If you're planning to replace, sell, or retire your old computer, it's very important to eradicate your personal data stored on its hard drive before unplugging it for the last time.
You should always remember that even though you manually delete computer files, an identity thief might still be able to recover them, possibly putting you or your family at risk.
Files you should remove before you donate or sell your computer:
E-mail contacts
messages
All documents
All files in the operating system recycle bin or trash folder
Internet files
All non-transferable software (most software is transferable if you have the original disks and product key)
Options for removing files from your computer:
Remove the files yourself at home using disk-cleaning software. On Windows 7 and Windows Vista you can clean up files with Disk Cleanup. If you have any sensitive files on your computer, you can also use a third-party application. To find software that works with your version of Windows, visit Bing and search for "file shredder" or "secure file deletion."
Call the computer manufacturer's technical services department and ask how to delete personal files (your computer might need to be under warranty for this service).
Take your hard drive to a local reputable computer supplier to have them safely overwrite your files.
Once you've cleaned the personal data from your old computer (and you don't plan to or are unable to sell it), what should you do with it? Consider donating or recycling.
Donate
If your unwanted computer still works, donating it is probably the best way to go, and doing so will help keep toxins such as lead, mercury, and other electronic byproducts out of the environment.
Each computer dumped in a landfill is a missed opportunity to provide a computer for others to use through a nonprofit or school-based refurbisher.
In addition, depending on the current market value of your donated computer, you might be able to deduct its value from your taxes (refer to current federal and local tax laws for more information).
Recycle
If your computer is an older model (five years is typically the maximum for donating), doesn't work, or donating isn't otherwise an option, you can dispose of it responsibly with the help of a qualified recycler near you, such as those found on the National Center for Electronics Recycling.
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