NES Cleaning Guide 1.0 By AndrewM (AndrewM@NESHQ.com)

Version 1.0 Released April 7, 2003

Looking for anything NES? Visit my hopefully-but-probably-not comprehensive NES Site at www.neshq.com!


--== Table of Contents ==--
Section 1 ----- Disclaimer and Requisite Legal Junk for any FAQ
Section 2 ----- Introduction
Section 3 ----- Materials
Section 4 ----- Cleaning the Console
Section 5 ----- Cleaning Cartridges
Section 6 ----- Cleaning Controllers
Section 7 ----- Credits and Closing Remarks



--== Section 1 - Disclaimer and Requisite Legal Junk ==--
This FAQ is intended for private use and may not be reproduced on any sites or in any publications without my prior consent, which I may or may not (I don't see why I wouldn't) grant by having you e-mail me at AndrewM@Neshq.com. If you should fail to do so and I see my cleaning guide posted somewhere I shall be forced to sue you into litigation Hell with my army of high-powered lawyers. Actually, this whole bit is a bunch of ballyhoo. If you want to post or reproduce this FAQ go right ahead and do so, just leave me my credit and the shameless self-promotions for my NES Site, www.neshq.com (in case you have yet to see!). Oh yea, and if you somehow get hurt using this FAQ I am in no way responsible (is this even possible). As a matter of fact, by even opening this file you have officially absolved me of any responsibility in my entire life. Ok, well it was worth a shot......


--== Section 2 - Introduction ==--
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the older and most popular video game systems in history. any NES System will continue to work very well for years. This FAQ / Guide is intended to help you keep your NES and NES games clean and working well.


--== Section 3 - Materials ==--
To clean the NES, games, and controllers you will need:
Q-Tips
Windex or an isopropyl alcohol solution
One Smallish Phillips-head screwdriver (For console)
One even smaller Phillips-head screwdriver (for Games)
Old, nasty toothbrush (must be a toohbrush, not a wire brush)

--== Section 4 - Cleaning the Console ==--
This is definitely the most time-consuming part of NES System maintenance, but by no means difficult. I'd recommend doing this once a month. To clean the console:
1) Unattach all wires from NES Console and flip over. Remove the four bottom 6 screws that hold the plastic shell together. If you are like me and have your NES in a dust prone area go ahead and remove all the dust and such from inside the NES before continuing.
2) Now remove the metal RF shield (7 screws). 
3) With the RF shield off you can now remove the black cartridge holder (6 screws). When removing this the main board may bend a little - this is fine. 
4) Now lift the main board up in the back and gently remove the cartridge/main board contacts. This is a black piece with two rows of silver contacts. It should be snug against the main board and may be difficult to remove. Gently move this piece back and forth to wriggle it off. 
5) Dip the toothbrush in the cleaning solution and gently brush the cartride and main board contacts. 
6) Rinse off the cartridge/main board contacts and allow to dry. 
7) The contacts are the most important part of the cleaning process. You may want to disassemble the rest of the console while waiting for them to dry. You may wish to wipe dust off the main board or inside plastic shells of the console. While this is not necessary less dust in the console means less dust around the contacts.
8) Reassemble the console in the reverse order that you took it apart. When reassembling, be sure to tighten all screws well, since less internal movement means more consistent contact.


--== Section 5 - Cleaning Cartridges ==--
Cleaning cartridges is a very simple process. Dip a Q-Tip in the cleaning solution and rub across cartridge contacts on both sides. Use a dry Q-Tip to wipe off excess solution.


--== Section 6 - Cleaning Controllers ==--
Cleaning controllers is not quite as necessary as cleaning the console or games. Over time however controllers can build up quite a bit of junk in them and as such I would still recommend cleaning them. To clean controllers:
1) Use the smaller screwdriver to remove the faceplate/backplate (6 screws).
2) Remove the controller main board and remove any dust, hair, etc.
3) Wipe off the controller mainboard with a paper towel or tissue.
4) Reassemble the controller.


--== Section 7 - Credits and Closing Remarks ==--
I would like to thank Jay McGavren, whose cleaning uide I used as an outline for my own, having never written an FAQ before. If you keep your NES in good condition and clean (and don't throw controllers at it) it should last for quite some time. Once more, before this FAQ is over I would like to shamelessly promote my NES Site, www.neshq.com. Oh, and if you have any questions or contributions feel free to e-mail me at AndrewM@NESHQ.com