence, pretty much any PC can be kept in active service.

 

RECYCLING CENTRES

 

Computeractive's own National Computing Day, held last November and due to run again this autumn, included a drive to persuade computer users and the industry to do their bit to look after the environment by recycling old PCs. The impetus to recycle is still going - here are some of the centres you could try.

 

3tc

http://www.3tc4u.net

 

Cambridge Computer Recycling

http://www.cambridge-computer-recycling.co.uk

 

Citiraya

http://www.citiraya.co.uk

 

Computer Aid

http://www.computer-aid.org

 

Computers 4 Charities

http://www.computers4charities.co.uk

 

Computers for the Disabled

http://www.cftd.co.uk

 

CyberArk (Kent)

http://www.vinescentre.org.uk

 

Computers in the Community

http://www.citcwales.org.uk

 

The Digital Partnership

http://www.iblf.org/digitalpartnership

 

Digital School

http://www.digitalschoolexperience.org

 

Enprove IT (East Midlands)

http://www.enprove.org.uk

 

Environ (Leicestershire)

http://www.environ.org.uk

 

Free Computers for Education

http://www.free-computers.org

 

ITMP Recycling

http://www.itmp.co.uk

 

IT Rentals

http://www.itrentals.uk.com

 

Mobius2000 (Highlands and Islands)

http://www.mobius2000.co.uk

 

Pass IT On (Edinburgh)

http://www.passiton.sco.net

 

PC Recycled Ltd

http://www.pcsrecycled.com

 

PC Removal

http://www.pcremoval.co.uk

 

Professional Options

http://www.proptions.co.uk

 

RecomIT

http://www.recommit.co.uk

 

Regional Electronics Initiative

http://www.rei.org.uk

 

Second Byte (Lincolnshire)

http://www.northlindsey.ac.uk/secondbyte

 

Sunspeed

http://www.sunspeed.co.uk

 

Tools for Schools (London)

http://www.tfs.org.uk

 

Urban Mines

http://www.urbanmines.org.uk/elc.htm

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

The Top 54 Computer T-Shirt Slogans

 

Author Unknown

 

1. Cannot find REALITY.SYS. Universe halted.

2. As a computer, I find your faith in technology amusing.

3. COFFEE.EXE missing - Insert Cup and Press Any Key.

4. Southern DOS: Y'all reckon? (Yep/Nope)

5. Buy a Pentium 586/90 so you can reboot faster.

6. Backups! We don' NEED no steenking backups.

7. 4 + 2 = 5 for extremely large values of 2.

8. E Pluribus Modem

9. Computers make very fast, very accurate mistakes

10. File not found. Should I fake it? (Y/N)

11. Ethernet (n): Something used to catch the Etherbunny

12. Computers are not intelligent; they only think they are

13. A main-frame: The biggest PC peripheral available.

14. My software never has bugs. lt just develops undocumented features.

15. An error? Impossible! My modem is error-correcting

16. C:\WINDOWS C:\WINDOWS\GO C:\PC\CRAWL

17. CONGRESS.SYS Corrupted: Re-boot Washington D.C. (Y/N)?

18. C:\DOS C:\DOS\RUN RUN\DOS\RUN

19. <-------- The information went data way

20. Does fuzzy logic tickle?

21. Best file compression around- "DEL *.*" = 100% compression

22. A computer's attention span is as long as its power cord.

23. The Definition of an Upgrade: Take old bugs out, put new ones in.

24. 11th commandment: Covet not thy neighbor's Pentium

25. BREAKFAST.COM Halted .. Cereal Port Not Responding

26. 24 hours in a day ... 24 beers in a case...Coincidence???

27. The name is Baud, James Baud.

28. Disinformation is not as good as datinformation.

29. BUFFERS FILES 2nd down, 4th quarter, 5 yards to go

30. Windows: Just another pane in the glass.

31. SENILE.COM found... Out Of Memory...

32. Access denied! Nah nah na na nah nah!

33. Who's General Failure & why is he reading my disk??

34. C:\Bad command or file name! Go stand in the corner!

35. Ultimate office automation: Net-worked coffee.

36. Bad command. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay!

37. RAM disk is NOT an installation procedure.

38. Why doesn't DOS ever say 'EXCELLENT'

39. Shell to DOS, Come in DOS, do you COPY?

40. All computers wait at the same speed.

41. Computer: A device designed to speed and automate errors.

42. Go ahead, make my data!

43. Smash forehead on keyboard to continue...

44. Enter any 11-digit prime number to continue...

45. ASCII stupid question, get a stupid ANSI!

46. E-mail returned to sender: Insufficient voltage.

47. Help! I'm modeming... and I can't hang up!!!

48. All wiyht. Rho sritched mg kegtops awound?

49. Error! Keyboard not attached. Press F1 to continue.

50. DOS Tip #1701: Add DEVICE=FNGRCROS.SYS to CONFIG.SYS

51. Hidden DOS secret: Add BUGS=OFF to your CONFIG.SYS

52. Press any key to continue or any other key to quit...

53. Press any key... no, No, NO!! Not THAT one!

54. Press <CTRL-ALT-DEL> to continue ...

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

Most people think computers, being electronic devices, don't require any mechanical maintenance, but this is not so. Many computer faults are caused by components overheating due to poor airflow in the case because of a buildup of dirt and dust over time. It's worthwhile cleaning your computer annually or even more often if it is in a particularly dusty environment, on carpet or in a household with pets. This tutorial is designed to help you safely clean the interior of your tower or desktop PC so as to maximise its lifespan. No computer knowledge is assumed other than familiarity with component names. Cleaning the computer is not rocket-science and does not require any special skills or tools but you do need to know how to avoid possible damage to some of the more sensitive parts. That's what we will demonstrate here. Although the same principle applies to laptops and notebook PCs, because of the difficulty dismantling them these instructions do not apply to those types of computer.

 

Tools and Materials required

 

* A No.2 Philips cross-head screwdriver.

* A small flat-bladed screwdriver.

* One can of compressed air (more if you suspect the PC is really filthy)- from you local supermarket or electronics/computer store.

Do NOT use compressor air - it often has a high moisture content which will cause corrosion

and may contain aerosol lubricants which can cause electrical shorts.

* Five or six kitchen paper-towels or napkins to wipe down the case.

* One small paintbrush with long natural bristles. 1/2inch(12mm) size is ideal.

* One packet of Q-Tips or Cotton Tips.

* One Window/Glass Cleaner spray pack.

* A short length of insulating tape.

* One plain Pencil at least 4"(100mm) long.

* A pair of Scissors.

* A flashlight.

* An old Newspaper.

* A Vacuum cleaner with a hose and nozzle (if available).

 

Tools.jpg

Optional Items:

 

* A dust mask - from your local hardware store.

* A Static Strap - from your computer store or possibly supermarket.

* One 3volt Battery type CR2032 or equivalent.

* Assorted coloured stickers.

* A CDROM Lens cleaning disk - available at computer stores or supermarkets.

* Micro cleaning kit - Vacuum cleaner nozzle attachments.

 

Nozzlessmall.jpg

 

Electrical Precautions

Inside the computer is completely safe with one exception - the power supply or PSU. The PSU is in its own metal box usually at the top rear of a tower (at the rear of a desktop) and you should NEVER attempt to open this box or stick anything metallic into it. There may be an on/off switch at the back of the PSU and there may be a (red) voltage selection switch. Do NOT change the voltage selection switch. Older computers have power at the on/off switch at the front of the case, identified by a thick electrical cable linking the switch to the PSU. Do not attempt to disconnect this cable from the switch.

 

Static Precautions

arc800small.jpg

 

The greatest danger inside the tower is of you "electrocuting" the computer through discharge of static electricity that builds up on your body or clothing. Static is especially a problem during dry weather and if you have synthetic carpets or clothing. For example a synthetic pullover (sweater) would be a bad choice of garment for this job, a short sleeved cotton shirt would be a much better choice. The best way to combat static while cleaning your computer is to wear a static strap attached to the chassis and worn on your wrist during the whole process. Disposable static straps are available for a few dollars, professional versions may cost $30-40. Alternatively if you can maintain good contact between yourself and the metal chassis for most of the cleaning process and try not to move around too much then that will be adequate without a strap.

StaticStrap.jpg

 

Dust Precautions

Computers make pretty good dust collectors and if yours is normally placed on or near the floor (especially carpeted floor) or if you have pets, are a smoker, or the computer is situated in a high pollution area there could be a lot of dirt trapped in the system. When you blow this out with the compressed air it will be spread through the room. You should work with good ventilation and if you suffer from allergies you should consider wearing a dust mask.

 

 

Setting Up

Shutdown the computer and disconnect all the cables plugged into it (you may want to mark the cables and the ports they came from with coloured stickers to help you when putting your computer back together again). You may need the flat-bladed screwdriver to undo some of the connector screws. Put newspaper down on your work surface so it doesn't get scratched. Locate your worksurface near a power outlet (power point) and plug in the computer power cord (you don't need to switch it on). Put the computer on your work surface and connect the power cord to the computer but do not turn it on. Set out your tools and materials so you do not need to move around much to reach them during cleaning. Starting about two inches (50mm) from the blunt end of the pencil fasten insulating tape down the length of the pencil to the blunt end and cut the tape 2"(50mm) beyond the end of the pencil. Smooth the tape around the pencil then fold the excess length over the blunt end and up the other side. Press the tape down so it is firmly stuck to the length of the pencil.

 

 

Opening the Case

The standard tower case usually has either a single metal cover covering the top and both sides, held in place by three or four screws or has removable side panels each held in place by two screws.

 

CoverScrews.jpg

Use the Philips screwdriver to remove the three or four screws holding on the cover(s) and put them aside where they will not be lost. Remove the cover(s) and put them to one side but within reach. If you are using a static strap put it on your wrist and attach it to a metal part of the chasis, if you do not have a static strap touch the metal of the chasis with both hands. Then remove the power cord from the back of the computer.

 

PCParts.jpg

Internal PC Layout.

  1. Case vents and PSU vents Run the vacuum cleaner nozzle over any air vents at the front, side and rear of the case and over any vents in the PSU especially the air vents in the sides of the PSU inside the computer. If the covers have vents then vacuum those as well.
     
  2. PSU fansUse the blunt, insulated end of the pencil to hold the fan blades steady and blow compressed air into the PSU fan(s) and through the PSU. Significant dust may be ejected from the power supply .

Pencilblock.jpg

Preventing Fan Rotation.

 

# CPU fan and heatsink

This is the most important part of the cooling system - dirt collects on the fan blades and clogs the heatsink vanes. Use the paintbrush to brush the dirt off each blade and off the heatsink vanes if accessible. Using the pencil to hold the fan blades still, blow out the fan and the heatsink with the compressed air. It is important not to let the CPU fan (or other fans) spin up under the air blast as damaging voltages can be generated through a dynamo effect. Expect significant dirt to be ejected from the CPU heatsink. If you want to be particularly thorough moisten a Cotton-tip with glass cleaning fluid and wipe down the upper and lower surface of each fan blade.


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CPUcooler.jpg

CPU Fan and Heatsink.

 

# RAM Sticks and Expansion Slots

Dirt can sometimes build up in 'drifts' around the memory sticks and the video, sound or modem card slots. Use the compressed air to blow it out. Do not use the brush here.

BlowRAMslot.jpg

Cleaning a RAM slot.

 

# Case fans

Cases often have one or more fans attached to the front or rear panels. Using the pencil to stop fan rotation blow the dirt from the case fans with the brush and compressed air.

BlowFan.jpg

Cleaning a Case Fan.

 

# Video card fan and heatsink

This can be hard to see as it is usually on the lower side of the video card. Depending on the design either use the paintbrush to remove dirt from the heatsink and/or use compressed air while holding the fan still with the pencil. To do a thorough job will probably require removing the Video Card which is normally held in place with one screw where it meets the case. Remove the screw and unplug the card by pulling firmly outwards. There may be a plastic latch at the back of the card, press down on this to help eject it. If you do remove the video card keep good contact with the PC chassis as often as possible to minimise static buildup and rest the video card on part of the case while it is being cleaned. When the fan is clean use compressed air to blow out the video card slot, on older cards if the edge connectors of the card look tarnished clean them lightly with a pencil erasor. Reinsert the video card making sure the plastic latch clips into place indicating the card is properly seated in the slot (not all systems have a latch). Then do up the screw.

 

VideoCardFan.jpg

Video Card Fan.

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

# The case

Vacuum the dust from the bottom of the case being careful to keep the nozzle away from the motherboard. Spray some paper towels with glass cleaner and wipe down the flat metal surfaces of the case and the inside of the cover(s).

Blowdustbunnies.jpg

Chasing Dust Bunnies

 

# The Ports

Dust often accumulates in the I/O Ports where you plug in peripherals on the back of the computer. Use the brush and compressed air to clean them out.

 

CleanPorts.jpg

Cleaning the I/O Ports.

cmosbatterysmall.jpg

CMOS battery

 

Although this is not a cleaning process, if your PC is more than a couple of years old this might be a good time to change the CMOS battery - usually a round, silver-coloured button battery e.g. Energiser CR2032 Lithium 3v. The battery 'pops' out of its holder with a little pressure on the side near the clip and the replacement slips in. Note: Changing the battery may reset some BIOS options to factory defaults so If you have complex BIOS settings because of SATA drives, USB keyboards, RAID controllers or network parameters for example it would be best to note down all the settings before changing the battery and check for changes afterward.

 

Check the Fan Rotation

 

Fan4.jpg Connect your PC power cable again and switch on the PC, while it is open, for just long enough to see that all the fans you identified above are spinning. Fans which do not spin turn into miniature heaters which makes the situation worse than without a fan. If you find a fan which is not working then, after turning off the PC, note what kind of fan it is, where it is and, if possible, unplug it. You can probably order a replacement online or they may have stock in your local computer store. If the CPU fan is not working then you should not run the computer for more than a few minutes until it is replaced. If the PC has started to boot while you were inspecting the fans and is reluctant to turn off, just hold the power button in for about 5 seconds and the PC will switch off.

 

Reassembly

Make sure nothing has been left inside the case and nothing is likely to get caught in the fans. Any cables that were moved to get access to other items should be put back in place. Inspect the cables going to the optical drives, floppy drive and hard drive(s) to check none have been dislodged. Put the cover(s) back on the system and do up the screws to hold them in place. Unplug the power cable and return your PC to its normal location. Connect up all the cables that were originally present (following the colour code if you used it) and reconnect the power cable. Plug into the power outlet and switch on. Make sure your monitor is switched on and check the computer boots up normally. Now you can use the CD lens cleaner if required.

 

Conclusion

Hope this tutorial has shown you that, with a little knowledge and a few basic tools, cleaning the inside of your computer is a simple, hazard free process. Following the above steps should have enabled you to successfully clean your computer so that it can continue to run as efficiently as it was originally designed to do.

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

get some webspace. perhaps we can find some free

and advert free space?

 

it's funny that we get alot of traffic through here. we

could potentially have alot of visitors and a succesful forum.

however, i like helping out the miscreants. they good people.

 

time to act like a towel

GREEN%20-%20towelie.jpg

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Re: «<< 12Oz Computer Tech Support >>>

 

why doesnt raven put a little donate thing together have these noobs start paying haha and i know the seniors understand the price of running a website they will chip in too

 

or is there one already haha

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