Help Desk Mac Mechanic Page Five

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Annual Maintenance Procedures

"Clean Sweep" Your System.

It would be nice if we could just use our computers year after year without any maintenance anything. But, most Apple service providers recommend that once each year (after every 2,000 hours of use) you should erase the hard drive and reinstall all your applications and system software, a process we refer to as a "Clean Sweep."

NOTE: Performing a "Clean Sweep" is NOT a procedure that should by attempted by novice users, as it requires a solid understanding of how the Mac operates.

At least once each year, however, you should follow the instructions provided below to remove any dust that may have accumulated inside your computer.

Also, be sure to read the instructions about eliminating static electrical charges any time you open the computer case to install a RAM upgrade, hard drive or graphics accelerator.

Where to Start: If you're thinking about a "Clean Sweep," you'll first need to do some planning. Since the last time you installed everything, Apple has probably released at least one new version of the MacOS (operating system), and a few patches and enhancements. In addition, the companies that publish your software have probably released updated versions, patches and bug fixes, too You'll want to have these handy.

Next, before you do anything else, backup EVERYTHING on your hard drive! Even if you're not performing a full "Clean Sweep," you should have a complete backup of your hard drive in case something goes wrong while you're "inside the box." (Having a complete backup will also allow you to import or recreate any control panel settings, web browser bookmarks and favorites, email contacts and addresses, or software preferences you want to remember.) In addition, make sure you write down all of your software serial numbers and important Internet connection information (Local dialup numbers, DNS addresses, passwords, etc.)

Finally, give a long thought to any hardware upgrades you've been considering. This is the perfect time to install more RAM, replace your hard drive or install a graphics accelerator. Have them nearby, along with any software and instructions the manufacturer has provided.

Ready to start? Wait! Opening the computer case will expose your Mac's delicate internal components, and may void your Apple warranty. Before you go any further, take a moment to read the following paragraph which was prepared (at great expense) by our attorney:

5-Minute Mac Consulting, and its employees, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damages which occur, either directly or indirectly, to any person, device or data, as a result of any person(s) attempting to perform the actions described herein. It is strongly recommended that only experienced professionals attempt to perform these procedures. If you have any concerns about your ability to complete these procedures, please contact 5-Minute Mac or any Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Are you still with us? Good! Let's proceed.

The first thing you want to do is open up the computer and peek inside. What you're looking for is any dust that has accumulated inside. This is more than just a cosmetic concern! Dust can harm the diskette and CD-ROM drive mechanisms, cause the power supply to burn out or, worst of all, create an insulating "blanket" over the processor and motherboard components. If these components get too warm they can overheat and burn out, leaving you with an expensive repair bill. If you find a lot of dust inside, you should remove it.

READ THIS SECTION VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE OPENING THE COMPUTER CASING!

Before working inside a computer, you MUST discharge all static electricity from yourself and your work area. Failure to do so could permanently damage your computer. Electronics and computer stores sell inexpensive grounding wrist straps for this purpose. (Follow the package directions.) If you do not have a grounding strap, follow these steps to discharge all static electricity:

STEP 1: Make sure the computer is turned off, and all peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor, scanner, etc.) are disconnected from the computer. Leave the power cord connected to both the computer and the electrical outlet.

STEP 2: Open the computer's plastic case and gently touch the metal frame inside the computer. Any static charge you are carrying should pass safely through the computer's power supply and into the ground wire of your home or office electrical system.

NOTE: On some models, the motherboard slides in and out of a hole in the back of the computer. Do not remove the motherboard until you have simultaneously touched both the computer's metal frame AND the work surface where you intend to rest the motherboard. The work surface may have its own static charge.

STEP 3: Once you've discharged the static electricity, do not move away from your work area! Immediately unplug the power cord from the computer and get to work. If you move around the room, you could develop another static charge!

NOTE 2: Owners of any "all-in-one" Mac that has a built-in monitor should NEVER open the plastic casing! Some components attached to the monitor store DANGEROUS levels of electricity even when the computer is turned off and unplugged! Touching these components can cause severe injury or death!

Still with us? Good for you! Now, let's get rid of that dust: With the case open and all static electricity safely discharged, use a paintbrush (very small, VERY soft) and a can of compressed air to loosen any accumulated dust and blow it away. Be sure to hold the air can upright at all times, or the liquid propellant can hit the motherboard. Pay special attention to removing dust from the drive mechanisms (always blow from the inside toward the outside), the power supply, the cooling fan, and the processor. Then, as soon as you have finished removing the dust, close up the computer again (unless you plan to immediately install new hardware). NEVER leave a computer open in your home, school or office. You don't know who might poke around inside!

NOTE: If you are not going to perform a full "Clean Sweep," you can stop here. Otherwise, please continue reading

When the computer is closed up, reconnect all hardware peripherals and plug everything in. Insert the MacOS CD-ROM (or your Disk Tools diskette) into the computer and start it up. (If starting from the CD, hold down the "C" key.) Once the machine has booted up (and you're SURE you've backed up all your files), reformat the hard drive(s) with the newest version of Apple's Drive Setup utility software. (As I write this, the newest version is 1.6.1. Do NOT use an earlier version on any Mac which will run MacOS (system software) version 7.5 or higher!)

Reformatting the drive will eliminate all corruptions, identify and "mark" any "bad blocks" (physical problems in the drive storage media) and install the newest "drivers" that tell your computer how to communicate with the hard drive. (Reformatting also permanently erases EVERY file on your hard drive. That's why you backed up EVERYTHING!)

Once you're done reformatting, you can load the new System Software (MacOS) on your freshly formatted drive. You should probably use the "Easy Install" option. (You can always clean out the dead wood later.) When you're done installing the MacOS, restart the machine and check the drive with Disk First Aid or your hard drive repair utility to make sure everything is as it should be.

Then, one by one, you can reinstall the newest versions of each software application, any fonts you own, and any data files that you need to have available. (Chances are, most data files can be left on your backup disks.) Set the control panels and preferences back to the way you prefer, organize as you go, read all the Readme files, remove any unnecessary files, test each software application as soon as it is installed, and restart the machine after each step. Although the entire process can take several hours,when you're finished you will have a "brand new" computer that is completely bug free and stable. Good Luck ;-)

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Help: Mac Mechanic: 5 of 5
Annual Maintenance Procedures "Clean Sweep" Your System. It would be nice if we could just use our computers year after year without any maintenance anything. But, most Apple service providers recommend that once each year (after every 2,000 hours of use) you should erase the hard drive and reinstall all your applications and system software, a process we refer to as a "Clean Sweep." NOTE: Performing a "Clean Sweep" is NOT a procedure that should by attempted by novice users, as it requires a solid understanding of how the Mac operates. At least once each year, however, you should follow the instructions provided below to remove any dust that may have accumulated inside your computer. Also, be sure to read the instructions about eliminating static electrical charges any time you open the computer case to install a RAM upgrade, hard drive or graphics accelerator. Where to Start: If you're thinking about a "Clean Sweep," you'll first need to do some planning. Since the last time you installed everything, Apple has probably released at least one new version of the MacOS (operating system), and a few patches and enhancements. In addition, the companies that publish your software have probably released updated versions, patches and bug fixes, too You'll want to have these handy. *Next, before you do anything else, backup EVERYTHING on your hard drive!* Even if you're not performing a full "Clean Sweep," you should have a complete backup of your hard drive in case something goes wrong while you're "inside the box." (Having a complete backup will also allow you to import or recreate any control panel settings, web browser bookmarks and favorites, email contacts and addresses, or software preferences you want to remember.) In addition, make sure you write down all of your software serial numbers and important Internet connection information (Local dialup numbers, DNS addresses, passwords, etc.) Finally, give a long thought to any hardware upgrades you've been considering. This is the perfect time to install more RAM, replace your hard drive or install a graphics accelerator. Have them nearby, along with any software and instructions the manufacturer has provided. Ready to start? Wait! Opening the computer case will expose your Mac's delicate internal components, and may void your Apple warranty. Before you go any further, take a moment to read the following paragraph which was prepared (at great expense) by our attorney: 5-Minute Mac Consulting, and its employees, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damages which occur, either directly or indirectly, to any person, device or data, as a result of any person(s) attempting to perform the actions described herein. It is strongly recommended that only experienced professionals attempt to perform these procedures. If you have any concerns about your ability to complete these procedures, please contact 5-Minute Mac or any Apple Authorized Service Provider. Are you still with us? Good! Let's proceed. The first thing you want to do is open up the computer and peek inside. What you're looking for is any dust that has accumulated inside. This is more than just a cosmetic concern! Dust can harm the diskette and CD-ROM drive mechanisms, cause the power supply to burn out or, worst of all, create an insulating "blanket" over the processor and motherboard components. If these components get too warm they can overheat and burn out, leaving you with an expensive repair bill. If you find a lot of dust inside, you should remove it. READ THIS SECTION VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE OPENING THE COMPUTER CASING! Before working inside a computer, you MUST discharge all static electricity from yourself and your work area. Failure to do so could permanently damage your computer. Electronics and computer stores sell inexpensive grounding wrist straps for this purpose. (Follow the package directions.) If you do not have a grounding strap, follow these steps to discharge all static electricity: STEP 1: Make sure the computer is turned off, and all peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor, scanner, etc.) are disconnected from the computer. Leave the power cord connected to both the computer and the electrical outlet. STEP 2: Open the computer's plastic case and gently touch the metal frame inside the computer. Any static charge you are carrying should pass safely through the computer's power supply and into the ground wire of your home or office electrical system. NOTE: On some models, the motherboard slides in and out of a hole in the back of the computer. Do not remove the motherboard until you have simultaneously touched both the computer's metal frame AND the work surface where you intend to rest the motherboard. The work surface may have its own static charge. STEP 3: Once you've discharged the static electricity, do not move away from your work area! Immediately unplug the power cord from the computer and get to work. If you move around the room, you could develop another static charge! NOTE 2: Owners of any "all-in-one" Mac that has a built-in monitor should NEVER open the plastic casing! Some components attached to the monitor store DANGEROUS levels of electricity even when the computer is turned off and unplugged! Touching these components can cause severe injury or death! Still with us? Good for you! Now, let's get rid of that dust: With the case open and all static electricity safely discharged, use a paintbrush (very small, VERY soft) and a can of compressed air to loosen any accumulated dust and blow it away. Be sure to hold the air can upright at all times, or the liquid propellant can hit the motherboard. Pay special attention to removing dust from the drive mechanisms (always blow from the inside toward the outside), the power supply, the cooling fan, and the processor. Then, as soon as you have finished removing the dust, close up the computer again (unless you plan to immediately install new hardware). NEVER leave a computer open in your home, school or office. You don't know who might poke around inside! NOTE: If you are not going to perform a full "Clean Sweep," you can stop here. Otherwise, please continue reading When the computer is closed up, reconnect all hardware peripherals and plug everything in. Insert the MacOS CD-ROM (or your Disk Tools diskette) into the computer and start it up. (If starting from the CD, hold down the "C" key.) Once the machine has booted up (and you're SURE you've backed up all your files), reformat the hard drive(s) with the newest version of Apple's Drive Setup utility software. (As I write this, the newest version is 1.6.1. Do NOT use an earlier version on any Mac which will run MacOS (system software) version 7.5 or higher!) Reformatting the drive will eliminate all corruptions, identify and "mark" any "bad blocks" (physical problems in the drive storage media) and install the newest "drivers" that tell your computer how to communicate with the hard drive. (Reformatting also permanently erases EVERY file on your hard drive. That's why you backed up EVERYTHING!) Once you're done reformatting, you can load the new System Software (MacOS) on your freshly formatted drive. You should probably use the "Easy Install" option. (You can always clean out the dead wood later.) When you're done installing the MacOS, restart the machine and check the drive with Disk First Aid or your hard drive repair utility to make sure everything is as it should be. Then, one by one, you can reinstall the newest versions of each software application, any fonts you own, and any data files that you need to have available. (Chances are, most data files can be left on your backup disks.) Set the control panels and preferences back to the way you prefer, organize as you go, read all the Readme files, remove any unnecessary files, test each software application as soon as it is installed, and restart the machine after each step. Although the entire process can take several hours,when you're finished you will have a "brand new" computer that is completely bug free and stable. Good Luck ;-)
BACK		HELP MENU

HOME . SERVICES . HELP DESK . RESOURCES . WHY MAC . CREDENTIALS
Copyright 1998, 5-Minute Mac Consulting, Wampum, Pennsylvania, USA