Preserving unused PC

Computer0304 · 14 Dec 2014

Hello members of SevenForums. I have stopped using my old PC, actually it's been a few months since I did, but I decided to keep it in case there is any data I ever want to get off of it. Is there anything I need to do to keep it from naturally deteriorating or is all I have to do is just put it in a cardboard box and just keep it in a safe place until needed? Will I have to turn it on once in a while in case something is wrong to check? Or would that be a waste of the PC's life and I should just leave it until I really need it? Also, the only thing you have to do to change the voltage is push the switch on the PSU over to 230, right?

RogerR · 14 Dec 2014

Just saving the hard drive would take up a lot less space. You could also backup any data you might need into the cloud somewhere - say a free Dropbox account - where it would be considerably more accessible than in a box on a shelf somewhere. Otherwise, its like any other electric tool; it will just lie there until you turn it on.

strollin · 14 Dec 2014

If the data on that computer is important then you would be far better off making multiple backups and storing them in separate places then you would be by keeping the computer stored.

Even if packed carefully and stored in a cool, dry place, some of the components (mainly capacitors) will deteriorate over time and could eventually fail.

Computer0304 · 14 Dec 2014

Well, everything really important has been backed up, I'm just going to keep it just in case though. I will turn it on again by next January but not just yet. I just don't have the time to turn it on until January. Also, I'm just the type of person that likes to keep old things. Also, can someone answer my question about switching the voltage for the PSU?

whs · 14 Dec 2014

The CMOS battery will eventually die. They usually have a lifetime of appr. 7 years.

spencer1 · 14 Dec 2014

RogerR said:

Just saving the hard drive would take up a lot less space. You could also backup any data you might need into the cloud somewhere - say a free Dropbox account - where it would be considerably more accessible than in a box on a shelf somewhere. Otherwise, its like any other electric tool; it will just lie there until you turn it on.

Yes. I know folks who save their old HDDs, and use a docking station in case they need to get something off of them. Cheaper and easier than putting each one of them in an enclosure.

Ranger4 · 14 Dec 2014

Computer0304 said:

Well, everything really important has been backed up, I'm just going to keep it just in case though. I will turn it on again by next January but not just yet. I just don't have the time to turn it on until January. Also, I'm just the type of person that likes to keep old things. Also, can someone answer my question about switching the voltage for the PSU?

If the voltage you need to switch it too is between 220 & 240 volts then resetting the input voltage for the PSU to 230 volts should be all you need to do.

Computer0304 · 15 Dec 2014

whs said:

The CMOS battery will eventually die. They usually have a lifetime of appr. 7 years.

What happens when the CMOS battery dies? Are there any warnings of it happening? And also isn't the CMOS battery recharged when the PC is on? Or is that only for the older NiCad batteries? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Ranger4 said:

Computer0304 said:

Well, everything really important has been backed up, I'm just going to keep it just in case though. I will turn it on again by next January but not just yet. I just don't have the time to turn it on until January. Also, I'm just the type of person that likes to keep old things. Also, can someone answer my question about switching the voltage for the PSU?

If the voltage you need to switch it too is between 220 & 240 volts then resetting the input voltage for the PSU to 230 volts should be all you need to do.

You mean just push the voltage switch over to 230 on the PSU, right?

strollin · 15 Dec 2014

If/when the CMOS battery dies, you run the risk of it leaking and corroding the motherboard. There are no warnings. No, the CMOS battery is NOT charged when the PC is on.

There is no need to switch the voltage switch, leave it in the same position as you would have it in when operating it.

Computer0304 · 15 Dec 2014

strollin said:

If/when the CMOS battery dies, you run the risk of it leaking and corroding the motherboard. There are no warnings. No, the CMOS battery is NOT charged when the PC is on.

There is no need to switch the voltage switch, leave it in the same position as you would have it in when operating it.

The reason I need to switch the voltage is because Korea's voltage is 220, while in America, it is 120V. Also, I thought that button cells don't leak, do they? How do I know if it has ran out? Do I get a message on startup? I won't take it out yet though since I will turn it on late December or January.