Three old laptops and a desktop
Discussion
I have been in the loft . Started a massive clear out of our stuff.
I have some laptops . I think about 1995 and then every five years . So youngest is 2010. I have a desktop too, about 2012.
I am retisent to put them in the dump small electrical bin, because they are all likely to have photos of our kids on them and some documents .. Kids are now late 20's but they will be holiday pics when they were kids .
I did copy them all to an external hard drive as I replaced the machines at the time. So I just want to wipe them.
How do I wipe the computers? I can't even remember the passwords on a couple of them .
I have some laptops . I think about 1995 and then every five years . So youngest is 2010. I have a desktop too, about 2012.
I am retisent to put them in the dump small electrical bin, because they are all likely to have photos of our kids on them and some documents .. Kids are now late 20's but they will be holiday pics when they were kids .
I did copy them all to an external hard drive as I replaced the machines at the time. So I just want to wipe them.
How do I wipe the computers? I can't even remember the passwords on a couple of them .
cliffords said:
I have been in the loft . Started a massive clear out of our stuff.
I have some laptops . I think about 1995 and then every five years . So youngest is 2010. I have a desktop too, about 2012.
I am retisent to put them in the dump small electrical bin, because they are all likely to have photos of our kids on them and some documents .. Kids are now late 20's but they will be holiday pics when they were kids .
I did copy them all to an external hard drive as I replaced the machines at the time. So I just want to wipe them.
How do I wipe the computers? I can't even remember the passwords on a couple of them .
Drill a hole through the hard drive. Several, if you want some entertainment.I have some laptops . I think about 1995 and then every five years . So youngest is 2010. I have a desktop too, about 2012.
I am retisent to put them in the dump small electrical bin, because they are all likely to have photos of our kids on them and some documents .. Kids are now late 20's but they will be holiday pics when they were kids .
I did copy them all to an external hard drive as I replaced the machines at the time. So I just want to wipe them.
How do I wipe the computers? I can't even remember the passwords on a couple of them .
Avoid the batteries....
AlexC1981 said:
Three old laptops and a desktop go speed dating.
One laptop leans in and says, You ever been with a device that still has a CD drive?
The desktop adds, Baby, I've got slots you've never even seen before.
Courtesy of ChatGPT
At least thats one area where AI isn’t going to take all our jobs!One laptop leans in and says, You ever been with a device that still has a CD drive?
The desktop adds, Baby, I've got slots you've never even seen before.
Courtesy of ChatGPT
Download DBAN onto a usb pen drive, boot each device from that and it will wipe the risks for you.
https://dban.org
https://dban.org
Some people still collect this stuff
In fact some older laptops actually keep a high value as they may have com or parrel ports that are no in common use anymore but are needed to keep old systems working, be it a hvac or older cars or anything like that.
For me, i'd just remove the hdd and list them on a page like a facebook vintage PC page or something.
In fact some older laptops actually keep a high value as they may have com or parrel ports that are no in common use anymore but are needed to keep old systems working, be it a hvac or older cars or anything like that.
For me, i'd just remove the hdd and list them on a page like a facebook vintage PC page or something.
S6PNJ said:
Download DBAN onto a usb pen drive, boot each device from that and it will wipe the risks for you.
https://dban.org
This.https://dban.org
Just run DBAN and forget.
If they're rare-ish laptops you might be able to get something for them on E-Bay.
AlexC1981 said:
Three old laptops and a desktop go speed dating.
One laptop leans in and says, You ever been with a device that still has a CD drive?
The desktop adds, Baby, I've got slots you've never even seen before.
Courtesy of ChatGPT
The other laptop chipped in "I know about your slots, I have transmitted 16bits of ISA and a bloody PCMCIA now".One laptop leans in and says, You ever been with a device that still has a CD drive?
The desktop adds, Baby, I've got slots you've never even seen before.
Courtesy of ChatGPT
Last time I replaced an old HD with an SSD I took it outside and gave it a good going over with a hammer. Not only was it incredibly satisfying, but shaking it after wards to hear the pieces of glass platter rattling around was fun.
Unless they are worth something on eBay, I would just hit them with a hammer/put a drill through them rather than trying to boot them in USB mode to run that app.
Unless they are worth something on eBay, I would just hit them with a hammer/put a drill through them rather than trying to boot them in USB mode to run that app.
DorsetSparky said:
Avoid the batteries....
I beg to differ - one of the most fun parts of destroying old electronics is taking out the battery and breaking it in some creative way. It's fascinating to see whether they just crack or burst in to flames, and if the fire rips through the whole battery or just a section.I always take it out then do something like crush it edge to edge in a vice, or hammer a large screwdriver through it. Best to wear glasses and gloves.
Good opportunity to educate children too so they understand the dangers of batteries.
eein said:
I beg to differ - one of the most fun parts of destroying old electronics is taking out the battery and breaking it in some creative way. It's fascinating to see whether they just crack or burst in to flames, and if the fire rips through the whole battery or just a section.
I always take it out then do something like crush it edge to edge in a vice, or hammer a large screwdriver through it. Best to wear glasses and gloves.
Good opportunity to educate children too so they understand the dangers of batteries.
i want you to be my dad I always take it out then do something like crush it edge to edge in a vice, or hammer a large screwdriver through it. Best to wear glasses and gloves.
Good opportunity to educate children too so they understand the dangers of batteries.
Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff