I have an old laptop I dont use anymore and a desktop which was built for me which might be good but I don't use it either. My church is looking for donated computers for their genealogy work but I first want to wipe out the hard drives. Problem is I don't want to spend any money getting these old systems ready for sell or give away. Any advice?
2007-08-11 01:48:54 · 13 answers · asked by Kevin 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Format the harddrive, but make sure you have the OS system. If you don't know how to, then just go to My Computer-> Local Disk (C:) and delete ALL the files and folders, except the file name WINDOWS, Program Files and Document and Settings. Make sure you do Disk Cleanup from Start-> All Programs -> Accessories -> System tools, and click all of the boxes. That pretty much cleans up the harddrive, which is the fastest way.
Make sure you have all the information, like the speed of RAM, and list them so when the buyer comes, they will ask you what do they have in it. Then you are ready to go!
You can make an ad, or you can tell your friends to spread the news. Or you can send it to me:D
2007-08-11 02:03:25 · answer #1 · answered by cardlover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here are some things to take into consideration:
- if the laptop is too old 7+ years, then you might as well toss it. Reason being that laptops are very slow from the getgo, and installing a modern OS like XP or Vista can make the laptop very slow and frustrating. Also there may be no drivers available for the laptop. If you still have the 'factory restore CD' then you might wanna use it. But if its going to install Win98 then you or your church may have trouble installing the genealogy software.
- For your home crafted computer; its better to give to computer recycling companies, they strip em to make somewhat better computers. It can be very difficult to obtain proper drivers for them and you or the church can spend a considerable amount of time trying to get all the components to work.
- One thing you can do with your computer is turn it into a file server, an alternative place to keep your photos, music, files etc. You don't need a fast computer for that.
2007-08-11 02:16:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the desktop, remove the hard drive and keep it. Have them buy a new one for it. If you don't want the hard drive, you should erase any personal files before selling or giving it away. You don't need to spend money to do this - but it takes some time to go thru your hard drive and delete personal info and files.
The laptop - same deal. On most laptops it is difficult to remove the hard drive- erase your personal files and info first. No money is needed to do this. Just some time.
2007-08-11 01:56:17 · answer #3 · answered by wildmick21 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Download a free 30-day trail of Window Washer here:
http://www.download.com/Window-Washer/3000-2144_4-10407411.html?tag=lst-0-1
Use the option to create a bootable system erase disk with it. Boot each of the computers you're giving away from the bootable CD you created, and wipe the drives clean. After that, just re-install Windows, and they'll be ready to go.
Btw, your info will be un-recoverable using that method. Just be sure to wipe it using the 1 pass overwrite system or better, or there's a chance your data could be recovered.
Hope this helps! :)
2007-08-11 01:58:12 · answer #4 · answered by John 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just format the hard drives and donate them. Churches and schools know how to get them up and running. You can also get a donation receipt from them and you get a break on your taxes.
2007-08-11 01:51:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wipe em out yourself, make a windows boot disc and then clear those bad boys out . . . I would keep the desktop though, they make great art projects and you never know when it will become obsolete and be worth something ( i think desktops are on their way out)
2007-08-11 01:52:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can always donate it to the Good Will, they may have the ability make it up to date and give to some needy person.
2007-08-11 01:57:28 · answer #7 · answered by trey98607 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove the hard drive and sell it.
2007-08-11 02:07:31 · answer #8 · answered by Ramesh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will not have to spend any $$$,just simply reload back to factery level and you would be ready to get rid of them,but i would do it 3 to 5 times each to make sure they are clean
2007-08-11 02:37:53 · answer #9 · answered by MrZip 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make them Rest in peace... what all you want from them after loads of work for ages
2007-08-11 01:55:42 · answer #10 · answered by Happy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋