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General discussion

Donating Old Laptop

Apr 3, 2005 9:08AM PDT

I am donating old laptop to a needy student. It is a Toshiba Satellite 2060CDS. Student has access to an OS. Can I just reformat and give to her? Are there any legal procedures needed? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Reformat doesn't mean there is any OS.
Apr 3, 2005 9:19AM PDT

The FORMAT command from DOS, Windows (all versions) does not install an OS. You'll be fine.

But let me comment. Why not give them the CDs that came with the laptop. The OS license isn't transferable to another machine and the laptop's restore CDs make reinstallation of the OS a snap.

Bob

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Donating Old Laptop
Apr 3, 2005 9:31AM PDT

You are correct, but I do not have CD. I installed my copy of Win98.

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Here's the problem.
Apr 3, 2005 9:46AM PDT

You can't count how many people post in these forums about getting a PC/laptop with the OS already installed and ... no CD or license then something breaks and they need that CD. It would not be doing them a favor to set them up for such an issue.

Also, if you supply 98, you'd have to supply them your serial number (CD-KEY) so there is some problem leading back to you as the source of the leaked copy. Some may write Microsoft doesn't care, but are you willing to risk it?

Wipe it out and have them hand you their OS?

Bob

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Confused on latter portion of "Here's the Problem"
Apr 3, 2005 9:52AM PDT

I am going to reformat to remove my OS and give them a "bill of sale" for the laptop. They are providing their own OS.

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No confusion here.
Apr 3, 2005 10:15AM PDT

It's just me noting how many poor souls get into a bind when they get some machine, a pre-installed OS and no CD to recover with.

Bob

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(NT) (NT) Thought I was doing a good thing
Apr 3, 2005 10:43AM PDT
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You are. Just me ...
Apr 3, 2005 10:47AM PDT

Just me noting how some get into a bind with the pre-installed OS given to them on a machine, but no CD to affect what would be a minor repair.

Then the gift costs them dearly as they can't find Windows 98 at the stores, then they bring home XP because the shops don't know any better and sell it to them. Next the machine turns out to not run XP, or need RAM, more hard disk space, a BIOS update, where are the drivers? And you can see the picture.

I give away machines too. But I can't part with an OS unless it's a true spare or Linux.

Bob

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Bob, thanks for guidance and I definitely see the picture
Apr 3, 2005 11:03AM PDT

I am trying to contact the individual for pickup and having some difficulty.