Q: I need a new Windows PC but have almost no budget, so I’ve been thinking about buying something either refurbished or used. I don’t want to be ripped off, however. What’s the safest way for me to buy used gear?
A: You’re right to be cautious about used computer gear and tech devices, actually. Fifteen years ago it wasn’t a problem, but many modern devices are now remotely managed by institutions (like school districts) or have security systems that prevent them being factory reset.
Dave Taylor / TechnologyThe benefit is obvious; if stolen goods can’t be reused as if they had been purchased new, they’ll be stolen less. That’s exactly what’s happened with the Apple iPhone when the “Activation Lock” feature was introduced in 2013. Stolen phones couldn’t be reset, and theft rates dropped over 50% in major cities almost immediately.
On the Windows side, there are a couple of technologies that make it tougher to factory reset a used or refurbished PC. Most notable, that TPM (Trusted Platform Module) required for Windows 11 upgrades offers “BitLocker” which encrypts the drive. Without the decryption key, it’s unreadable. PC users can also lock things down remotely with Find My Device, and there are anti-theft features in Microsoft Defender too.
There are a number of different technologies that make it hard to wipe and reset an unauthorized computer. That’s why buying a used PC from an unknown person is fraught with risk. It might demo just fine, but when you take it home and try to reset the operating system, just to have it prompt for a BIOS or Azure password, you realize you’re stuck.
Don’t buy used computers?
This doesn’t mean you can’t safely acquire a used computer, but that it’s critical to have a relationship with the seller so you can ask for help if something goes wrong. Uncle Bob, who keeps buying the latest and greatest? He’s a good bet. That kid down the street we talked about? I’d skip that “opportunity.”
Refurbished gear is an interesting alternative because those are typically from computer manufacturers or major retailers. Refurb via eBay or Facebook marketplace? Nyet. A refurbished computer at Best Buy might be a terrific deal, however, and manufacturers like Dell have entire refurb stores online that could also prove a safe option.
I realize this might seem like a pretty negative answer to your question, but even if there’s a 5% chance you’ll end up with a brick, do you want to take that chance with your purchase?
If you really want to get the very best possible deal anyway, insist on performing a full factory reset before you hand over any cash. Here’s a tutorial on just how to do that: askdavetaylor.com/how-to-wipe.
Not an in person transaction? Careful, your risk just went way up. Good luck!
Dave Taylor has been involved with the online world since the beginning of the Internet. He runs the popular AskDaveTaylor.com tech Q&A site and invites you to subscribe to his weekly email newsletter at AskDaveTaylor.com/subscribe/ You can also find his entertaining gadget reviews on YouTube at YouTube.com/AskDaveTaylor.
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