Pointer for crossing the border with a desktop PC?

mautobu

Hey folks,

I'd like to know if anyone has any experience bringing a desktop computer over the Canada/USA border to PAX. What worked well? What went poorly? etc etc.

Khraul

Be honest when they ask you questions and make absolutely sure that there's nothing on any of your devices/pc that either border could interpret as incriminating (pictures of drug use, illicit photos, furry porn, etc).

Not inferring that you or anyone would have anything like that, but you're required by law to "present all goods for examination" when asked by a border guard (currently, as per case law in both Canadian and American supreme courts this applies to electronic devices).

Nobody wants an awkward conversation at the border with grumpy border guards.

Cennedi

I don't know who you might be traveling with, but just allow me to say that the time for hijinks is not when you are attempting to pass into a new country. Border guards and customs agents stand around all day, rifling through random peoples stuff, and they probably won't give you much trouble as long as you are incredibly respectful and answer what questions they have. Its just easier for them to turn you around then to have to deal with any shenanigans.

**EDIT**
Please note that I'm referring to any buddies that might try to mess with you by writing something on your gear or making an offhanded comment that might trigger you to get a much closer inspection than you might have otherwise. I know myself I will probably be losing my mind with excitement by that point, as I will be in Seattle for PAX of all things!

BigRed

Hauling a desktop PC over the border is pretty painless. Just say you are going to a LAN Party (Since that is what I am assuming you are doing). If they ask wtf is that, then just explain it. Most border guards like the story and think its neat.

Also, protip from personal experience, if you have done any drywall work in your house recently.... blow out your computer (make it dust free) before bringing it over a border.

Drywall dust looks an awfully lot like cocaine.

*coughs*
Yep.

mautobu

AHAHA... no drywall dust here. I do appreciate the help!

PedroAsani

Take this as an opportunity to clean out the cruft on your hard drive(s) too. Backup your data, format the drives and reinstall the OS. It will run faster and you won't have the clutter from old programs that you realise you don't need anymore.

Cennedi

PedroAsani wrote: »

Take this as an opportunity to clean out the cruft on your hard drive(s) too. Backup your data, format the drives and reinstall the OS. It will run faster and you won't have the clutter from old programs that you realise you don't need anymore.

DEFRAGGIN' FOR DAYS!