If you have an old computer that does not work, and you do not want to have it abandoned, you could repair and update it by following the steps below.
Steps
Step 1. Look at your computer
Look at your computer from every angle, and see what is wrong with it. At the top: Is the case damaged? On the sides: Is there any damage to the casing? Is there a fan on the left? Is the fan broken? On the back: What ports does the computer have? Are they all on the motherboard or are there some expansions? Is there a power source? On the front: What records can you watch? Is there any obvious damage to the USB ports on the front of the case (if any)?
Step 2. Try to turn it on
If it doesn't power up, there may be something wrong with the CPU. If it turns on and starts beeping, then there is something wrong with the CPU. If it ignites well, then we are on the right track.
Step 3. Turn it off, unplug it and open the CPU
Even if you didn't have a problem in step 2, either way, open the CPU. You need to do a few things here. If it didn't turn on at all, see the power connectors from the PSU to the motherboard. If they are connected properly, then there is something wrong with the PSU or motherboard, and unless you have replacements available, the computer is not worth it. If not, connect them properly.
Step 4. Clean it
Using an air compressor, remove all the dust. It removes dust from the motherboard, disk drives, fans, PSU, and everything else.
Step 5. Look for broken parts
If the CD-ROM drive does not work, remove it. If the sound card doesn't work, remove it. If the graphics card is broken, remove it (and buy another). Everything that does not work, remove it.
Step 6. Replace everything you removed
If your RAM was damaged, it is important that you replace it. If the hard drive was failing, replace it anyway. However if the 56k modem did not work, don't worry, you will update it in the next step (do not replace anything that you can update).
Step 7. Update
If things can be updated, do it. Update everything you can. If you can go from CD-ROM to DVD, go for it. If you had a 56k modem, upgrade it to a gigabit ethernet or wi-fi card.
Step 8. Make sure everything works
Make sure the steps above worked. Start the computer and make sure you can access the BIOS and that you can configure all the hard drives.
Step 9. Install a new operating system
Use a new one with better features and security.
- 1GB + RAM (Minimum) Windows 7
- 512MB RAM (Minimum) Linux, Windows XP, Windows Vista
- 256MB RAM (Minimum) Xubuntu.
- 128MB RAM (Minimum) Lubuntu.
Step 10. Install software
It is not especially important, but installing software can make it more useful or more attractive to buyers.
Step 11. If you are going to sell it, include a few things
Find all the power cables, a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Include anything you bought (and don't need). If you have more stuff, try to include speakers, printer, modem, etc.
Step 12. If you are going to sell it, price it reasonably
A good computer from the 90s probably sells for around $ 10 or $ 50. See how much you spent on it, and add labor to that price.
Step 13. If you are not going to sell it, try to use it
The only way all that work will pay off is for you to use it.
Advice
- If you can find specific information about your computer on the manufacturer's website, do so. This information can tell you what it is, how much RAM you can put in it, etc.
- Don't be afraid to use external hardware if it is compatible. If you have a printer that you want to use, don't be afraid.
- This article is about computers in general. A specific type of computers are different, like laptops. With laptops, you might consider upgrading the battery, keyboard, repairing the screen, etc.
Warnings
- Be careful when working with the CPU. An electric shock can fry your entire computer.
- Don't buy parts without knowing. Not everything is compatible with old computers.
- When adding hardware or software to your computer, make sure they work.
- Don't spend more money than it is worth.
- Remember where you took the parts from. If possible, take a picture of the interior before removing any components and keep it handy to remember where everything went.