Before moving your personal computer, there are certain procedures to follow which will protect your system from mechanical failure or damage due to normal physical shock which occurs during transport. If the following steps are taken prior to moving your computer, your system will arrive safely at destination.

FLOPPY DISK DRIVE PREPARATION

Make backup copies of your data files and store them together with the original program disks in a sturdy container, preferably a fireproof lockbox. Remove any floppy diskettes from the drives and insert a cardboard disk or an old floppy disk in the drive and close the drive door.

HARD DISK PREPARATION

To avoid shock to your hard disk, the recording heads should be "parked" before transport. When automatic park and lock systems are powered down, the disk automatically retracts the recording heads from the data area into a safety zone. Other PC systems require the running of a program to activate the park procedure. IBM and most hard-disk clones include the program SHIPDISK.EXE that parks the heads. The program is usually located on the diagnostic diskette that came with the computer. You can run the program from the menu of the diagnostic diskette, or you can copy SHIPDISK.EXE to your hard disk and run it. When SHIPDISK is invoked, the red light of the the disk goes on and off, indicating that the hard disk is parked. The hard disk is unparked when the computer is turned back on. Once your drives are secure, you should turn the system to OFF and remove all cables from the back of the unit.

PACKING/SHIPPING PREPARATION

The original packing box your system came in is the best choice. The rigid styrofoam packing material will hold the system securely in place. In the event your original box is not available, your carrier will provide a sturdy packing container and materials.

MOVING A PRINTER

The original packing box and material is the best choice for transport because the styrofoam is customized to fit each printer. If you are moving a laser printer, remove the ink cartridge as the ink may spill and contaminate the laser engine. If you are moving a pin printer, you should insert a piece of paper in the platen to secure the print head.

Pets cannot be shipped on moving vans. Pets often become frightened and may try to run away. Keep your pet on a leash when outside.

Your pet should wear a special identification tag, with its name, your name, and where you can be reached.

Except for Seeing Eye Dogs, pets are not permitted on buses or trains.

Consider sending smaller pets by air express.

Consult with your veterinarian concerning mild sedation of your pet during the trip.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

If your move is across state lines, call or write to the State Veterinarian, State Department of Animal Husbandry, or other appropriate authority.

Interstate health certificates must be obtained for dogs and horses prior to entering most states.

All but four states require an rabies vaccine for dogs, and many require it for cats. Hawaii requires that cats and dogs be quarantined for 120 days.

Some pets must have an entry permit issued by the destination state's regulatory agency.

A few states have border inspection of all animals being transported; others have random inspections.

LOCAL LAWS

Local communities have pet control and licensing ordinances. In some cases, the number of pets is limited.

AIR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Make reservations well in advance. Follow airline instructions.

Obtain a shipping container a week or two in advance. Familiarize your pet with it by placing the pet in it for a few minutes each day. Gradually lengthen the time until the pet seems to be at ease with it.

Carefully schedule boarding and shipping arrangements for your pet to assure that the pet is well cared for until you are able to receive it at your new home.

Feed the pet no less than five or six hours before flight time. Give the pet a drink of water no less than two hours before the flight.

If your pet is accompanying you, arrive at the terminal 45 minutes before normal check-in time.

If shipping the pet, get to the freight terminal two hours in advance of the flight.

Be certain that names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons responsible for the pet at origin and destination are clearly marked on the container and on the pet's identification tag.

Notify the person receiving the pet that is on the way. Give them the flight and waybill number.

Pets can usually be picked up within 90 minutes of flight arrival.

CAR TRAVEL CHECKLIST

If your dog or cat is not used to traveling by car, make short trips with the pet a week or two in advance.

Dogs should be taught to lie quietly. Don't let your dog put its head in the wind. It can irritate eyes and cause problems.

Cats are often frightened by car travel, but they usually adjust quickly.

Folding kennels or crates especially designed for station wagons can be very useful.

Accustom your pet to being on a leash and always use it when outside your vehicle or hotel.

If you must stop overnight, check in advance for hotels that allow pets.

Be sure that your pet is properly tagged and its rabies tag is firmly attached.

Pet Travel Kit: food, water, and dishes; can opener (if needed); leash; a few treats; favorite toy; and some type of bedding.

To be on the safe side, ask your veterinarian if a sedative would be appropriate.

Don't forget the scooper and plastic bags for cleanup!

MOVING PLANTS

SHOCK: Some house plants are susceptible to shock when moving.

TEMPERATURE: In Fahrenheit, temps below 35 or above 95 for more than any hour can kill many plants.

WATER: Most house plants can survive for a seven to ten days without water with little harm, but they should be moist when placed in cartons.

DARKNESS/LIGHT: house plants can tolerate darkness for up to a week, if other conditions are favorable. When first exposing plants to light after prolonged darkness, do so gradually to avoid wilting and sun scald.

CUTTINGS: For convenience and space saving, you can take cuttings of your favorite plant (if possible). Most cutting can survive for several days if kept in a plastic bag containing damp vermiculite, peat moss, or perlite.

PROFESSIONAL MOVING

Some professional movers may accept plants, if not more than 150 miles and/or delivery within 24 hours.

If you are moving across state lines, check federal and state regulations for quarantines or other restrictions.

Several states require that plants be inspected and declared "pest free".

Some states have random vehicle checks, while others inspect all house plants at the border.

You must arrange for inspection of your plants by an authorized state department of agriculture inspector.

DO-IT-YOURSELF

Never carry plants in the car trunk, which can get too hot in summer, and too cold in winter.