As moving day draws near, you're likely preparing checklists, packing boxes,
and looking forward to life in your new home.
But in your haste, don't get sloppy when it comes to packing. Regardless of
whether you're moving your belongings yourself or have hired professional
movers, you'll want to be sure that special attention is given to your
computer - or computers.
Being careless with your computer can result in mechanical failure or damage
from normal physical shock, which can occur during transport.
The American Moving and Storage Association recommends you go through the
following procedures when packing your computers:
Prepare the floppy disk drive. First, make backup copies of all your data
files. Store them with the original program disks in a lockbox or other
strong container. Then, make sure there are no floppy diskettes in the
drives. Insert an old cardboard disk or an old floppy and close the drive
door.
Park the hard disk. You'll want to be sure the recording heads are parked
before you move the computer. This step usually eliminates the possibility
of shock to the hard disk. When automatic park and lock systems are powered
down, the disk automatically retracts the recording heads from the data area
into a safety zone. Some PCs require you to run a program to activate the
park procedure. IBM and most hard-disk clones include the program
SHIPDISK.EXE, which parks the heads. The program is usually located on the
diagnostic diskette that came with the computer. You can run the program
from the menu of the diagnostic diskette, or you can copy SHIPDISK.EXE to
your hard disk and run it. When SHIPDISK is invoked, a red light on the disk
goes blinks, meaning the hard disk is parked. The hard disk is unparked when
the computer is turned back on. Once your drives are secure, you should turn
the system off and remove all cables from the back of the unit.
Pack the computer properly. The best packing material is the original box
and Styrofoam packing, if you still have it. This will hold the system in
place. If the original box isn't available, find a good-fitting box and
packing material.
Take care of your printer. Again, the best way to move your printer is to
use the original box with the customized foam fit. If you have a laser
printer, remove the ink cartridge to prevent spilling and contaminating the
laser engine. If you have a pin printer, you should insert a piece of paper
in the platen to secure the print head.
In addition, www.123movers.com offers these extra tips:
Shut down your computer and then unplug cables. Make notes of which cable
goes to which device. You can use masking tape for this, attaching the piece
of tape to the appropriate cable.
Be attentive to your monitor. Because it is made of glass, it can easily
scratch or crack. If you don't have the original box to pack it in, use a
box and Styrofoam popcorn or bubble wrap.
Place your CPU upright or on its side with the motherboard side lying flat
on the bottom. If you ship it upside-down, or with the motherboard side on
top, interior cards may loosen. This probably won't cause permanent damage,
but it will likely require technical service to make it functional again.
Like the other parts of your system, use the original box, or an
appropriate-sized one with packing popcorn or bubble wrap.
If you have additional questions about moving your specific make of
computer, you should contact a technical service representative from the
company that made your system.
Published: May 14, 2002
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