How to Reuse an Old Computer

Certain components can easily be salvaged from old computers.

The joke that computers become outdated the moment you buy them has been around since the 1990s, and it has proven apt even two decades later. However, even when you upgrade to a new computer, the old one doesn't need to go to waste. It or its components can be reused, either by yourself or by others. If you decide to reuse it yourself, certain components such as hard drives and optical disk drives are readily transferable between computers. If you wish to donate it, the best option is to use a refurbishing service, such as those found on Microsoft's Registered Refurbisher directory.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver

Instructions

Donate

1. Visit Microsoft's Registered Refurbisher directory. Log in if you already have an account. If not, register.

2. Select the first option and then choose your country from the drop-down menu. Press "Search."

3. Press "Ctrl" and "F" on your keyboard at the same time. This will bring up a search box.

4. Type the name of your city into the search box. If you do not live in a city, then use the name of the nearest one.

5. Click the "Next" button in the search box to scroll through refurbishers in your area. Click on each and write down their contact info.

6. Contact the refurbishers and ask if they'll accept your computer. If so, bring it to their shop and leave it in their care. They'll either grant it directly to a new user or strip it for reusable parts.

Salvage Parts For Yourself

1. Unplug your old computer and open its case. Typically, older models require you to unscrew the side panels, though they might use a latch, instead.

2. Disconnect the power and data cords attached the components you intend to salvage, such as hard drives and DVD players.

3. Remove the components you intend to salvage. Some might be screwed into place, so you'll first need to unscrew them from the case's internal frame.

4. Set your salvaged components to be "slaves" by slipping the jumper over the slave prongs. This is handled differently for every model, though most drives have a diagram showing how this is done. If you cannot find a diagram on the drive, then go the manufacturer's website and look for a manual.

5. Unplug your new computer, and then open its case. Fix the old components into available slots, and then connect them to your computer using free data and power cables. If there are no power cables available, you'll either need to replace the power supply unit or unplug another component. If there are no data cables available, remove a data cable from your old computer and connect it the new computer's motherboard.

Install Salvaged Components

1. Unplug your new computer, and then open its case.

2. Fix the old components into available slots. Drive slots are typically found on front side of computer case, near the power button. For optical drives such as CD and DVD ROMs, the front panel can be removed.

3. Connect the drives to your computer using available power cables. If there are no power cables available, you'll either need to replace the power supply unit or unplug another component.

4. Attach data cables to your drive. If there are no data cables available, remove a data cable from your old computer and connect it the new computer's motherboard. Both your drive and your motherboard will feature female jacks, so if you're unsure what it looks like, search for a jack that's an inversion of the pattern on your data cable's head.

5. Close your new computer's case and plug it back it.

Tips & Warnings

• When installing and uninstalling computer components, beware of shocking the electronics, as this can permanently damage them. The safest way to avoid this is to wear an anti-static bracelet, though in a pinch you can ground yourself by keeping at least one hand on the computer's case at all times.

References

• Microsoft Registered Refurbishers
• My Super PC: Hard Drive

Resources

• Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program