I want to sell my computer, can i replace the hard drives and how?

Question

i have lots of stuff i want to keep on the drives i have at the moment. Whats the best thing to do?

When i purchased this pc i never got a disk. It was windows Xp i think everything was already installed.

Answer 1

Do you already have your new computer? I'd recommend networking it and transferring it that way. Or use a CD or DVD burner to copy it. Removing the HD completely from the old system would really kill the resale value. You should also maybe format the old one when you're done so that the person who gets it doesn't have access to your personal information.

Answer 2

As some other people have said, first you can buy a new computer (check the local paper every Sunday for some great deals on Computers, including monitor and printer almost for free). Then, transfer the files from one to the other. A CD burner would work for this. And of course you have to install all the programs you want on to the new computer. After making sure everything's off the old computer, you could delete the personal files and settings, bookmarks or favorites, but leave the programs and OS installed because the next person can use them. And empty the recycle bin.

By the way, I just bought an external 160 GB hard drive by Western Digital after rebate for $50.00. To do backups or transfer files, it is more reliable and faster than the burners.

Answer 3

I would transfer the data across, either by using a USB hard drive or burn the data on to dvd / cd. Then remove it from your old computer once your completly happy that all the data is over. Dont bother taking the drive out and buying a new one for the old computer. this will only be more hassle as 1. your have to reinstall windows on the new drive and if it cam pre installed and you dont have a recovery disk with xp ect on then your have to end up buying a copy. then you may also have problems with windows as it detects a hardware change and depending on how many upgrades you may of done your need to contact microsoft to sort out the activation again. So I would recommend transfering the data over. plus it means that your new computer has a spanking new hard drive which is more likly to be faster and more reliable anyway.
:-)

Answer 4

if you just transfer the drives they won't work in your new PC

the way round this is to install a copy of windows in your new machine

then install the drive as a slave this way you can transfer the data from one drive to the other

then to help you sell your old PC replace the drive into the machine and sell it as fully installed with windows

ensure you remove any data you don't want the new owner to see ie your porn collection etc

you will find it easier to sell

Answer 5

I wouldn't reuse the drives inside your new computer, buy an external enclosure for the drives and you can use them as a dumping ground for all your files (backing up the important stuff). This will allow your computer to run without any problems

Answer 6

Replace the hard drives. Places like Best Buy and Circuit City would be able to do upgrades for you.

Answer 7

if your selling the computer replace the hard drive, so easy remove the case, unplug the cables the hard drive, and screws, do the reverse, install windows on to it.. using the cd
done

Answer 8

You need to remove the harddrive from your pc and purchase a new one. Install the harddrive into the pc and install the os and any necessary drivers for your hardware.

Answer 9

open computer and unscrew and upplug present hard drive. Put in a new one. Format disk and add operating system.

Answer 10

Move the old stuff onto new drives on your new computer then sell the old one.