getting rid of laptop

ali-t

Do I need to take any measures when dumping an old laptop?

The machine powers on but needs a new motherboard and doesn't stay on long so is worthless. I have changed my debit card and most passwords since it broke (around 3 years ago) so just wondering if it is ok just to dump it in the bin?

If not what do I have to do before dumping it?

jayme1

since everything is stored on the hard drive (ie have you ever typed a letter with your name and address) you should either erase the hard drive or just take the hard drive out and keep it.

since it cant stay on for very long it would be hard to erase the hard drive therefore I would open it up and take out the hard drive and keep it, you could then use it as a portable hard drive for more storage by buying an enclosure or you can put it in a very strong bag and smash the discs that are in the hard drive)

whereas it is unlikely that if you leave the hard drive in the laptop unerased your identity will be stolen, it is always better to be safe than sorry for the sake of 5 mins to take the hard drive out.

George_Michael

If you are scrapping it, take the hard drive out and smash it up. These can sometimes be a bit tricky to remove from old laptops, but as you intend binning it, it won't matter if you do any damage during this process.
Even though you've changed your financial details there is still a possibility that there may be something of value to a scammer on there (maybe a remote chance, but why take the risk).

You could run a secure erase program on the hard drive but as you aren't selling or recycling it, a good heavy hammer will do the job.
However, if you can get the drive out without damaging the laptop, there are places that will take it off your hands for recycling or reuse.

crazyguy

And the bin

GunJack

if it "doesn't stay on for long", does that mean it does boot up ?? If so, chances are it's just overheating, so taking the fan out and giving it a damn good clean and removing the furry slug from between the fan and the heatsink, and possibly some new heatsink compound on the processor would probably sort it out - certainly better to try this than just discard it

macman

Not very green to 'dump it in the bin' given all the heavy metals contained therein (not heard of the WEEE directive?). It needs to be properly disposed of as waste electrical equipment.
But someone will certainly be able to use it for parts, even if you can't, as everything except the hard drive and mobo is still working. Put it on freegle?

crazyguy

French Connection UK springs to mind when talking about the WEEE Directive, I just put things at the bottom of the bin,

closed

remove the hard disk, buy a £3 usb 2.5" caddy and use the disk for backup

macman

crazyguy wrote: »

French Connection UK springs to mind when talking about the WEEE Directive, I just put things at the bottom of the bin,

It's not compulsory for householders to comply with it...yet.