During my travels I located this article that is packed full of information from Microsoft on how to best recycle or donate that old PC that is sitting around taking up space in your closet or garage. What is interesting about the article is that Microsoft lists recycling sites and also tips on how to deal with recycling firms. They also provide some valuable information on how to properly donate a PC.

But what I found very interesting was the list fo software programs that home users can use to erase completely all data off of their systems prior to recycling or donating that old PC. Some home users think that removing data only is enough. I personally believe that the entire hard disk should be cleaned off of all data and software applications including the operating system. There have been to many horror stories of criminals being able to retrieve information off of hard disks and being able to obtain identity information of prior owners.

Microsoft also points out to include all software and accessories with the unit. They also mention that on OEM machines the operating system disk must remain with the system and can not be used on another computer system. Also of note was their mentioning that most schools will not take PC that are over 5 years old. Which is understandable since older systems may not meet the needs of internet access and newer software applications.

They also note that:

“Schools often receive donated computers that lack the appropriate supporting documentation and media for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Now, through Microsoft’s Fresh Start for Donated Computers program, schools can get Windows installation CDs and the proper documentation for their donated computers — at no cost to the primary and secondary schools.

Find out if your school qualifies for Microsoft software at no cost.

Apply Online”

So if you know of a school who has received donated computers with no documentation, Microsoft may be able to supply the proper operating system free of charge. And some people think that Microsoft doesn’t have a heart.

Take a look at this Microsoft article and I hope it helps some of you who are struggling with what to do with that old PC. Good luck and happy donating.

Ten Tips From Microsoft.

[tags]microsoft, donate, recycle, computers, help, assistance, [/tags]