Fixing a 2000s PC and Building a Wooden Case! Data Recovery & Turning It Into a Server

I Fixed a 2000s PC and Built a WOODEN Case — Now It’s a Home Server!

Ever wondered what happens when you take an early 2000s PC and try to bring it back to life — but this time inside a custom wooden case? In this almost one-hour deep-dive, I completely tear down an old desktop computer, clean every dusty component, and attempt to repair and rebuild it into something brand new.

This project started as a simple restoration, but quickly turned into a full-on retro tech adventure:
💽 Hard drive recovery — I try to rescue data from a failing HDD that hasn’t spun up in years.
🧹 Deep cleaning — years of dust, grime, and thermal paste buildup get handled properly.
🔩 Motherboard swap — I replace and rewire the old board, troubleshoot boot issues, and test components until everything comes back to life.
🪵 Custom wooden case build — yes, this PC gets a handmade wooden enclosure! It’s functional, stylish, and surprisingly cool (literally).
🖥️ Server conversion — by the end, the once-dead PC is transformed into a lightweight home server ready to host files, media, and backups.

Throughout the video, I share commentary, talk about the challenges of working with retro hardware, and give insights into data recovery, old BIOS systems, and vintage PC repair techniques. Whether you’re into retro computing, DIY PC builds, or just love watching tech restorations, this one’s packed with nostalgic moments and unexpected surprises.


⚙️ Tech Specs / Hardware Highlights

Original early 2000s ATX motherboard
IDE HDD (40GB) with attempted data recovery
Custom handcrafted wooden case design
Basic file server setup using lightweight OS
Reused power supply, fans, and drives