old laptop

ian103

ive got an old laptop that i used to use for work, is there an easy way to wipe everything off, stop remore access and reformat. I dont have any of the original disks as its at least 5 years old. I was going to use it as a internet only laptop.


im also in the process of having an it clearout and have found my really old laptops x2 that want scrapping, other than removing the harddrive are there any other recommendations.

pramsay13

You can install Ubuntu using a pen drive or cd drive. You have to make a boot able pen drive or disc first. Then you can try it out before installing.
For the others I would just remove the hard drive and then donate to a good cause.

that

ian103 wrote: »

... are there any other recommendations.

Yes, recommend you put the manufacturer and model of the laptop when you post a computer question, and in this case check and post the ram and disk sizes too

ian103

OK, Ill dig out the various laptops and post the model etc

Frozen_up_north

Another vote for Linux, a standard install of Ubuntu includes Firefox and Libre Office (formerly Open Office).

For ordinary home/office use, Linux is perfect. Download a copy of Ubuntu (one of the easier to install/use versions of Linux) and write it to a CD.

Installing Linux can over write the original Windows data, there are dedicated disk wiping programs, but for re-use a fresh format and install will probably suffice.

Before selling a laptop (or desktop), it is imperative that the disk is securely wiped, or better still remove it and treat it to a few hard hammer blows.