Marry X-mas To myself - Recovered Computers and other devices from weather

Anthony N

Anthony N

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Posts
619
Location
Michigan, USA
Ok, I apologize for my long title, but here's the deal I recovered several desktop computers and a security DVR. They have been exposed to subzero temperatures, frost and snow.

Right now they are down in my shop warming up and drying out. Question is do I risk starting them? or are they good as trashed?
 
Frost and snow would not bother me, if the snow never melted and they were never rained on - that is water did not get inside, then I suspect they are fine. The rice trick works good if submerged, but not really practical for several desktops - you would need several 100lbs of rice and a very big tub or trash can to put it all in. I suspect a fan blowing on them for day or two, or longer would be good - assuming your basement is not dank and humid.

If me, when you do attempt to power them up, I would use some sort of switchable outlet so you are not standing right over them when you apply power.

Are they as good as trash? Well, you would have to wonder why they were tossed outside in the snow in the first place.



Merry Christmas & [COLOR="#000FF"]Happy[/COLOR] [COLOR="#00800"]New[/COLOR] Year!​
 
Yes, I wouldn't order anything for them until I'd checked dates, model#, etc. Older than 3yo or so, it would better to make just 1 good one and keep a few spare parts.
 
The whole reason of them being in the snow was because of transportation not recovery location. Their specs are not important because they will not be required to do anything much at all.
 
The whole reason of them being in the snow was because of transportation not recovery location
Click to expand...
Recovery location? That was not my concern. Typically, electronics are left outside because they no longer work. So plugging in something of unknown status is one thing, it is another if that device got wet.
 
I understand this. And I'm constantly checking for signs of water damage. So far everything looks good. But looks can be deceiving. I know it can take months before water damage shows its ugly face even if everything looks good.
 
Through further investigation these computers are seriously overdue for every kind of cleaning and maintenance. These were old point-of-sale computers for a restaurant that went out of business.

The new owners gave them to me but my dad's workers stupidly put them in the bed of the truck instead of in the cab.

Well I'll see what I can do to get them running again, but as it stands they are in no condition to run. If it comes down to it I'll start rebuilding them from square 1.
 
My suggestion, Anthony, is to let them dry naturally. Chances are very little, if any, water found it's way inside the enclosures. A warm, dry area with decent ventilation will work nicely.

One at a time, give a quick cleaning and inspection then power them up.

What are your plans with these machines if you get them up and running?
 
Ok, here is what I know. That security DVR is gonna take some work. I have to find a "laptop style" DC 9v power adapter for it to work.

Two of the 4 POS-Computers run and one is running windows 7 64-bit (who knew that a intel P4 was 64-bit compatible) the other is running Windows XP. With one short coming. No drivers! And a corrupt fresh install. But we still be able to save it.

GZ
If I can get the 3rd one to run after my ordered thermal paste gets here. I'll use it as a secondary desktop.

The system that has windows 7 on it is going to be used as a remote backup server.

The system that has XP on it is only needed because my dear mom has a game that requires dos and a 32-bit OS. However there's some problems with the install. I'm suppose to pick up new license disk from a local store in town that has a valid key and everything. The XP installed now was from a system recovery disk ages ago.
 
Anthony N said:
The system that has XP on it is only needed because my dear mom has a game that requires dos and a 32-bit OS. However there's some problems with the install. I'm suppose to pick up new license disk from a local store in town that has a valid key and everything. The XP installed now was from a system recovery disk ages ago.
Click to expand...

I'm presuming the game is 16bit then. If necessary, you should be able to run it under a 32bit Virtual PC inside a 64bit host.
 

Has Sysnative Forums helped you? Please consider donating to help us support the site!

Back
Top