How to Donate an Old Computer in Ohio
As new technology is developed and deemed faster, older computers and related hardware become obsolete and are often stored in closets, garages and other storage areas. Instead of storing your old computer in your Ohio home or business, donate it to an organization that can recycle the system and provide it to others who don't have a computer. Ohio is home to a host of charitable organizations that can offer new life to your "older, slower" computer.
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Things You'll Need
- Blank CDs or floppy disks
- Soft cloth or rag
- Boxes
- Packing tape
- Pen
- Paper or calendar
- Internet connection
- Internet browser
Instructions
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Prepping the Old Computer
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1
Turn on the old computer. Insert a blank CD or floppy disc into its CD-ROM/Writer or floppy drive. Move any personal files, pictures and documents you want from the old computer to the CD or disk. When copying files, right click on the file's name and select "Cut" instead of "Copy." The "Cut" command moves the file from your old computer to the CD or disk and deletes the file from the old computer.
If using a Mac, press the "Command" button as you click the mouse to perform a right click.
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2
Perform a "Disk Cleanup" of the computer to remove any fragments of temporary files and Internet cache files. If the older computer is Windows based, click "Start," then "My Computer," and right-click on the "C:\" drive. Select "Properties," and click "Disk Cleanup."
Macs automatically clean out caches, but you can also use a third-party application like "CacheOut X" to perform a disk cleanup (see Resources for link).
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3
Turn off the computer. Disconnect any attached cables and hardware.
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4
Locate the original CDs or floppy disks, "Certificate of Authenticity" sticker (usually on the computer), user manuals and any other documentation related to the computer. The charitable organization needs these documents for the transfer of the operating system's license.
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5
Wipe the computer and related hardware clean with a soft cloth or rag. Pack the old computer/hardware in boxes. Tape the boxes closed with packing tape.
Contacting Charitable Organizations
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Open your new computer's Internet browser, and go to "Computers With Causes" "Computers With Causes" to complete a form for scheduling the pickup of your old computer system. (See Resources.)
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7
If you are in the Cincinnati area, click on the "Cincinnati Computer Cooperative" link to contact the service and schedule a pickup.
If you are in the Columbus area, click on the "Ohio Drop Off" link.
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8
Write the date the charitable organization will be out to pick up your old computer system on a piece of paper or calendar, and plan to make it available then.
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Tips & Warnings
Place the packed computer and its related hardware in an accessible location in your home or business a day before the scheduled pick up date.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computers in aggressive environment image by frog from Fotolia.com
