Selling used
computer equipment can be a challenge, particularly for a casual user, as opposed to a professional. There is the issue of ensuring that your personal information has been removed (and cannot be recovered) as well as prepping the computer to be its most presentable. Finally, an advertisement, one that lists the computer's specifications, needs to be created and made public to attract a buyer's attention. For the purposes of this article, a Microsoft Windows-based computer will be used as an example.
Instructions
Selling a used computer
1. Set the computer up, power the system up and enter Setup. When you reach the setup screen, record the size and model number of the hard drive, amount of RAM, along with the CPU (or processor) speed and type. All of this information will be visible in Setup, even though you may have to poke around a bit. While in Setup, set the CDROM to be the primary boot device.
2. Insert the Windows Installation CD into the CDROM drive. Exit Setup (usually by pressing the F10 key to save and exit, but there will be a menu choice that will allow you to save and exit Setup). The system will now reboot. When the system boots back up you will be at the Windows installation screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to completely reinstall Windows. Check to verify that your information is no longer available.
Please note, different versions of Windows have variations in the steps that need to be taken.
3. Clean the computer, keyboard, mouse, and monitor thoroughly using household cleaners. When you are finished, take a few pictures of the system, with Microsoft Windows running on the monitor.
4. Create an advertisement using the computer specifications you collected earlier. If you have any manuals, make sure this information is included, as well as mentioning that the system has just had a "fresh installation" of Microsoft Windows completed.
5. Select the selling medium you wish to use. Sites such as eBay and Craigslist will usually provide you with the ability to sell and ship the system after being paid and without having to allow a stranger into your home, if that is a concern.
Local newspapers as well as online forums/classified ad sites are also a possibility. However, this will usually lead to one or more people visiting your house and you take the risk of running into an unscrupulous buyer.
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