Q&A for How to Destroy an Old Computer

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Can I use a USB killer to destroy a computer?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Yes, although it may not destroy your data. The USB killer sends lots of charge through a USB port and destroys the motherboard.

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Question

Will pouring bleach over a PC destroy all of its information?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Bleach will definitely destroy your computer because it will short-circuit important computer components, but your information will still be there, so make sure to shred the hard drive.

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Why would someone do this?

Community Answer

Old computers still can be active, even when completely shut down. Therefore, the chances of getting a virus are higher, and it can transfer a virus to a new computer.

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Can I burn my computer in an incinerator?

DB 2003

Community Answer

Yes, but it is recommended to leave it to a professional, as the computer may release toxic fumes.

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If I smash the computer, can anyone that has hacked my computer previously still use anything they have connected or downloaded to it?

Community Answer

No, only any data the hacker may have acquired. However, you could accomplish the same result simply by eliminating the computer's Internet access or unplugging the power from the wall (don't just turn the computer off, however, as computers can be sent a wake-up signal via network if this feature is enabled).

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Can I burn a computer till it melts?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. If the temperature gets hot enough, the components will melt and deform. However, this should only be done by professionals, as it will require great heat and the computer could release toxic fumes while burning.

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Question

My laptop is not working. If I remove the hard drive and destroy it, and remove the memory chips and destroy them, is it then safe to send for recycling?

DB 2003

Community Answer

It should be safe, since it has no storage or data. The computer won't be able to access anything without any type of storage medium.

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Question

Does recycling a computer change its serial number?

Community Answer

No, a serial number is different on every computer; no matter what you do it will always be there.

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I have removed the hard drive from a laptop. Is all the information from that PC gone?

Community Answer

Most of it, yes, but you may also want to remove the RAM. It may also have small bits of information on it.

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Question

If I soak my computer in bleach, will it destroy it?

Liu Woods

Community Answer

Yes, it will because the bleach will corrode parts on the motherboard, and other boards in the computer, like the PSU.

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Question

Can monitors be recycled?

Rupert

Top Answerer

Yes, recycling is a great option for devices such as monitors, that don't store any personal or sensitive information.

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