Things You'll Need:
- Installation CD
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Step 1
Remove all data from your hard drive for free by reformatting the hard drive.
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Step 2
Be sure to back up any sensitive files you may need later on a storage device such as a CD, memory card or flash drive.
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Step 3
Put the operating system's installation disk, that came with the PC, into the disk drive.
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Step 4
Follow the prompts displayed on the screen to reformat your hard drive.
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Step 5
Remove the installation disc from the computer and re-start the computer. The machine should display an error saying no operating system was found.
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Step 1
Choose any of the following options to dispose of a PC.
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Step 2
Use the Environmental Protection Agency website, by going to http://epa.gov/region02/ecycling/ and following the information, to locate an agency that will help you find a local eCycling donation recycling center.
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Step 3
Contact your local school, library or nonprofit organizations and ask if they have an interest in your PC.
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Step 4
Locate an electronics recycling center by calling local computer stores in your area. They will have the information you need to dispose of your used PC and may even have a program to dispose of it.
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Step 5
Contact a business, such as Newtech Recycling Inc. (www.newtechrecycling.com), that will pick up your used PC and take care of details, such as wiping the hard drive and recycling all of the PC's components.
