Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Deleting data and files
• Part 2 of 2: Get rid of your laptop
• Warnings

If you have an old laptop lying around somewhere, your laptop is broken or you bought a new one, you will eventually have to get rid of your old laptop. If you've used your laptop for a long time, there will be valuable files on the hard drive that you want to keep or delete for privacy. By wiping your hard drive and knowing a few ways to safely return your laptop, you can get rid of your laptop without worry.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Deleting data and files

1. Store data you want to keep elsewhere. Any data left on the hard drive when you dispose of it will be lost if you don't store it anywhere else. Spend a few hours checking for files you want to keep. Here are some ways you can do this:
   • Buy an external hard drive to store your data. This will connect to your computer via the USB port. You can then transfer any files you want to keep. You can connect the external hard drive to another computer if you want to transfer the files to that computer.
   • Store the files online with a service such as Google Drive, iCloud or Dropbox. These services have options with enough storage for your most important files. If you have a lot of files it can cost some money.
2. De-authorize registered programs. Many programs have a limit on the number of computers that can be used with a subscription. Check Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and similar programs and de-authorize your laptop.
   • To de-authorize a computer from iTunes, click "Account" at the top of the screen and select the "De-authorize this computer" option.
   • In Adobe products, you can de-authorize your computer by clicking "Help", "Deactivate" and "Permanently Deactivate".
   • Different programs use different ways to de-authorize. Check online if you are unsure about how to de-authorize a particular program.
3. Destroy personal files. Although you will soon be completely wiping your hard drive, it is always useful to destroy all your personal files. Files such as bank statements, tax documents and photos for example. Find a program that will permanently delete your files. Throwing in the trash is not enough here.
   • If you are using Windows, you can use CCleaner, Eraser or File Shredder to destroy personal files.
   • This feature is already available on most Mac computers. First, move any files you want to delete to the trash. Then press the command key and click on the trash can. Now select "Safely Empty the Trash" or destroy your files.
4. Delete your browser history. If you've been using your browser for a while, it will have a lot of personal information stored. Passwords and bank details are sometimes automatically saved in your browser. It is useful to delete all this information before returning your laptop. Here's how to do this with some browsers:
   • If you are using Safari you need to press the "Safari" button in the top left corner. Then click on "Clear History". Make sure you have selected "All History" and then click the "Clear History" button in the corner of the window.
   • In Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox you can clear your browser history by clicking Ctrl + Shift + Del. Make sure everything is selected in the next window and that you delete all of the history. Click the "delete" button to delete all your browsing history.
5. Delete all your programs. In addition to browsers, other programs will also store personal information so that you do not have to type it again and again. Look through your programs and delete programs that may store personal information. You can also delete everything just in case.
   • Programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel sometimes store your full name and address. You probably don't want the next owner of your laptop to get this information.
   • You may have installed a program that you can use to make purchases such as Steam. Your credit card information may then be stored on your computer.
6. Reset your computer and format your hard drive. First, make sure you have saved everything you want to keep and deleted everything you want to get rid of your laptop. Then reset your laptop. This completely wipes the hard drive. Performing a factory reset and wiping your hard drive can be difficult. So make sure you know what you are doing.
7. Remove or destroy your hard drive if you cannot use your laptop. It may happen that your laptop does not start up when you return it. In this case you cannot see which files are still on the hard disk. It is therefore best to remove the hard drive from the laptop. Here are a few ways to do this on different computers:
   • Some old laptops have hard drives that you can just pop out of a port on the side. You may have to press a button for this. You can then hold the hard drive firmly and pull it out easily.
   • The hard drive can also be hidden behind a plastic panel on the back of the laptop. Look for a long piece of plastic on the side where the laptop opens. The piece of plastic is often secured with a screw. Remove the screw from the plastic panel to take the hard drive onto the laptop.
   • You can also read the manual or search online for specific advice if you don't know how to get the hard drive out of your laptop.
   • If you want to keep files on your hard drive, you can take them to a computer store. Transport your hard drive in an anti-static bag. The computer store may be able to help you recover data from the hard drive.
   • If you don't need anything from the hard drive, you can use a drill to drill some holes in the drive. This will completely destroy the hard drive. You can then return the hard drive with your laptop.

Part 2 of 2: Get rid of your laptop

1. Sell ​​your laptop. Even if your laptop is slow or no longer works, there may be someone who wants to buy it. Put your laptop online and for sale nearby. Make sure to include the laptop's problems and specifications.
   • Some people buy old laptops for the parts. It does not matter that the laptop no longer works. The condition of the laptop must be good.
2. Trade in your laptop for cash or gift cards. Many electronics stores and laptop manufacturers have programs where you can trade in old equipment for a small payment. Check online or ask an electronics store near you for the rates of trade-in programs.
   • Apple and Amazon, for example, have trade-in programs.
   • Compare the amounts and payment methods to get the best deal for your laptop.
   EXPERT TIP

   Donate your old laptop. You can also donate your laptop to a family member or someone in need if it is still working. Look online for charities looking for working laptops so you can give yours away.

   • The National Cristina Foundation and the World Computer Exchange are electronics charities.
3. Take your laptop to a repair cafe. In repair cafes volunteers work who know how to fix things.
   • Some repair cafes employ people who understand electronics, but not all. Electronics are not as easy to repair as other types of products.
4. Take your laptop to the recycling center. Many electronics and laptops contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium. These types of substances can be safely disposed of via the municipal recycling centers ('the landfill').
   • Don't just throw your laptop in the container with residual waste. Ask an employee of the recycling center where the electronics belong.

Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses when drilling into electronics. Small pieces can fly around when you're at it.