It is too much of a waste to throw away a test equipment.
7 years is still safe and sound.
In my case, I disassemble it, including replacing the capacitors, if they are 20-25 years old after manufacture.
Inspection items include,
-Clean dust from the inside of the capacitor.
-Check for damage to the internal circuit board and capacitors.
-If there is a fan, disassemble it, clean and grease the bearings.
-Check for the use of RIFA.
-Check the date of manufacture of AC input filters.
If the test equipment contains a HDD, remove the HDD and backup.
This is very important. If it gets damaged, there is no way to recover it.
Some older test equipment, such as the 3478A, may use RAM with hanged battery to store calibration data.
Batteries, of course, wear out. If they wear out, the calibration data will be lost.
They should be replaced.
Also, for us hobbyists, I think most of the expensive test equipment such as Tek, hp, Agilent, etc. are used.
All my test equipment are used. 20 years has definitely passed.
Well, I am a germaphobe, so when I get a used test equipment, I basically disassemble it to the point where I can disassemble it, one screw at a time, and clean it.
I also do the aforementioned inspection items and make sure they are in good working order.
Capacitors are replaced at that time.
RIFA is a time bomb that can explode at any time. Immediately replace the capacitors with TDK capacitors.
I get attached to it, so well, it's nice for me.
It is not surprising that terminals and other parts are rusted. Especially hp, the BNC is often rusted.
In my case, polish those with minor damage, but in the case of severe damage, look for compatible items to replace them.
The question is how much money can I put into that test equipment.
I'm only 20 years old and I don't know how much better this maintenance will be, but it will work until I pass it on to my grandchildren.
PS.
It is NOT allowed to use capacitors made in China. No, I am not hating on you because I am Japanese.
I just think nichicon or chemi-con is the best for durability.