|
|
|
Shipping Computers and Components |
|
When shipping a computer or a component to Computer Forensic Services, Inc., keep these basic concepts in mind: |
|
 Protect the item from physical damage;
Protect the item from electric static or discharge;
Select a shipping service that will document the transportation of the item. |
|
Computers and components are fragile items. They may be heavy and they may
look durable, but if the item is dropped or jolted data
stored on the item could be destroyed. For example, if a computer's hard drive is taken out of the
computer system and accidentally dropped a few inches, chances are that the
drive's platters and heads will no longer be properly aligned. As a result, the
platters may spin, but the heads won't be able to access the data on the platters.
When shipping an item, we want to reduce the risk of physically damaging the
item.
Data storage devices are generally made of materials that store magnetic
impulses. These stored impulses can be altered or deleted by the presence of
an external electronic charge. These charges can come in many forms, but the most common is static electricity.
When shipping an item, we want to minimize
the exposure to electronic charges.
When selecting a company to ship the items, choose one that will document the receipt and delivery of the items.
This is important to preserve the Chain of
Custody - a process used to maintain and document the chronological history of
the evidence. Some delivery companies offer confirmation of deliveries for an
additional fee.
Lastly, please do not ship for a Saturday delivery without prior communication with us to insure proper delivery. |
|
|
|
If you have the original packing material, use it. The computer manufacturer has
included inserts (i.e., foam, plastic or cardboard) to conform to the item and the
box that will provide adequate protection for the item.
Note: If you are sending a laptop computer, please be sure to remove the battery before packing.
If you don't have the original packing material: |
|
Select a sturdy box that will hold the item and packing material. The box
should be as strong as possible and should be designed to hold the
weight of the item being shipped.
Place hard drives or other smaller items in anti-static bags (if available).
Wrap the items in bubble wrap. If possible, use anti-static bubble wrap.
(This is generally pink in color.)
Avoid Styrofoam peanuts. These items carry quite a bit of static
electricity. In addition, if they are crushed during shipment they tend to
break into smaller pieces and find their way into the most obscure places.
Place a protective layer on the bottom of the box. This can be foam,
layers of bubble wrap or crumpled newspapers.
If you are shipping multiple items in a box, make sure there is extra
padding and protection between the items.
Items should be packed into the center of the box and padded to the
edges of the box with filler materials such as extra bubble wrap, foam or
crumpled newspaper. Enough padding should be used to fill all of the
voids between the items and the box firmly enough to prevent the items
from shifting.
Place a protective layer on the top of the box. This can be foam, layers of
bubble wrap or crumpled newspapers.
Once everything is properly packed and padded, the boxes should be
securely taped along all edges. Be sure to use proper packing tape (avoid
masking tape or duct tape). |
|
|
|
The items should be shipped to: |
|
Computer Forensic Services, Inc.
601 Carlson Parkway
Suite 630
Minnetonka, MN 55305 |
|
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (952) 924-9920. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
