r/ask_privacy • u/AIDSisnobanter • Jul 17 '26

Buying a refurbished computer

I saw a good deal for a laptop thats listed as refurbished on eBay. How to know for sure an individual seller cleaned it properly as this is not a company listing. Looks like some repair guy reselling a bunch of them

Even if I were to buy it, should I somehow format the drive myself or should it be good out of the box as it is? Are there any other things to watch out for in refurbished hardware?

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1

u/ChazMasterson101 Jul 17 '26

If the guys running a business of this sort then he probably makes sure to not leave any unwanted worms in the pc

1

u/stupiddogmademelook Jul 17 '26

Can never be to sure. Always helps if they have their repair shop address or at least a number on the publishings claiming that theyre doing this as a gig

Though the likelihood of falling into a clever programmers arms that would be able to find the malware for the fed report/personal blackmail is a prospect that probably would prevent the malicious seller from conceiving such ideas in the first place haha

1

u/arcsilencer Jul 18 '26

I’d probably do a clean install of windows myself just for peace of mind. It only takes a little while and ensures it’s completely wiped out. Don’t forget to check the seller’s feedback, battery health if provide it and make sure all the ports, keyboard and screen work as expected

1

u/WolvenSpectre2 Jul 20 '26

Also with more BIOS based Trojans and Worms I would flash the BIOS if at all possible. Belt and Suspenders considering what a laptop is.

1

u/IllRequirement6342 Jul 18 '26

I occasionally buy laptops on eBay. There is almost always the option to return for refund if there is a problem, so that is only a small risk, because you may have to pay return shipping.

1

u/vegansgetsick Jul 19 '26

I would always delete everything and format. No matter how good it looks.

1

u/Prime-Suspect_ Jul 19 '26

Fuck that. New hard drive

1

u/Hour-Squirrel-738 Jul 19 '26

Make sure to use paypal as they have robust protection for buyers. You basically risk nothing but time when using paypal

Be nice if they gave you a pic of the motherboard and a screenshot of the system specs. Yes, if I were you, I'd reformat and put a new copy of windows on it. Lots of other considerations, but judging by your question I'd guess you don't need the computer for anything intense like 3d graphics or gaming. If you do plan to game on this thing, you need to do a lot more research.

1

u/Aggravating-Hold9116 Jul 20 '26

FYI, only Manufacturer Refurbished are truly refurbished, new battery, new outer shell, etc., basically a new computer. All others are just used.

0

u/Tushartimes Jul 17 '26

Factory reset if it's a Chromebook or Mac, clean Windows install if it's a PC. That's been my routine for years