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7Mahonin

I want advice on what to do with this old PC

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I found an old computer in storage that I forgot all about. I had to order a new power cord and a DIN keyboard since it doesn’t have PS/2 input. I haven’t taken the insides apart, but it all looks fairly clean inside and in great overall condition and everything looks properly connected.
 

So while I wait for the power cord and keyboard to arrive, I wanted to ask if I should take any precautions in attempting to see if it boots up? It has to be at least over 20 years now that it’s been in storage. 

Edited by TelicAx7

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Check the inside for any damaged or bulging caps or a leaky battery. Also check for signs of moisture damage in the power supply. They can get a bit explody if they do. Clean any dust you can see.

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hah yeah. Assuming the hardware is OK (do as @Murdoch suggests) It's probably got windows XP or older if there is no PS2 kbd port. This won't have up to date security patches etc. as MS hasn't supported for years... so it will be very risky to use if connected to the web.

 

I'd suggest a current lightweight Linux distro to resurrect it for safe use - there is a huge choice:

 

https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-lightweight-linux-distributions-give-pc-lease-life/

https://fossbytes.com/best-lightweight-linux-distros/

 

I've given several older PCs a new lease of life with Ubuntu (though you may will need a distro that has lower hardware reqs.).

 

 

 

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This PC is much older than XP actually. It's likely a Win 95 or more likely a Windows 98. I feel it will likely turn on, but will not boot past BIOS, so I'll have to replace most of the internals anyhow if that's the case. If it does work, or if I can get it to work again, I only plan to use it to play Doom anyhow lol.

 

I believe we got this computer in the early 90s, but upgraded it in the mid to late 90s. It's been so long since I've seen it I can't remember exactly which PC it was before it ended up in storage.

Edited by TelicAx7

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Well, if it does work, and has Windows 98, there's a plethora of great classic games you could play on it without having to go the Dosbox or port route. Blood, I'm looking at you. That's the only thing I miss about my ME computer, I could play Blood on it just fine.

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