Computers and Technology A general forum for discussions about computers, technology, and the Internet. If you just want to "geek out" or talk about how computers tick, then this is the place!


advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-09-2016, 07:34 PM #1
Sparky10's Avatar
Sparky10 Sparky10 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,094
15 yr Member
Sparky10 Sparky10 is offline
Senior Member
Sparky10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,094
15 yr Member
Default What to do with a bunch of old computers?

Most of these towers haven't been used since probably around 2000-ish. One old Toshiba laptop has Windows 95 on it. I've heard the only way to erase hard drives is to download a program made for that reason. I wouldn't have a clue how to hook these oldies up to my WiFi, plus my data plan is limited to 5 gigs a month.

I would love to donate them to someone who can recycle them, rather than paying to take them to the dump. If I take them to the dump (they don't go into the soil - a company picks them up and does I have no idea what with them) I still don't want old info on the hard drives. If I burn the units or take a sledgehammer to them to destroy the drives, I would still have to pay at the dump, and the things would be useless for recycling.

I don't know what to do. Suggestions, please!?
__________________
RRMS, diagnosed '00

Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it's not yet the end.
Sparky10 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
Old 04-09-2016, 09:15 PM #2
Jomar's Avatar
Jomar Jomar is offline
Co-Administrator
Community Support Team
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 27,721
15 yr Member
Jomar Jomar is offline
Co-Administrator
Community Support Team
Jomar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 27,721
15 yr Member
Default

I pull out all my hard drives, then recycle the rest..
Some day I might sledge hammer the old drives, or use a mega strong magnet to mess up the information on them..
There should be computer recyclers around your area , that will take them without the drives, they dismantle them - metal, circuit boards etc.. if not new enough to rebuild.

It is pretty easy to open the case & take out the hard drive.
__________________
Search NT -
.
Jomar is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Hopeless (04-09-2016)
Old 04-09-2016, 11:55 PM #3
Hopeless Hopeless is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,232
10 yr Member
Hopeless Hopeless is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,232
10 yr Member
Default

That is exactly what I did. I removed the hard drives and donated the rest to a computer shop that was willing to take them.

The old hard drives are taking up a lot less space than all the old towers.

Getting rid of OLD (CRT) monitors is a lot more difficult.
Hopeless is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The Elephant in the Room With a Bunch of Blind Men Debbie D Multiple Sclerosis 11 03-20-2012 08:12 AM
Sick with a bunch of carp. dmplaura Multiple Sclerosis 19 03-31-2009 02:51 PM
Bunch of questions optimumeg Peripheral Neuropathy 19 01-04-2007 03:05 PM
smart bunch coachV Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) 3 12-04-2006 10:02 AM
We are a gifted bunch...... bizi Bipolar Disorder 3 09-04-2006 06:09 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:04 PM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.