Hello,
I’m selling my computer and I’m curious to know if I removed all the personally identifiable stuff.
Basically I kept the system ‘as is’ all I’ve done is install a new hdd.
Do I need to do anything else to ensure my privacy remains intact, what about RAM, graphics etc… Should I change the BIOS?
Any suggestions appreciated.
Cheers.
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Andy, simply reiterating what the other guys here have said.
If you've only reformatted then some data could be retrieved, but if you have replaced the HDD then none of your data will be on there so its all good.
So long as you don't have any system password on the bios then i would say there's nothing you need to do with that, because thats about as personal as he bios gets.
And as for the RAM and the graphics these only store data whilst the PC is running so theres nothing to wory about there.
Ok.
This is what you need to know.
DO THIS:
1. Remove all cd-roms (not the actual cd-rom drive)
2. If you havent used the new harddrive, don't think about it.
3. Remove any floppy disks.
To eliminate any confutions:
1.All information on a computer is stored on your harddrive. If you took the drive you where using out of the computer and installed a new one that you haven't been using, then you're safe.
2.It is also possible to store on CD-R, floppy-disks and other flash memory components, but these usualy are external and therefore not a problem. (don't sell them with the computer)
3.RAM looses all its data/information when the power is switched off, don't worry about that.
4.The BIOS is only a device that boots and recognises components in the computer. No information is stored there.
5.No information is stored EVER! in these components:
grapic cards, network cards, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM stations, CD/DVD-Burner stations, soundcards, modems, ISDN cards, firewirecards, powerunits, the cabinet, keyboard, mouse or USB.
From what you've sead, sleep well. No problem.
Forgot...
Format the new harddrive and let the new owner install XP themselves. Then they will be able to enter their own names.
You are afraid that personal information is following the computer, not windows XP serialnumber, wich is used to install XP.
You might say that your name is connected to the serial number, well so is your car number also, and we do sell our car further on. As I see it, there is nothing to worry about if anyone know that you once owned it.
The person who buys the computer knows he bought it from you, I doub't he will try to find that from checking serialnumbers. (That would be a waste of time...)
The only completely fooproof solution is to wipe the HDD clean.
But that is not really necessary, if you don't want to do it.
DO this. Boot to a DOS disk, type -- FORMAT C: /s/u
The DOS format is a total wipe of the HDD, whereas the windows is not.
Then copy a massive file to the HDD if you want to -- a 38GB file on a 40 GB drive will overwrite everything.
Now, install XP clean -- but when it has configured the devices, and now wants to reboot --
THAT IS THE TIME TO SHUT OFF THE SYSTEM AND DO NOT REBOOT IT AGAIN !!
The next time someone reboots the system, they will HAVE TO enter a serial number of their own -- it is totally clean at this stage. Guaranteed, no personal information whatsoever.
If you're affraid that you might be blamed if new owner does something illegal (although this is very unlikely to happen), then print out a contract where it says who bought it, when they bought it, and with what components and software installed, and let them sign it.
This will be enough to prove that you have nothing to do with this computer.
So looks like I’m okay then.
So to clarify I can sell the machine with a legit copy of XP that came with. (Holographic serial number, etc..) Without upsetting MS ?
Secondly if they connect to the web with a version of XP that used to belong to me will it look like I’m connected to the web? I guess my question is do ISP’s uniquely identify operating systems ?
Somebody would really want your info if they go trying to trace a product key from Microsoft or a serial number from your computer. It would take the equilvilant of the CIA to drum up that info. Unless when you loaded in windows XP you actually typed in your name, address, and telephone number.
I'm pretty sure your safe.
I think the reciept you write for your computer will hold more info than the computer itself. From your description :)
"Somebody would really want your info if they go trying to trace a product key from Microsoft or a serial number from your computer."
Whoops.... I meant to say: Somebody would really HAVE TO REALLY BADLY want your info if they go trying to trace a product key from Microsoft or a serial number from your computer.
"So to clarify I can sell the machine with a legit copy of XP that came with. (Holographic serial number, etc..) Without upsetting MS ?"
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
That is where you are violating the law, you are not allowed to RESELL MS software in this way. Read my previous post, it will explain HOW to install XP but force the buyer to enter their OWN registration number.
You are NOT "OK" as you put it above, proceeding to resell a system with your registration of XP to another party.
PERIOD !!!
I beg to differ if she sells the computer with the windows cd. And that version of xp is not installed on any other computer, it is perfectly legal to transfer the ownership. Unless it is an OEM copy of Windows that is mark NFR. However if this software was bundled with the computer when purchased (such as from dell, compact, or gateway) I think the os stays bound to that computer. You would have to contact the manufacturer of the computer.
If the Operating system was upgraded you must retain the original along with the upgrade as they are considered one unit.
Out of the license agreement
You May:
TRANSFER-Internal. You may move the Product to a
different Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The
initial user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of
the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include
all component parts, media, printed materials, this EULA,
and if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity. The
transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a
consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving
the transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No
Rental. You may not rent, lease, or lend the Product.
Unless:
NOT FOR RESALE SOFTWARE. Software identified as "Not For Resale" or "NFR," may not be sold or otherwise transferred for value, or used for any purpose other than demonstration, test or evaluation.
Hope this helps
Tim
if you got the software with the comp den u can charge for it if u like
u payed for it urself so u should get something back
theres not much need to worry bout this
ur main question was der any info on your system
if u actived without registration your grand
jst give the xp cd and any other doucumention to the new owner
As I remember the terms of reselling Windows is If you sell it seperately. If you got your windows xp with the computer, MS seas that the lisence should follow the computer. I think this is right. Anyone remember else?
So in that case, you're not allowed to keep the windows version if you sell the pc. (And my meaning about this... MS gives me headakes)
Windows doesn't send any information when you connect to the internet, so if you're conserned if it would look like yo're on the internet, I wouldn't worry.
In your case I would do this:
Stop thinking, and sell the computer. What you have described your personal files are erased, and for MS and lisence, give windows on with your computer. The chance you'll ever hear about it again, is so slim that I would have forgotten it until I heard anything about it.
And if you say, thet you give Windows with the PC, there wouldn't be any talk about refund if it doesn't work.
In easy words;
Sell the computer, and don't think abot this anymore.
If you even break one or two terms of MS licence agreement, I wouldn't worry about it becouse they've got bigger fishes to catch.
After all, you haven't made a copy of WinXP CD and you didn't install it on multiple computers. Those are two things they don't like.
Like felixaux111 said, the chance you will hear about this computer is very small.
Even if you sell this computer to some hacker, first thing they'll do is reformat and install Linux.
In case all of this is not enough, then simply don't give or sell your WinXP with this computer.
I sure wouldn't, becouse there's allways some younger brother or cousan who might use it for games.
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by: HOWPosted on 2005-02-17 at 13:07:48ID: 13339151
no if you removed the harddrive your system is clear