Preparing to Repair Your Desktop Computer

Even if you think you know what’s wrong with your PC, it’s important to take steps to ensure that you don’t harm yourself or the computer through your efforts.  This guide will not include instructions on what to repair or how to repair it, simply a few tips to keep you from causing more harm than you’d like when you’d prefer to repair your own computer rather than calling an IT support company.

1. Completely disconnect your computer from the wall.  Simply having it off is not enough; it’s safest if there is no way the computer can actually come on while your hands are inside it.  Even if you’re not going to turn the PC on, you want to ensure that no one else can do it either.
2. Keep aware of static.  A spark from your hand to the delicate components inside your PC can fry them and you may not even be aware of it.  Always touch metal before reaching inside your PC and be very careful when moving items in and out of the computer.  Touching metal will remove the electricity from your body so it won’t harm the computer parts.
3. Carefully remove any parts and keep them nearby.  Do not immediately assume that they should be thrown away; if you remove a part and find that it isn’t the reason your computer is broken, you’ll be very sorry if you’ve already damaged it beyond repair.
4. You may need tools to unscrew your computer’s front and some parts, depending on how old it is and what slots each component has.  You may want to have nearby small screwdrivers, both flathead and Philips head, to make sure that you can remove components without searching all over your house with your computer wide open, only to return and destroy it with the electromagnetic static you’ve built up!
5. Remove all jewellery and accessories.  It’s very dangerous to lose something inside your PC and it’s worse if the item conducts electricity.  It’s best to take it off and then you won’t run any risk.
6. Finally, remember that you can turn the computer on with the case open to check if everything is still running correctly, but ensure your hands are no longer inside and that nothing that doesn’t belong is inside the case.  If the computer doesn’t turn on, unplug it and check that everything necessary is still connected, then try again.

Whenever you repair your PC yourself (a fantastic idea), keep these safety tips in mind so that both you and your PC can keep running for a long time to come.