Selling a second hand pc? finding the spec, what price etc (could get long)

earthmother

Due to space (and money) requirements I'm going to have to sell my rather bulky desktop and start borrowing OHs lappy (and isn't he pleased, lol).

Anyway - I'm trying to work out the system spec, but I think I'm reading something wrong - I've gone into system info, and it's saying my total available memory is 1mb physical, 2gb virtual (don't know the difference - which is the important one?).

Now I don't think this can be right as it is also saying I have 441 mb and 1.96 gb respectively still available, when I know I've filled a 1GB pen drive with less than half the photos stored on the PC (they're in both places, not been taken from the PC).

So, how do I find the true memory, or is this right and somehow just an oddity of computers?


My other questions are a bit simpler - the PC is 4 years old, with (according to the system info) an AMD X86 (1825 MHZ) processor, and it's running on XP Home Edition with Office 2003. There's a flat screen 17" (measured diagonally - right?) monitor, although I will admit it's gone temporarily blue a couple of times in the last week or so, but I don't know if that means a loose connection or that it's on it's way out. The base unit has a CD/DVD burner (with a slot for another) and a floppy drive, along with all the usuals. It cost around £1000 then - but I know they don't hold their value - so what's this sort of spec worth today?


And how do I go about clearing it so I don't give anyone anything I shouldn't? Of course I'll delete files, but I know someone determined enough can pull them back - not that there's much for them to see, but I do keep the family photos on there.


Sorry it's so long Hope someone can help

sam93_2

Easiest way is too find your model number, maybe in control panel and system or possibly on the side of the case somewhere. Then google it.

The specs you see can be copied and pasted into your descirption etc.


BUT what I would add is wipe all your docs / pics / etc off there but then to format your hardrive so there are no personal details- otherwise things like addresses, credit card details etc could be traced. :eek:

Make sure you have your original disks to reinstall XP though, otherwise you would have to sell it without an operating system :lipsrseal

Hope I helped, and didnt confuse you even more!!

Psycence

Try https://wiki.csuchico.edu/confluence/display/usrvkb/Determining+System+Specs+-+Windows+XP

This shows you how to obtain your specs in a simple and easy description

grovenet

also, www.belarc.com .. download their free PC auditing software, which will list the complete spec of the machine, along with software and licence info etc.

Physical memory is the important one to look at. Virtual memory is space on the hard disk that windows uses as extra, temporary memory when it needs it.

Unfortunately, the whole system isn't going to be worth a great deal. Assuming the flat screen isn't faulty, maybe £30-£40 for that (they're around £80 new now). For the base unit, around £75 - maybe a little more.