Solved Preserving unused PC

[Computer0304]

Computer0304 you are making this way to complicated.

If you plan on starting the computer every month with a good battery and system should still work properly.

If you remove and reinstall the battery the bios should go to default and you will need to reset the time and date in bios. When in Windows 7 after boot check the date so you can get proper updates.
If by chance you have special setting in the bois you have change make a note so you can set them back that way.

If you leave the battery in and it is in good shape and stays charged just plug the computer in and boot it.

That's it.

Well yeah, I guess I sometimes make things too complicated.

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.

We have same Voltage. Philippines also requires 220V

So did you have to ever change the voltage setting because of something that came from the US?
And sorry if this sounds rude, no hard feelings, but can someone please answer yes or no for if all I have to do to change the setting to 230V is push the switch to 230? Thank you.

 

[strollin]

You need to switch the voltage switch and have the correct cord for the outlet.

 

[Computer0304]

So that is all I have to do, right? I already pushed the voltage switch to show 230 in case I forget and I also have a cord with the correct shape for the outlet.

 

[MagusMagnus]

The single-most important thing to not do is store it in an uninsulated area – like the garage (or attic, or basement if they're not insulated and/or have open air vents or ducts to the outside at all). We put our old OSX system out to pasture in the garage, and no surprise, it wouldn’t function at all when I went back to see if it still worked (absolutely 100% dead, no LED’s and no POST). Why? I have to blame the dew point in the AM’s. Our garage isn’t insulated. And there was also a stereo system kept and used out there that also stopped working (receiver unit–speakers of course still worked).

So keep it in an insulated area of your residence, and that’s about it. Nothing else is strictly necessary.

You have to consider, with mass manufactured systems, they actually sit in warehouses for several months or even longer, and they’re perfectly fine despite it. The only thing that can and will cause malfunction, is if you do store them (or any electronics for that matter) in an uninsulated area. The insulation is not just for temperature regulation (for want of a better term), but also to keep the dampness in the air to a minimum. It is the dampness of the air in uninsulated areas that can and will corrode electronics equipment (PCB’s) and lead to failure.

 

[S2Nice]

I'm in South Korea, not North ...

That would be true for most in the North, but depending on one's level of privilege, or status as a l33t haxxor, that may not be such a roadblock

If you're only staying for a while before moving on, do this: Ditch your electronics Friday through Sunday each week, and take the time you have to enjoy fellowship with your family. The digital world will still be here when you have time for it.

 

[Computer0304]

The single-most important thing to not do is store it in an uninsulated area – like the garage (or attic, or basement if they're not insulated and/or have open air vents or ducts to the outside at all). We put our old OSX system out to pasture in the garage, and no surprise, it wouldn’t function at all when I went back to see if it still worked (absolutely 100% dead, no LED’s and no POST). Why? I have to blame the dew point in the AM’s. Our garage isn’t insulated. And there was also a stereo system kept and used out there that also stopped working (receiver unit–speakers of course still worked).

So keep it in an insulated area of your residence, and that’s about it. Nothing else is strictly necessary.

You have to consider, with mass manufactured systems, they actually sit in warehouses for several months or even longer, and they’re perfectly fine despite it. The only thing that can and will cause malfunction, is if you do store them (or any electronics for that matter) in an uninsulated area. The insulation is not just for temperature regulation (for want of a better term), but also to keep the dampness in the air to a minimum. It is the dampness of the air in uninsulated areas that can and will corrode electronics equipment (PCB’s) and lead to failure.

Well, thankfully, in the winter at least, the air is pretty dry. I don't have to worry about insulation as there are no garages or attics in apartments in Korea. I will just store it a box in one of the corners in one of my rooms and take it out and turn it on every month.

I'm in South Korea, not North ...

That would be true for most in the North, but depending on one's level of privilege, or status as a l33t haxxor, that may not be such a roadblock

If you're only staying for a while before moving on, do this: Ditch your electronics Friday through Sunday each week, and take the time you have to enjoy fellowship with your family. The digital world will still be here when you have time for it.

Can you explain what you mean by the phrase I highlighted? And yes, I do spend time with my family and don't use electronics 24/7. That would be bad for my health too.

 

[S2Nice]

Sure: if you're only staying for a few weeks or months, you don't want to miss any time you can spend with family, hence the thought to ditch the electronics. If you're going to be in Korea permanently, though, you'll obviously have lots of time to enjoy everything that matters:family, friends, good food, etc. I've spent time there, and I really do think that Korean people are closer to their family, and more respectful to their elders, than the average joe is here in the US.

I only spent 2 years in Korea, and that was ten years ago, but I still miss "my" ajumma! She had the best yaki mandu, and she was always ready to chat over a cup of coffee. I was about the only American she knew who liked kimchi, so she would really load me up at dinnertime. She was a very nice lady. Very much like a mother to some of the younger soldiers (Korean and American), and the best aunt you could ask for. We were "her" soldiers just as much as she was "our" ajumma.

 

[Computer0304]

It is permanent for now. I have a lot of my family here but I will also miss my friends over in America so I will occasionally visit the US. It is good to hear you like Korean food.
Also, yes or no if all I have to do to switch the voltage is push the switch. Please answer. Sorry once again if this sounds rude, I will stop if you guys tell me to. No hard feelings.

 

[S2Nice]

Just slide the switch over, and that's it.

 

[Computer0304]

Ok, I have finally turned on the computer. It turned on faster than before and I have ran a SMART test and chkdsk and everything was fine. I will try to remember to peer it on every month. I have got everything I want off of it for now but I will keep it in case I ever want to get something off of it. Thanks everyone for helping.