How to 'clean' pc before disposing it?

[TexasIndian]

NOT certain if correct 'board'...if not, please forward to correct 'Experts'.

What is the most accurate, simple, safe, 'clean' procedure to prepare my

old desktop to be replaced by a new model?  (just in case neither of my

grown daughters want my 'hand-me-down' pc and it ends up in dump).

** please read simple as meaning I'm techno-inept; rely on grandkids assistance

[Dragon-Fur]

@TexasIndian 

Old hand-me-down PC likely won't be popular with your grown daughters  or grand kids --  that's my opinion...

If they did take it and had trouble, they might call you for help.  Not ideal.  Best to let it go ...

General Preparation - typed on the fly - might be missing some "bits"...

Back up whatever you want and get get from the old machine - make sure the backups are stored OTHER than on the same computer, of course.  Barring anything else - for example, if you don't have any fancier tools, copy the most important folders in your account to a USB drive (thumb drive).  

Don't back up (save) stuff in AppData - seems like stuff you want but you do not usually need it and there is a LOT of data in AppData.

At the least, Copy (make backups of) the data in folders >> Documents, Downloads, and Pictures.

Check every local folder.  If you open a folder and are overjoyed at the contents, that folder is a candidate to be backed up to a USB stick and saved.

If you tend to "hoard" lots of files and pictures in your Documents and Pictures folders, you will need a good sized USB drive or maybe a couple of them. 

Notice the emphasis on "Copy".  Do not "move" data - moving sounds good and usually works.  When moving does not work you lose data (files, documents, pictures).

Any Cloud data -- OneDrive, for example - should be OK - make sure you can access all your files from another computer before trashing anything on the old machine -- you know, "just in case".

Know that on the new computer, you will need to load your programs.

You cannot usually transfer software - instead you will download it and install it fresh on the new computer.

This means you will  need your software licenses for any software / program that requires a license.

Software licenses might have come to you in "file form" - that is a downloaded file you store on your computer.

Software licenses might have been sent to you in Email.

If they are very old, license information might be in paper form.

What?  Microsoft Office Software requires a license - ask Microsoft for help to make sure you have your license.

There is no "One Rule" check - check - check.

If the software on the old computer is old - regardless of whether it's licensed - it might need to be replaced with newer versions of the software.  Really old software sometimes won't run on a shiny new computer.

When you are positive you have what you can find,

When you have your new computer,

Take one last look around in the old computer.

Have one of the daughters or grand-kids load a copy of Windows onto the computer.

OR

SIMPLE ... Low Tech - and you get to swing a mallet...

Note that this is not the "recommended" neat and clean method of reloading the Operating System.

The "smash" method is fast and pretty easy...

Switch off the old computer.

Disconnect everything from the computer - remove all cables, switches, power cords - everything...

Take the back off of the case (might be the "side").

Remove the disk drive(s).

Put the case back together.

Put on safety googles.

If you are extra cautious or have mobility issues >> Wear gloves and put on a long sleeve shirt.

Get out a rubber mallet...

Put drive(s) in bag

Smash the disk drive(s) into pieces.

Scoop up and responsibly trash the bits.

Personal opinion

Don't let the grand kids smash disk drives - it sounds like fun.  Opening a computer is OK for those who can do it safely.  It is a bad idea to encourage children to deliberately bring harm to people or animals, to toys, to furniture, electronics, cars...  If kids want to break stuff, they will figure out how to do so...

Tape a sign on the computer case:  No disk drive

Donate the computer, cables, mouse, and keyboard to a local charity, school, church, or community center.

None such?  Have the computer recycled according to the laws and rules in your community.

Done.

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