Q&A for How to Destroy an Old Computer

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  • Question
    Can I use a USB killer to destroy a computer?
    Aasim
    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.
  • Question
    Will pouring bleach over a PC destroy all of its information?
    Aasim
    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.
  • Question
    Why would someone do this?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can I burn my computer in an incinerator?
    DB 2003
    DB 2003
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it is recommended to leave it to a professional, as the computer may release toxic fumes.
  • Question
    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
    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).
  • Question
    Can I burn a computer till it melts?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • 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
    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.
  • Question
    Does recycling a computer change its serial number?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, a serial number is different on every computer; no matter what you do it will always be there.
  • Question
    I have removed the hard drive from a laptop. Is all the information from that PC gone?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If I soak my computer in bleach, will it destroy it?
    Liu Woods
    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.
  • Question
    Can monitors be recycled?
    Rupert
    Rupert
    Top Answerer
    Yes, recycling is a great option for devices such as monitors, that don't store any personal or sensitive information.
  • Question
    What is the best way to destroy a solid state hard drive?
    Ash_the_cache
    Ash_the_cache
    Community Answer
    You could give it to an E-waste disposal place. These place can shred these with industrial equipment. Do not smash one yourself, in a solid state hard drive, there are tiny components that could spark and start a fire.
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