Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
I have a Lunchbox PC enclosure with a German keyboard, and I am still going to build it into a complete computer. But I also occasionally search eBay (the place where I buy the things I later regret™) for lunchbox PC related items. Because you never know when someone might list parts for your existing lunchbox PC enclosure...
Or, of course, list an entire working lunchbox PC. One seller offer later, after the seller corrected the crazy $140 shipping cost to a more believable $75 shipping cost, and I Bought It Now. I didn't really need it, but #DOScember was coming up.
Well, it's now #DOScember, so it's time to tear down, clean, inspect, and reassemble this lunchbox PC. Because you never know when you will need a 286 that's about the size of a large lunchbox. Maybe an extra large lunchbox. Maybe the name refers to it being carried like a lunchbox and/or is generally lunchbox shaped.
Last time we disassembled the computer, cleaned some very minor corrosion, and tried to get the original Maxtor 7120AT hard drive working. Unfortunately, while the original hard drive (or is it?) sounds OK, I can't successfully partition it. The read or write head is not working properly... possibly both. I guess XT-IDE will have to come to the rescue!
Will we get XT-IDE running on a network card? Will we get DOS installed? Will I find a way to get a sound card into the case (so that it can someday go "Meep! Meep!")? You'll have to watch to find out!
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Use discount code JUSTINTIME for for 5% off all Computerized Start™ merchandise at https://shop.jdmcs.com.
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... or simply do the YouTube things: Like/Dislike, Comment, Subscribe, Enable Notifications, and participate in the Chat. These things help the channel, too!
**
Read Computerized Start™, my Official Blog: jdmcs.net/myblog
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I have a Lunchbox PC enclosure with a German keyboard, and I am still going to build it into a complete computer. But I also occasionally search eBay (the place where I buy the things I later regret™) for lunchbox PC related items. Because you never know when someone might list parts for your existing lunchbox PC enclosure...
Or, of course, list an entire working lunchbox PC. One seller offer later, after the seller corrected the crazy $140 shipping cost to a more believable $75 shipping cost, and I Bought It Now. I didn't really need it, but #DOScember was coming up.
Well, it's now #DOScember, so it's time to tear down, clean, inspect, and reassemble this lunchbox PC. Because you never know when you will need a 286 that's about the size of a large lunchbox. Maybe an extra large lunchbox. Maybe the name refers to it being carried like a lunchbox and/or is generally lunchbox shaped.
Last time we disassembled the computer, cleaned some very minor corrosion, and tried to get the original Maxtor 7120AT hard drive working. Unfortunately, while the original hard drive (or is it?) sounds OK, I can't successfully partition it. The read or write head is not working properly... possibly both. I guess XT-IDE will have to come to the rescue!
Will we get XT-IDE running on a network card? Will we get DOS installed? Will I find a way to get a sound card into the case (so that it can someday go "Meep! Meep!")? You'll have to watch to find out!
*
Use discount code JUSTINTIME for for 5% off all Computerized Start™ merchandise at https://shop.jdmcs.com.
*
Ways to Support the Channel:
☕️ Tips or Support via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/jdmcs
🈷️ Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/jdmcs
📦 Amazon Wishlist: jdmcs.net/wishlist
... or simply do the YouTube things: Like/Dislike, Comment, Subscribe, Enable Notifications, and participate in the Chat. These things help the channel, too!
**
Read Computerized Start™, my Official Blog: jdmcs.net/myblog
Follow me on Instagram: jdmcs.net/myinstagram
Follow me on Twitter: jdmcs.net/mytwitter
![Saving COMPUTER (My Apple ][ Plus Clone from MCA), One Socket at a Time (Computerized Start™ Live)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wEja5esosHs/mqdefault.jpg "Saving COMPUTER (My Apple ][ Plus Clone from MCA), One Socket at a Time (Computerized Start™ Live)
Ive launched a merch shop: https://shop.jdmcs.com - use code JUSTINTIME for 5% off all Computerized Start™ merchandise through at least July 31!
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Last time I had COMPUTER on the bench, I started the process of removing sockets. I didnt get very far, and even caused some trace damage. But what I didnt realize at the time was that the handle for my desoldering station was failing. And @JoesComputerMuseum has since given me another suggestion for removing sockets with problematic solder, which I successfully used on the Apple ][ Plus Clone motherboard I bought on eBay (the place where I buy the things I later regret™).
Except that Apple ][ Plus Clone motherboard wasnt a regret, yet COMPUTER was almost @Mac84s regret... but I digress.
I now have a new handle for my desoldering station, and it made quick work of the solder on my VIC-20. Maybe it will also make quick work of the solder on COMPUTER. Because it looks like Im going to have to save computer one corroded IC socket at a time (repeat 88 times - Great Scott!).
Will I be able to remove more than one socket an hour? Will I cause more trace damage? Will Clarus the Desoldering Station hold out? Youll have to watch to find out!
*
Ways to Support the Channel:
☕️ Tips or Support via Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/jdmcs
🈷️ Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jdmcs
📦 Amazon Wishlist: https://jdmcs.net/wishlist
... or simply do the YouTube things: Like/Dislike, Comment, Subscribe, Enable Notifications, and participate in the Chat. These things help the channel, too!
**
Read Computerized Start™, my Official Blog: https://jdmcs.net/myblog
Follow me on Instagram: https://jdmcs.net/myinstagram
Follow me on Twitter: https://jdmcs.net/mytwitter")
