Computer help?

[xfirefly9x]

My PC has been making some terrible noises on first turning it on lately. My brother has put it down to it needing a clean and has suggested I get some compressed air.

However...
1) I've never done this before and am a little terrified of doing something wrong.
2) I can't find where to buy compressed air from.

Thoughts? Ideas? Tips?

Comments

[arctic-comet.livejournal.com]

1) It's actually pretty easy.* The can we have has a "straw" of sorts attached to it. Basically you just open up the computer's insides (the fan is what usually needs to get cleaned up), see where the dust is and then just direct the flow of air to that. Just make sure that the computer's shut down and unplugged from the wall. You should also wait for a little while for any possible charge to disappear before opening it up and cleaning it, just to make sure you won't get electrocuted or break anything.

2) You should be able to get it in just about any store that sells electronics.

Brought to you by my husband. xD

*I've actually done it myself a couple of times.

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That does sound easyish. I've already got the PC unplugged and I spent a bit of time dusting it down on the outside (I usually dust the outside at least once a month, but it's amazing how much can't be reached when it's still in its desk hole!)..

I'm having some issues finding the compressed air, though. Did searches on various electronic store websites and it came up with a charger for MacBook air, and various laptop cases. None of the actual stuff. Might have to go out during the day and do some searching around in person.

Trying to talk my brother into coming over to help out and see a movie and such, but not sure he'll go for it, so am glad to have your advice in case I have to do it on my own. :)

Thanks to both you and your husband. :)

[michysquishy.livejournal.com]

You can also get compressed air at Staples or any office supply store. It's usually pretty cheap. Good luck!

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I looked up Staples... had no idea it's an Australian one! Found this (http://www.staples.com.au/staples-brand/staples-computer-accessories/staples-computer-cleaning/staples-air-duster-pressurised-350ml?r=se). That's the right stuff, yes?

[michysquishy.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's it! Any office supply store will have it too, but that's the stuff. :)

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Awesome. Found some in store rather than online, and all's cleaned up and running better now. :)

[mialicia.livejournal.com]

Pretty much here to second everyone else's suggestions! If you're a member of a Sam's Club or Costo you should be able to get compressed air there as well. Although I'm not sure if they have those outside of the US XD

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Okay, awesome. Thanks!
Neither of those unfortunately. But apparently we have a Staples, and it looks to be free shipping, so might end up going with that if I can't find any other options.

[mialicia.livejournal.com]

Awesome! Dust can be a bigger problem than a lot of people think, so I'll keep my fingers crossed it's as simple as that :)

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Hmm.. maybe not free shipping. But still my best option.

And yeah, I'm hoping that's all it is too. It makes sense.. I mean, I've had this PC maybe 4 years now and never cleaned it inside before (yep, baaaad, I know). So. Thanks.

[magnavox-23.livejournal.com]

Officeworks sells compressed air, as does almost any computer store.

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Thanks. *squish*
I couldn't find it listed on any of their sites, so wasn't sure they'd definitely have it. Going to take a walk around the shops when Zach wakes up and see if we can find any at the various ones here, though, and go from there.

[janetmaca.livejournal.com]

Seems like someone beat me to the punch. I've used q-tips when I haven't had access to compressed air.

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Yeps. Lot of advice by this point. My flist = ♥

Hmmm.. yes. q-tips. I think we have some of those. Will use as back up if Zach comes home from Officeworks compressed air-less. Thanks! :)

[janetmaca.livejournal.com]

Good luck with the cleaning!

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Thanks. It went well. :)

[odakota-rose.livejournal.com]

Hardware stores and computer stores would likely both have compressed air. Do you have Home Depot or Lowe's there? Also, compressed air is super safe, just follow the instructions on the can.

(side benefit, if you spray it while the can is upside down it'll freeze stuff. xD)

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

Neither of those did, but my cousin mentioned Officeworks might, so Zach's there now and hopefully will find some. If not, I have two websites that have it and I'll go with that.

No Home Depot or Lowe's here as far as I know? Then again, Lowe's sounds familiar.. but as a clothing store? I don't even know. I've researched so much that I can't be bothered looking anything more up tbh.

(oooh, really? better not do that when computer cleaning then. :P)

Thanks. *squishes* How is you?