I have been repairing and upgrading computers in my spare time for family and friends for over 15 years. I get used computers from family and friends who have bought new ones, from thrift stores such as Goodwill, and sometimes from Craigslist and Ebay (but keep reading before you consider doing this yourself).
When purchasing a used computer, it is extremely important to make sure that it is properly licensed for the operating system that is installed. For example, a computer may have been purchased new with Windows XP or Windows Vista. Between 2009 and 2015, it could have been upgraded to Windows 7. If so, that machine will have a Certificate of Authenticity and a product license key, as well as a DVD for Windows 7. Do you know if the person selling the computer was the original owner? Do you know if they used a valid retail upgrade license to upgrade the operating system? Do you know if they used the same license on another computer? You probably won't know. And if you buy it, it may not be properly licensed. In order to use that computer, you will have to buy a retail operating system. It also may need expensive upgrades in order to meet the hardware requirements of the current version of Windows. That means your bargain computer is no longer a bargain. It is like buying a car without checking to make sure the title is clear.
Before I upgrade a computer, I will advise the owner whether an upgrade is cost effective. Sometimes, the most cost effective method is to buy a refurbished computer from a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher. A refurbished computer has been through a rigorous process, including destroying any data on the hard drives, cleaning and testing of all componenets, installing a current licensed verson of Windows, installing all necessary drivers, and installing antivirus software.
I have recently become a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher. I am very excited about this opportunity to refurbish computers and upgrade them to Windows 10.
If you are interested in purchasing a new or refurbished computer, give me a call or send me an email and I will help you decide what will work best for you!
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