Thursday, July 30, 1998
If you're sending a computer off to college, pack it with care, suggest moving professionals at Mayflower. To preserve valuable information in the computer memory and prevent damage to internal components:
See the manual for proper handling requirements. If you can't find it, call the manufacturer or a dealer.
Back up all files on diskettes before the move.
Protect the diskettes from temperature extremes. Consider taking them with you in the car.
Remove diskettes from external drives.
If your computer has a feature to "park" the heads on the hard drive, use it to prevent damage. Some newer models activate this feature automatically when the computer is turned off.
Label all cables and cords before disconnecting them.
If you can, pack the computer in its original box(es) along with original packing materials. If original boxes are gone, mark the outside of the boxes you use with bold letters: "Computer -- Fragile."
For every hour in extreme conditions (under 50 degrees; over 125 degrees) allow the same time (up to eight hours) at room temperature before use.
If you use a moving company, determine today's retail cost of your computer to help select the proper valuation for insurance. Other packing tips:
Records, tapes, CDs: Stack items on end so they can absorb shock with less chance of damage. Pack tightly so they can't shift.
Small appliances, VCRs and stereo equipment: Pack each in its original box, or cushion appliances with crumpled packing paper. Tape down moving parts.
Clothes can be folded and boxed. For faster unpacking, get wardrobe boxes from a moving company, which allow you to leave clothes on hangers.
Lamp shades should be handled by wire frames and placed in large boxes. Use paper to separate and nest several shades in one box. Watch out for smudging if you use newsprint.
Information: Mayflower Transit, P.O. Box 26150, Mail Code B-1, Fenton, Mo. 63026-1350; www.mayflower.com.
