How to prepare Laptop to sell

I'm selling my old laptop in about a week (...finally).

I want to know if there's anything that should be done before selling a computer. I've already backed up most of my files that I want to keep onto an external HD. But I want the computer to be fresh for the buyer... and to avoid access to any personal info. What do I need to do? Any other tips are helpful.

 

When I sold my old laptop, I made sure to do a complete reformat and re-installation of the operating system. Also, make sure to brush off any grime or residue from the keyboard and surrounding areas. Finally, be sure to take a can of compressed air and go nuts with it on any visible crevices to get out the fluff and dust build-up. And of course, if it is someone you know or will be seeing again, be sure not to overcharge for it...used laptops aren't known for their reliability, and if something goes wrong then the buyer is less likely to bother if you didn't charge him a premium in the first place.

 

You may also want to use one of those data shredder-type applications. Reformatting the HD will erase the data, but it is still somewhat recoverable if that's something you're concerned about.

Now I'm not endorsing this particular product, but to give you an idea of what I'm talking about, here's one:
http://www.iolo.com/ds/3/

 

Yeah, I agreed with chrisyano. If you are worry about your info getting recover, I suggest that you delete your info, empty your Recycle Bin, get a program that wipe your HD, like Ace Utilites (shareware, dont worry, you are going to need it once) and just use its wiping program, WAIT for couple of hours (depending the size of the HD), reformat the HD and clean install the OS and then finish.

JC

 

I'd recommend using Eraser to clean your harddrive. From my understanding, it's the only freeware app that uses the best algorithm to completely and irrevocably erase your data.

 

To answers the original post question. I highly recommend you follow the directions mentioned already. Reboot your entire operation system (should take an hour), and make sure you hardware is clean and fully functional. Use compressed air to clean internal hardware components (don't touch it because you have oil on your fingers nor don't use a rag). Make sure the keyboard and screen is clean. Overall, by very specific when selling the laptop and specify any damage to it. Have fun and get a positive feedback.

 

I recommend Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN). This will fully wipe your drive and best of all it is open-source and free!
http://sourceforge.net/projects/dban/

And here is how to make a CD out of it:
http://www.dban.org/faq/CDBurnerXP.html

 

iolo Drive Scruber. award winning and used by government too. www.iolo.com:cool:

 

Dariks Boot and Nuke, nuked my USB flash drive, permanently.

Had to buy another one.

 

Thanks for all the great responses. I'll check out a couple of those free Hd-wiping programs... When re-loading the OS, I use the original discs that came with it, correct?

 

I second the use of Eraser. I've used it for years and it works. Small footprint and free. If you're wiping all the free space and doing something like DoD standard or higher, you'll want it to run all night. Here's a link to their frequently asked questions:

http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/quickstart.php

You can download it through the download button at the top.

And I highly recommend doing a full re-install and then wipe the free space, as suggested above. You don't know that the buyer won't sell it for parts or what if he/she loses it.

And do you really want the world to know how many web pages you downloaded from Uncle Mickey's Wacky World of Monkeys?

 

Let's stay on topic here. The discussion doesn't benefit from personal insults aimed at other members.

 

If your selling it with an OS then definitely reformat it. It will be just as fast as the day you got it, and will make the buyer very happy...

 

Ok... I require some help. I can't find the original installation disc that came with my Laptop. I want to reformat the computer before I sell it, but I'm worried I won't have an OS to load back on! Is there anyway around this? Can I still reformat without the Installation disc? Any ideas/suggestions would be great.