What to do with an old computer?

[Clintmax]

I have an older Compaq Presario 5190 that I have no place for anymore. Replaced it recently and it is just taking up space in my spare bedroom/computer room. Once I get everything off it want and restore the HDD with the restore disc that came with it, what should I do with it?

Also, does anyone know if using the restore disc will erase all files I had on it so they are unrecoverable? If I sold it or gave it away, I wouldn't want anyone to be able to get my personal info off the HDD.

Thanks!

[graywarrior]

1. If you lived in Sarasota you could donate it to the

Manasota Brain Injured group for refurbishing. But since you don't, call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out if any non-profits accept computers to refurbish and then donate to people who need them.

[Clintmax]

5. That's a good idea!

I might just do that, but not until I know for certain about the restore disc.

[Dr.Phool]

2. If your HD has any personal info on it

Remove it and destroy it. Files can be recovered even after you've erased and reformatted the hard drive a few dozen times.

[Clintmax]

6. Wow, really?

I didn't know that.

[Dr.Phool]

7. I didn't either until I did it.

I had formatted my hard drive to clear up some software glitches, but realized I needed some files on there. Norton Utilities had a program in there called "unformat" on a floppy. I inserted it, and in minutes it was back to it's previous state, files and all.

[Patiod]

3. Call yr city/town/county/township -ask if they sponsor recycling

My county has twice-a-year drop-offs at the high school near the county seat. They take TVs, keyboards, VCR or DVD players, etc.

[KG]

4. with XP you can do a hard restore without the disk

did it with my last comp before i gave it to my sister.

[AntiCoup2K4]

8. You could always convert it to a firewall

There are Linux distributions available which allow you to setup an older PC as a firewall. If you type "linux firewall" into Google, you'll get links for various ones. Most are administered through a web browser interface (just like a hardware router would be) so you wouldn't need to keep a monitor/keyboard/mouse connected to the firewall PC.

[Clintmax]

10. That sounds cool too...one problem...

I was just moving some files off its HDD, the screen went black, and now it won't even boot up. I mean, no windows splash screen, no...nothing! I've tried turning it off, then back on again 10 times with no luck. I may not need to worry about it...I think the HDD just CRASHED and BURNED.

[I Know How To Do it]

9. MP3 server

[short bus president]

11. Pull out all the interesting-looking shiny parts.

Glue them to a mannequin, place it in your living room, and tell people you're building a robot.

[Blue Gardener]

12. Taking my to the recycle center tomorrow

They'll take it off your hands for maybe five or ten dollars. Call your county landfill and see if they offer electronic waste disposal. They in turn send it to a recycler who specializes in this stuff. Sure will be glad to get it out of my basement.
Also, our local Office Depot offers to take them once or twice a year. You might check with them if you have one in your area.

[China_cat]

13. Goodwill has a program of refurbishing computers

and training handicapped people in Office programs on them. You might want to consider donating it there.

[MissMillie]

14. Would your local school be able to put it to use?

Schools are hard pressed for all kinds of materials these days... I'm betting they could do something with it.

[catmandu57]

15. Remove the drive

then find a recycler, or throw it into a closest and forget you have it.

[XemaSab]

16. Don't take it to the landfill

or throw it in the trash!

They're full of toxic chemicals that pollute the environment unless they are specially dealt with!