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Step 1
Save your work before closing programs that you are using on the computer. Shut down your computer before you begin cleaning dust from inside the fan.
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Step 2
Observe the location of each device that is connected to the computer. Unplug each device from the computer, including the monitor, power cord and every peripheral device connected to the computer.
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Step 3
Move each disconnected peripheral device away from the work area. During the cleaning process, there will be dust flying, and it could get inside the peripheral devices and compromise the quality of performance.
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Step 4
Use an appropriate screwdriver. Remove the screws holding the top or side of the case in place. Set the case away from the work area to avoid flying dust particles collecting on it.
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Step 5
Gather the cleaning supplies near the work area. Gathering the cleaning supplies near the work area can save a significant amount of time because you don't have to keep going to another room to gather supplies.
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Step 1
Use a cotton swab. Remove as much caked-on dust from the fan blades of the CPU fan and the power supply fan with a cotton swab as you can. Caked-on dust is hard to remove with a can of compressed air.
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Step 2
Attach the spray nozzle to the can of compressed air. Be sure to hold the can of compressed air straight up. Make gentle sweeps across the blades of the CPU fan and power-supply fan to remove loose dust and cobwebs. Blow the dust to one empty corner of the computer where there are no devices connected.
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Step 3
Check for dust in other inside areas of the computer case such as on top of memory sticks and network cards, graphics cards and ports. If there is a significant amount of dust in other areas of the computer case, repeat the dusting process to blow the dust to one corner of the inside of the computer.
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Step 4
Use a vacuum cleaner crevice tool. Gently vacuum the dust from the corner of the inside of the computer case with a gentle sweeping motion.
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Step 5
Replace the top of the case. Be sure to tighten the screws snugly. Tightening the screws loosely leaves the case open to further dust buildup in the future.
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Step 6
Reconnect the peripheral devices and the power cord. Boot the computer normally and verify every device is in working order.
