For hardware removal, there are some simple rules you should follow.
- Unplug the PC first!
- Disconnect all wires coming from the power supply. Unscrew the four screws on the back of the power supply. Slide the power supply out of its case and set it aside.
- Disconnect all IDE cables and FDD cables and set them aside.
- Unscrew all screws from all drives and slide drives out and set them aside.
- Unscrew the fan on the heatsink. Unclasp the heatsink, wipe off heat paste, and set aside. Pull out CPU, wipe off paste, and set it with prongs facing up.
- Disconnect power and reset buttons, wires, and USB wires and case speaker wires. Tie them back.
- Unscrew the retaining screw for the video card. Undo locking mech (if you have AGP) and just slide the AGP card out.
- Push down on retaining clips on the memory cards and slide memory cards out and set aside.
- Unscrew retaining screws for the motherboard. Pull the motherboard out and set it aside.
- If you are just cleaning , I suggest you use canned air and blast every little inch in which you see dust (but do not be careless); remember, some items cannot take a beating, so be very careful.
- Just reverse the removal method when you are ready to reinstall.