The Tech Library

Computer crashes are not always the fault of misfiring software.

This can be caused by dirt, dust, and animal hair that collect inside the computer causing overheating.
Airborne debris accumulates inside the computer, and prevents the cooling fan(s) from properly cooling it.
Automatic safety overrides built-in to most new computers, will shut down or slow down the computer whenever the processor starts getting too hot.
Desktops most often have at least one, usually more, cooling fans.
It is important to keep the cooling fan motors and blades clean and free from debris to ensure that they keep the computer cool.

Here's what you'll need:

• Q-Tips (Cotton Buds)
• Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol)
• A Can of Compressed Air (Available at most computer stores)
  

The Procedure:

• Firstly, Disconnect the computer from the household Power!!
• Remove the cover of the computer.
  
  Caution: when opening the case; touch a bare metal piece of the chassis to discharge any static electricity in case of any accidental touching of the electronic components that can cause a static discharge, and damage them.
  
  Take the compressed air can and spray directly into all the cooling fans inside the computer to dislodge pieces of dirt, dust, and animal hair that have built-up on the cooling fan blades and motor.
  
  WARNING: A word of caution for using compressed air directly on fans - Do not aim the air flow directly at thinner fan blades; there is a risk of spinning them faster than designed and ruining them.
  Alternatively breaking the blades off and rendering the fan useless.
  
  If it is absolutely necessary to direct the air onto the blades; just put a finger in the middle of the fan to act as a brake or govenor to limit speeds.
  
  However, it is not advisable to aim directly at the blades; at an angle is preferred.
  
  The optimum angle of the nozzle is about 45° - 60° and 3 - 4 inches away from the actual components, especially the condensers/capacitors etc., so as not to damage them.
  
  
• Take a cotton swab (Q-tip) dip it lightly in the alcohol - making sure to clean both sides of each fan blade.
  
  Do not soak the Q-tip in alcohol - just a little bit is fine - but it does evaporate quickly (that is a good thing) so do not be afraid to get the fan blades coated with it - it won't be there long.

Clean Cooling Fan Blades and clean Computer Cases ensures the computer runs cooler and quieter.

When the computer runs cooler, there is less chance of the computer's automatic heat overload features kicking in - and the computer will run smoother and much more quietly.

Whilst the cover of the computer is off, be sure to gently vacuum the motherboard and the rest of the inside of the case.

Do not use Q-tips or alcohol on the mainboard (motherboard)!

Lightly vacuum out the case, ensuring not to touch the vacuum nozzle onto the motherboard; hold it several inches above it to remove any dirt, dust or animal hairs that may be sticking to the surface.

Clean the computer following these steps above, every two to three months. A cleaner computer really does run better; it will be much quieter too.

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� 2008 carsey. This article may not be reproduced, in part or in whole without the express permission of the author.