Question:
My computer tower is stored under my desk, so I don’t look at it very often. I happened to drop something under my desk today, and saw my computer tower for the first time since…well, probably since I stuck it under there 6 months ago. It looks like 2 dust bunnies were going at it like…well, like rabbits (c’mon, you knew that one was coming, right?) under there! I know you can use ‘canned air’ to clean it out, but how?
Answer:
When your computer tower looks like it was taken over by bunnies of the dust variety, you’re right, it’s time to clean! A dusty tower can slow your computer, make it hard for your fan to cool the tower, and put your computer at risk! If there’s dust on the outside, there’s bound to be dust inside. To avoid a bunny-inspired computer meltdown follow these quick & easy steps:
1. Before you tackle the inside of the tower, turn the power off, and unplug the main power cord.
2. Disconnect the mouse and keyboard cords (if you haven’t gone wireless yet), as well as any other cables, from the back of the tower if there is heavy dust present.
3. Remove the dust from the outside of your computer tower. This way you’ll avoid kicking up dust, and your computer tower drawing the dust air in AFTER you’ve already cleaned the inside.
4. Remove both side panels from the case, if possible. Use a screwdriver if needed.
5. Use an antistatic wrist strap, if you have one. It will help to discharge the electricity that’s built up in the tower. If you don’t have one, touch a metal part on the outside of the case, and this should discharge built-up electricity. Do not touch any parts inside until you have done this!
6. A can of compressed air (available in any office supply store, or big chain store that sells computer accessories) works great to get the majority of the dust out of your tower. And, at a few dollars a pop, they also work well for cleaning out keyboards.
7. Aiming from the inside of the tower to the outside, spray the compressed air using short bursts. Blow the air (and dust/debris) from inside the case towards the vents and grilles.
8. Move from the top of the case to the bottom, hold the can of compressed air several inches from any components, to prevent condensation from forming.
9. DO NOT blow compressed air directly into a CD, DVD, or floppy diskette (ask you parents what this is) drive.
10. Ensure that you clear the dust from the fan blades.
11. Re-attach the side panels of the case.
Quick & easy, and no more dust bunny invasion! I’m betting, if your tower is as dusty as it sounds, that you will notice a significant improvement in its performance.
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