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You;re in the right place, then :-) Ask away :-). I know what _I_ would do, it's the same for jsut abotu any clasisc computer. My procedure is basically ; 1) Take apart anything that will sensibly come apart. No, I don't mean to deoslder all the ICs from the PCBs. But pull out all the boards, remove covers, things like that 2) A visal inspuction (and cleanup), looking for burnt/borken parts, cooling fans tht don't run freely, open-circuit light bulbs, blown fuses, etc. Anything taht can be easily checked, is... 3) Electricla safety check. Check the contiuuity of the earth (ground) wire, and the iunsulation resistnace between live parts and the case (at at least twice the mains voltage, I normally use 1000V). 4) Assemble the PSU section only, and if necessary connect it to dummy load resistors. Power up and check the output voltages. Don't go any further until they're cortrect 5) Assemble a 'mimimal system'. CPU + front panel + one memory board, something like that. Get that working (at least ot the extent of running a simple program entered on the panel). 6) Add the remaining parts one at a time and check. If you cna run the manufacturers diagnostics, do so. But be warned that in soem cases such diagnostics will tell you if soemthing is wrong, but may not be too useful in actually findign the fault. DEC ones are normally OK, though. -tony