Should You Buy a Used Computer? - Comments Page 1

I have purchased 2 used desktop computers from Goodwill. The first one lasted 8 years before it surrendered to age. The present one has only been with me since October, but so far no problem.

The computers are rebuilt by people learning new skills in order to start new lives. I feel confident in what Goodwill is doing with people as well as computers.

I have had a mouse with internal memory. Got it at a trade show years ago, and wondered why I had a new drive letter show up on my computer. It was a tiny laptop mouse, and had a manufacturer's list of products on the mouse's drive.

One problem with used computers is that if someone is really evil, they could replace the BIOS with a BIOS that has malware. So if I ever buy a used computer, first thing I would do would be to replace the BIOS with the factory BIOS. Then I would format the disk and reinstall the OS and APPS. Only then would I feel relatively safe.

As Bob said, since I am an IT geek, I can do all that stuff. But for most people they are probably better off buying new brand name computers. Or if they are tech savvy, they can buy the components (case, power supply, mother board, graphics card, etc.) and build their own. They will get a more powerful computer but necessarily save any money.

All of my computers are previously used and the first thing I do before attaching them to my network is install Linux. I have only one that has Windows 7 on it for compatibility with some other hardware and software needs. Other than that I took your advice some years ago to install Linux instead of playing the Microsoft upgrade game. The only thing I miss is information on Linux from your blog.
Great work BTW.

Good article.

Yes, the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities aside, I would purchase a used computer. Have found some of the best values are business-grade units coming off of lease, do a bare metal OS install with all security updates add quality Anti-virus program and you should be all set.

What's a printer?

This is a good article, but you may be a *little* *teeny* *weeny* *bit* paranoid. Yes, there are bad people out there. But I have purchased 5 Apple desktops, 5 Apple laptops, 1 iPad, 2 windows desktops, and 6 (yep, count 'em 6) Dell laptops that were ALL used. Some were from refurbishers or resellers (many of them genuine DELL authorized) and some from regular Joes.

Problems: Zero. Zip. Nada. Nuttin' honey! Did I run anti-malware software on them? Yep. Never found a thing. And I couldn't even START to count the number of peripherals I have purchased over the past 20 years.

What you WERE remiss in educating to is selling YOUR used fax machine. You see, the vast majority of fax machines keep a copy of the fax in memory. Think about it: ever sent anything to your bank? IRS? Attorney? It's all there in memory. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Let me start off with a Thank You for your input on computer subjects. On this subject of buying a refurbished computer--I have a Laptop I purchased directly from Dell and I am totally happy with it. I got it over 2 years ago and it does what I need. I would absolutely buy another one from Dell and I have recommended them to others. I am glad to share this with you. Thanks again.

After my first laptop (HP $400), which I got in 2010 shot craps I bought 3 used laptops in a row for about $100 apiece. Each of them were victims of ransomware. Later I learned to hit Ctrl+Shift+Esc to bring up the task manager and end the processes to close that malware tab.
Then I bought a refurbished HP desktop with tons of memory for $169 at computerdiscountdepot a year and a half ago and it's never given me a minute of grief!

I'm using a laptop I bought from a pawn store through Craigslist. Talk about risk!

If I remember correctly, I spent two weeks before making it "mine". I scanned and cleaned with every tool I knew and could find recommended. I searched directories. I eliminated much software.

Its been perfect for several years. Was I lucky? I don't know. With Win10, now, you can do a clean install easily. That can cover a big part of the risk.

Dear Bob,
Thanks for letting me know that I am right in my decision to never to buy any used computers or related devices.
And, I only insert new USB drives into my computer or ones that I have purchased new and only used by me. You warned everybody about viruses on used USB drives quite a while back, and I listened.
At least, I know that I am on the right track by sticking with the new equipment. Thanks much.

Adding my vote for used computers from Goodwill. Our Goodwill refurbishes and 'disinfects' computers donated by the local colleges - right now I'm on my 3rd desktop in the past 15 years. Never an issue, and they also can beef up, repair and troubleshoot my occasional snafus. I also rely on Goodwill for replacement monitors, USB cables, external HDs, and all manner of accessories. Not only do I save a huge chunk of $$$, I'm also supporting Goodwill's job training programs. Everyone wins!

Over time, most of my purchases have been replacements for aging or failing equipment. When choosing between value (cost) or latest technology, I've always chosen the latter, since I plan on keeping, upgrading and maintaining things, longer than most people I know. For that reason alone, I choose to save up for a current product, rather than to save some coinage on machines that have already been in use for awhile.

While this strategy has served my needs well, it is not based on knowing anyone who had problems with used purchases, so I don't dissuade anyone from going that route. In fact, while setting up their equipment, I have yet to uncover malware or serious issues. I simply offer cautionary advice... to know your source.

I have purchased two pairs of refurbished IBM/Lenovo "Thinkcentre" mini desktops over the last 8 years to keep up with new versions of Windows. I used Laplink PC Mover to port everything except OS to newly acquired machines.

These amazing little units are "rock solid" and have had no problems with hidden malware. I do use ESET "Smart Security", but your suggestion to run a complete security scan on any refurbished or used computer before connecting to my network or anything else is a very good one.

I do intend to continue purchasing "refurbs" when the need arises - but will follow your excellent advice in the future. In today's crazy world of malware, it certainly pays to be extra cautious. Thanks Bob for your always valuable information!

My last three computers (we're going back years here) have come from eBay. My husband's as well. Usually from places that put together a machine according to your specs. Never had any problems and in fact the one I'm using now is over three years old.

I have nothing against refurbished either. My monitors are refurbished and I've gotten high quality for a reduced price, and never a problem. New stuff would be great, but to come near even my minimum specs is just too expensive.

I have purchased around a half-dozen laptops, desktops and tablets, in recent years, usually from
Microsoft-certified refurbishers (meaning off-lease
business-grade equipment). My only regets are two
early-model Surface RT tablets and their issue is no
upgrade path. I run Avast Free, Malwarebytes, Super
Anti Spyware and ADWCleaner(now part of Malwarebytes), the latter three on an as-needed basis. So far, so good. And found thumbdrives?
No, thanks, especially if found outside NORAD or
Fort George Meade.

Hi Bob
Many thanks for another thought-provoking article. I have only ever bought second hand computers or built my own from new components (poor pensioners cannot afford new computers).
Every time Ibought second hand I simply swapped my old drive for the new computer's drive, then later cloned my old drive onto the new machine's HDD.
It would be nteresting to know how many viruses arrive with second hand drives as opposed to how many are picked up in everyday surfing.
Ahhh, give me five minutes in a dark alley with one of these malware merchants - I'll bring my own baseball bat....

All one can hope to do is minimise the risks with decent anti-virus and anti-malware software - and reular backups.

Awww. . .Used, Refurbished and Off Lease Desktop computers. . .Yep, I have bought quite a few, not only for myself, but family and friends as well. I know that I have been extremely lucky, no malware, ransomware, Trojan Horses, Worms or Viruses.

One thing I think is important. . .Buy from a known refurbished or off lease company, that honestly does the reselling for their business. The companies that I have purchased these computers from. . .Frequently install new or completely refurbished hard drives.

How do I know? I open them up as soon as I get the PCs, out of their shipping boxes and start examining them, inside and out. I know that most times there will be minor blemishes on the computer case, but their construction is solid and strong.

Personally, I have found that the Dell products are in good shape and I really like their choice of computer case. Yes, they do weight quite a bit, but for a desktop computer, the case should be strong and have weight to them. There is less vibration with a heavier computer case.

Check and double check the possibility of malware. As Bob said, even brand new products can be affected. Remember, when all of the Lenovo computers were tracking everywhere you went, unbeknownst to you? Lenovo purposely added malware for profit? or whatever.

Many known computer stores online sell refurbished computers either desktops or laptops and they also try to sell recertified refurbished computers. I have found that those who offer at least a 6 month warranty on a refurbished or off lease computers, you will usually get a good deal overall. I have also found that with these longer warranties should anything be wrong, these companies will honor the warranties.

I have built my own computers, quite a few, and also purchased off lease refurbished computers. I have felt safe with both of them. Right now, I am using an off lease refurbished desktop and I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in China. . .Thank you, very much. }:O)

I bought one computer and one computer in my life, an E Machine and that was around 1996. To this day, I still help others with their computers and many times they just give me their old computers, monitors and printers. I fixed 'em then used them myself.I never had any virus or malware problem that I couldn't fix. But, alas! I'll be 100 years old in a few days and a friend just gave me a new computer as present!

Have had good luck with refurbished computers. And, how else can you buy a decent machine with Win 7 on it?

Bob, you did us a disservice by putting ALL of your weight on the issue of possible malware. I didn't see a thing about the positives of owning a used (better yet, professionally refurbished) computer.

I've been doing the "geek thing" since 1987, and the single biggest issue I've had with used computers until the last 3-4 years has not been malware, but the power of the machine.

I'm running a Dell Optiplex 760 that is probably close to 10 years old and originally had Vista Business installed (the old COA sticker is still attached with a big "X" mark on it). Until recently, a 10 year old PC would have been considered one slow dog of a computer by me, requiring Puppy Linux or an earlier version of DOS/Windows to get decent performance from. This one just needed a second (bigger) hard drive and added RAM to perform quite well under Windows 7. And I got it for a fraction of the cost of a new one (which means I wouldn't have bought a new one--not enough money, honey). I've never been financially able to buy new, so my discovery of professionally refurbished computers was a Godsend.

Yes, a used/refurbished computer DOES need a good scrubdown for malware (I didn't do that first thing, but at least I installed good protection right away so any nastyware would be caught pronto--none was). But if I were a n00b reading your article, I would be scared off to buying new regardless of price, which would mean you were not really doing us a service (but doing a good one for OEMs), knowing the bigger picture. Is your IBM background (and their tradition of FUD) coming back to the surface? I hope not. Balance, Bob, balance.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It's been 21 years since I left IBM. I had my bloodwork checked recently, and there was no trace of blue iron, so I think we're safe there. You'd be surprised at the percentage of people who have no clue about how to scan a used computer for malware, much less install new RAM or hard drive. Ask them to format the disk and install Linux? Maybe one in a thousand.

You can (for example) buy a new Dell Inspiron desktop for $279, with Windows 10, 4GB RAM and a 1TB hard drive. A Samsung Chromebook 3 sells for $179 at Staples. How much will you save, after buying a junker and upgrading the memory and hard drive?