Retrocomputing Stack Exchange
Retrocomputing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [maintenance]

Methods, techniques and tools for the care and upkeep of working retro machinery. Use [repair] when asking about non-functional machines.

Use this tag for questions regarding maintaining retro hardware and keeping it in working order, and about efficacy and safety of methods, techniques and tools for doing so. For questions about repairing non-functioning machines use the tag.

This tag's use is currently ambiguous, and similar to the use of and . Please use the tag most relevant to your problem.

47 questions
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What, if any, routine maintenance does an old computer need?

Assuming an 80's-era computer that is in good condition and used regularly, what, if any, routine maintenance is needed? For example, do I need to do anything to keep the floppy disk drive(s) in good condition? Or the power supply?
Sydius
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Is there some reason why "grounding your fingers" is not necessary for old video game consoles?

I have watched countless videos of people opening up old video game consoles. Talking ones up to year 2000 or so. They never touch a radiator or mention using some kind of technique or measure to get rid of the static electricity in their…
Kellyn L.
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3 answers

How should I clean the plastic exterior of my computers and parts?

What is the most effective way to clean cases, keyboards, old calculators, etc. without harming or discoloring plastic finishes or printing/paint?
CommonerG
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How safe are modern motherboard-cleaning techniques for this 1987 Soviet portable computer?

I recently bought this portable Soviet Mikrolab KR580IK80. The chips are by design exposed, as it was a training computer, and although it is housed in a carrying case, it is extremely dusty as can be seen in the following picture. While it is…
harlandski
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Are there any communities who maintain software for the Osborne 1?

As my Osborne 1 ages, various of my disks have had to be retired with errors, and I'm concerned it may not survive much longer so am looking for ways to extend its life. Are there any communities who maintain software or are there alternatives to…
Rory Alsop
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1 answer

Cleaning a motherboard that has dry mold growing on it

I am working on restoring an old Intel Motherboard with a 478 PGA Socket, an accompanying Intel Pentium 4 Prescott, and various expansion cards that have some form of dry mold coating it. I am working on cleaning the surface level mold off with…
Zeno of Elea
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