I'm Computer Illiterate

[GaryBeu]

So, being fairly illiterate as far as computers go, here's the deal.

Our HP/Compaq is 10 years old and we'd like to upgrade. After 10 years there has to be a lot of "stuff" on the hard-drive that we would rather not transfer to a new one...like deleted files, etc. that don't actually "delete".

When we transfer our software programs, etc. how do we leave this junk on the old drive and not transfer it? Is there a simple explaination or do I need to hire someone to do it for us?

Thanks.

PS. What brand, etc. computer do you recommend ?

 

[sparkydave]

That would depend on what you are trying to achieve. If you're planning on tossing the old computer, take the hard drive out and drill a hole through the case. If you're planning on passing it on to somebody else, use the system recovery CDs and restore it to the way it was when it was new. Usually they will reformat as they install; somebody would have to be awfully clever to recover something after that. Bear in mind somebody will spend several hours installing 10 years' worth of Windows updates if you choose the latter option.

 

[JPSmit]

You could pay someone to do it - not usually that much, you might even get the company selling you the computer to do it as part of the deal. In terms of the data, most of the data you want is in your "documents" folder so, it will be relatively easy to get what you want and leave the rest.

OR

you can do what I did. Nobody wants a 10 year old computer and I am nervous about passing on old hard drives. When I killed my last computer (don't ask) I took out the hard drive, installed it in an external hard drive case and recycled the rest. Thus, anything I need is still accessible but it isn't cluttering up my computer. (I probably access it three or four times a year) In terms of what to buy, get a laptop with lots of memory and lots of ram. There's any number of deals out there this time of year.

 

[JPSmit]

Oh, and BTW hard drive cases are cheap to get $20 or so.

 

[judow]

Trust me, pay a professional. Also your programs will probably not be compatible with the updated operating system. I was torqued because I had to get Office 2010 because my Office 2003 and Windows 7 didn't want to talk with each other. Other issues with my older programs. Ended up pretty much having to get new programs. I was not a happy camper.

I've cooled down since the 'new and improved puter' got put on my desk. Husband is enjoying the old and not improved computer in his garagemajal. Knew he had a hidden agenda.

 

[AngliaGT]

What is this strange "computer" language that you speak of?

- Doug

 

[PAUL161]

Today, a 10 year old computer is still usable, but not a desirable item. If someone wants it and you don't want them to access any past info you put into it, give them the computer without the HD. New small HDs are cheap. Unless you want to keep it, in a remote case, take the HD and destroy it after your done with it. Drill a hole through it as suggested, or smash it with a hammer. Makes no different how well you electronically clean a hard drive, there's programs out there that can still recover some of the past info that's burnt into it. PJ

 

[judow]

What is this strange "computer" language that you speak of?

- Doug

You know - like the way a guy perceives communication and the way a gal perceives communication. Ponder this one - Where are you going?

 

[elrey]

Out.

 

[GregW]

When we transfer our software programs, etc.

I don't think you'll be able to "transfer" programs. When you install a program, the installation process copies files all over. DLL files in the windows/system folder, bits of code in the registry, program/shared folders, etc. You will need to do clean installs of any program you have. Make sure you have the serial numbers for everything before you start.

You could clone the old hard drive and put it in the new computer, but that creates a whole set of issues you probably don't want to deal with.

how do we leave this junk on the old drive and not transfer it? Is there a simple explaination or do I need to hire someone to do it for us?

Only copy what you want. Get a <span style="font-style: italic">new</span> external drive that uses either USB 3 or eSATA. The eSATA drives I have also accommodate USB 2. Best thing to do is buy the new computer first and get an external drive that will work with both computers. I suggest this over an external case for your old hard drive for two reasons. 1)Your old drive uses an old interface and finding a case that works with it is getting difficult. 2) Its 10 years old, past its expected failure date. When it fails, you will have a harder time finding a new drive that will work with the interface (EIDE).

 

[GregW]

I was torqued because I had to get Office 2010 because my Office 2003 and Windows 7 didn't want to talk with each other. Other issues with my older programs. Ended up pretty much having to get new programs. I was not a happy camper.

Weird, I am using Office XP (2003) on Win7 pro with no problems. Microsoft <span style="font-style: italic">suggested</span> I buy a new copy of Office but I ignored that.

 

[Brooklands]

I went from XP to iMac with Snow Leopard. Programs basically were all toast, but I was able to attach an external drive to the old Dell, copy all the files I wanted, then move the drive to the Mac. I had to do some adjusting to get them all talking together, but Apple can move all your files to the new computer for you at a reasonable cost. I then destroyed the old HD, and tore the old computer down into pieces that went to a recycling firm. I now have three external hard drives on the computer, plus one on the basement lap top that backs up all the Mac's external drives.
I can do most of what my old Office 2000 did with Open Office which is free, and the only substantial investment in software was Photoshop Elements 9. Everything else is using free software.

 

[GaryBeu]

Thanks judow...I also have Office 2003. I figured I'd end up paying a bunch of money for new software. That's the part that really sucks. The computer is the cheap part !