How to Refurbish Old Computer Systems

A number of steps can be taken to refurbish old computer systems, making them look and function like new again. This increases the price at which such computer systems can be sold for, as well as reducing the chance that customers will return them because of technical or mechanical problems.

COMPONENTS: All of the computer systems’ components should be tested to ensure that they function properly, including the disk/Zip/CD drives, modem, sound card, network interface card, accessory ports, and internal fans. These tests should be performed before and after its old operating system is removed, to more easily determine if either mechanical or software driver issues are causing problems. Verify the floppy drive can read and write to disks. Use floppy or CD-ROM drive cleaning kits if necessary. Replace or repair any non-functioning components. Thoroughly clean built-up dust out of the computer’s interior and internal fans. Confirm that all chips and cards are firmly seated in their sockets.

BATTERIES: Most desktop and laptop computer systems have an internal CMOS battery which occasionally fails; the old batteries should be replaced (more details) if they are a standard, inexpensive type, while non-standard types should be tested to determine if they require replacement. The large batteries in laptop computers ought to be replaced, unless they are recent and hold enough electricity to be used for a substantial period of time.

UPGRADES: Although upgrading computer systems to their maximum potential doesn’t have to be part of your steps to refurbish them, any particularly outdated components should be replaced if possible. For example, an old 14.4kbps modem or a 16-color graphics card can be inexpensively upgraded. If the hard disk has a very small capacity or many bad sectors, it may be a good idea to replace it with a newer unit, keeping in mind the maximum hard disk sizes different operating systems support.

OS: To legally sell the computer systems you are planning to refurbish, they should include original disks containing the operating systems which are installed on them (or no OS). The hard disk should be re-formatted and the OS re-installed, especially if it has data placed on it by a previous user. Many old or alternative operating systems are freely available. Be sure to thoroughly test the operating system, make sure it runs quickly enough, and is compatible with components installed in the computer. It is preferable to install Windows 95 on an old computer you refurbish and have it run quickly than for it to run XP very slowly.

EXTERIOR: The computer’s housing, mouse, and keyboard should be thoroughly cleaned as part of your efforts to refurbish them. If the old housing is in badly damaged condition, it may be best to dispose of it and transfer the components to an equivalent housing. Drives which don’t match the computer’s color should be replaced, and covers placed on any open, empty expansion slots or drive bays. Test the power button repeatedly. If there is a mouse, remove its ball and carefully clean the wheels inside its compartment to refurbish it. Keyboard keycaps can usually be pulled off to clean under them, then firmly pushed back on again.

Following the above-mentioned tips should help you thoroughly refurbish old computer systems so that they will have a better appearance and function properly for many years to come. Always be sure to take the proper safety precautions regarding electricity and static discharge while you refurbish them.