If you find yourself with an old computer that doesn't work, it doesn't necessarily have to stay in this condition. You can fix it and get it working again by updating it - just follow these steps!
Steps
Step 1. Watch it
Yes, just take a look at the computer. Look at it from every angle and ask yourself questions. From above: is there any damage to the case? On both sides: and here? Is there a fan on the left side? Is the fan broken? From behind: what ports does this computer have? Are they all on the motherboard or are there some expansions? Is there a power supply? From the front: which hard drive do you see? Is there any obvious damage to the USB ports, if any?
Step 2. Try turning it on
Find a power cord and plug it in. Turn it on and observe. If it just doesn't start, there may be something wrong. If it powers up but beeps, something else may not work. If it turns on and you hear hard drive noise, so far you are probably fine.
Step 3. Unplug and open the case
Even if he didn't seem to have a problem in step 2, he takes it all off. You need to do a couple of things. If there is no power, check the power connectors starting from the power supply to the motherboard. If the power comes on, then there is probably something wrong with the power supply or motherboard, and unless you have any available to replace, this computer is not worth recovering. If not, connect them correctly. Take a good look at the hard drive connectors. Are they positioned upside down? Is there any incorrect pin setting? Correct it.
Step 4. Clean it
It uses compressed air to remove dust everywhere: motherboard, other devices, disk drives, power supply, fans (especially that of the CPU on the motherboard) and the whole case.
Step 5. Look for the damaged parts
If the CD-ROM drive does not work, you need to remove it. If the sound card is damaged, take it out. If the graphics card is broken, throw it away and buy another one. If the CMOS battery needs replacing, please do so.
Step 6. Replace what you removed (if possible or necessary)
If there was non-functioning RAM, it is particularly important to replace it. If the hard drive was faulty, that's just as important. However, if the 56K modem didn't work, you probably don't need to worry about it, as it will be updated in the next step. Do not replace anything you need to update.
Step 7. Update
If the components can be updated, do so. Renew your entire computer as much as possible: RAM, hard drive, switch from CD-ROM to DVD player and, if there was a 56K modem, plug in a gigabit ethernet or wi-fi card, and so on.
Step 8. Make sure everything works
Turn on the computer, boot from the BIOS and configure all hard drives (except some computers, such as the Compaq Deskpro 2000, which do not allow direct access to the BIOS).
Step 9. Install a new operating system on your computer
Choose a current one to get the best functionality and security.
- 1 GB of RAM or more for Windows 7
- 512 MB of RAM minimum for Ubuntu, Linux, Windows XP, Windows Vista
Step 10. Install the software
Not that it's particularly important, but the presence of many programs can make your computer more useful to you or more appealing to potential buyers.
Step 11. If you sell it, plan to include some accessories
Find at least a power cord, a keyboard, a mouse, and maybe a monitor, and add them. Also put away everything you've put aside since you bought it, if you don't need it. If you have others, try adding speakers, printers, a modem, joystick, software discs, etc.
Step 12. If you plan to sell it, put it at a reasonable price
A good computer dating from the mid to late 1990s could probably sell for between 10 and 50 euros. Find out how much extra you spent on the job and add it to your price. So, for example, if you spent 5 hours working on this computer at 2 euros an hour, you spent 15 euros on material and you want to add an extra 5 euros, add 30 euros. Make sure it's worth it: no one wants to buy a computer with only 16 megabytes of RAM and Windows 3.1 for 30 euros!
Step 13. If you don't sell it, use it, at least to amortize all the work you've done
So sit back and enjoy old games, run outdated software that you can't get on Windows 7, give it to your kids, use it as a router, take it to school with you, and so on.
Advice
- If you can find specific information about your computer on its manufacturer's website, search for it. You will know which hard drives were originally included, if the RAM is expandable, and so on.
- Don't be afraid to try external hardware if it's compatible. If you have a printer to test, give it a try.
- This article is about computers in general. With laptops, however, you could also consider upgrading the battery and keyboard, repairing those movable screen joints that are broken, purchasing a second battery or laptop bag, etc.
Warnings
- Remember where you removed some pieces from. If possible, try to take a photograph of the inside of the computer to keep handy - it will help you remember where they go.
- Be careful working inside the case. A static electrical discharge could ruin the entire computer.
- Don't spend more money than you should. If expensive devices like your motherboard or CPU are out of order and you can't buy them back for just $ 5, you probably don't want to fix your computer. But don't give up: there are probably many people in your area who would like to sell their old computer for a couple of dollars. If you're lucky, maybe someone might want to give it to you.
- Don't buy pieces without first thinking carefully. Not everything is compatible with any computer, especially if it is old.
- When you add hardware or software to your computer, make sure it works. The hardware must be compatible with the minimum computer requirements and the software should be able to work with that particular operating system.
