How to wipe a computer to give to a friend
If you have a Windows 10, you may wipe your hard drive by doing the following: 1. They wipe their external hard drives through Windows’ built-in function. To wipe a computer in Windows 7 or Windows 10, you can restore to factory settings, which allows you to keep the system but erase. The resetting your PC method is for those who need an effective tool but do not want to install third-party software for wiping off their hard drive. Since charitable organizations usually cannot afford to purchase and license new operating systems, a legal transfer (whereby the computer and operating system stay together) is the way to go. When you buy a second-hand computer with data, decide to sell/give your computer to others, or your computer is full of trashes and becomes slow, you may want to delete everything off the computer on Windows 7/8/10. Computers with Causes and are two solid choices.If you are donating hardware with a preinstalled Microsoft operating system, keep in mind that the license is only valid when used with the machine on which it was originally installed. Refurbishers will ensure that equipment they send to nonprofits and schools works well and runs legal copies of software, and that any e-waste is disposed of properly. It's usually best to send it to a refurbisher, especially if you need to wipe your hard drive, or are uncertain about the computer's condition.
#HOW TO WIPE A COMPUTER TO GIVE TO A FRIEND HOW TO#
We've already covered how to determine if you should repair or recycle your computer, but what if you decide to upgrade while your old one is still in good working order? Donating it to an organization or individual who can still use it gets high green marks-no reason to recycle it while it still works-but there are a few things you'll want to take care of, first.īefore getting started, find a place to donate it, if you aren't giving it away to your sister or neighbor.