How to Be Safe Around Computers when Repairing

Steps

1. Take all peripherals out of the ports.
2. Unplug the computer from the power cable that leads to the wall.
3. Wait for a faint shut down sound that signals you that the computer has completely powered down.
4. Before opening the computer, ground yourself. Touch anything that is metal and on the floor. You wouldn't want to get shocked or ruin you computer when you are inside it.
5. Remove the cover off the computer to reveal the inner working.
6. Unscrew the power block from the tower and remove.
7. Take any magnifying glass and look over the circuits. You may have to take it to a professional if a circuit is broken.
8. If you know a broken circuit isn't the cause, look at other parts of the computer.

Tips

• When choosing your tools, don't choose anything with a magnetic tip. It may erase your hard drive.
• If you have an old computer that you have been using, you won't get that faint sound. Wait about 30 seconds for it to shut down.
• When removing the cover, it may have screws that keep it in place or push buttons. You won't need a tool if it's push buttons.
• Be careful when you unscrew that power block, it may still hold a charge or be really hot. Have a rubber mat or rubber soled shoes so you are not grounded.

Warnings

• Never work on a computer while it's still plugged in. Sure it is convenient to see if you got the problem fixed, but you have increased your chances of frying yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Magnifying Glass
• Rubber soled shoes
• Rubber mat
• Something to ground yourself on

Related wikiHows

• How to Prevent Electrical Shock
• How to Be Safe Around Computers
• How to Change a Computer Hard Drive Disk
• How to Add an Extra Hard Drive
• How to Install a Motherboard

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