Disposing of XP Netbook

push the power and vo!ume up button will give you the screen to reboot it

Acer provided the information that I needed. Thanks.

And that information was?

Sad to say, it didn't work. Basically, it is supposed to use a hidden partition to return the computer to its original state. Now I get a "NTLDR is missing" or something like that. The actual procedure involves starting up with a alt-f10 combination. Makes a pretty paperweight.

Some people are installing Linux in their Win XP machines.

Won't be usable to them without an OS installed. One method which maintains the current OS and all updates is to create a new Admin account. You don't need to put in a password for now. Then, delete your personal admin and any user accounts you created. Also, delete any personal files, and uninstall any programs you don't want to pass on. Also, make sure to uninstall any third party browsers and profile folders, especially if you used the auto password function. I would also delete Windows Page File which acts as virtual memory.

Finally, and most important, follow up with an erase of "free" space on your hard drive for 1-3 passes at most. You can use a free app such as CCleaner.

For all practical purposes, this will make your personal info unrecoverable. Some data is maintained in the registry, but more application and hardware related.

The important detail is to re-write deleted files by erasing the free space. Reformatting, or even repartitioning your hard drive doesn't get rid of all your personal files.

As a test, I once repartitioned/reformatted a hard drive five times, and was still able to recover 70% of files using deep forensic scanning with freely available apps. Which is why you need to re-write the free space to make files unrecoverable.

As a side note, I actually purchased a DELL Mini Netbook with WIN XP on Ebay recently for $49., which were used for IT training only 1-2 times. They look brand new, and came with SSD. Once I removed all the Enterprise software, I updated and locked down WIN XP security wise.

But the real reason I bought it was to install Android Kitkat 4.4 x86 dual-boot, which includes the Google Play store app. So can install Android apps similar to a tablet or phone, but have the convenience of a full keyboard w/trackpad, expandable storage, full size USB ports. Plus, has faster Ethernet connection via DHCP which makes downloading larger files such as GPS maps quicker than WiFi. Though takes a little getting used to using the trackpad versus touchscreen.

Just another use for outdated WIN XP Netbooks.

Many can be Restored to "IN box" State fairly easily, Just get the restore disc from the maker.. However this does not remove all the data from the disc and a skilled recovery agent can still get a lot of stuff off it.

Alas, I do know the official Military way of removing the data but it's a bit...er... messy (Hammers, hand gernades, flame throwers, run over it with a tank, that kind of messy) I do not really suggest it.

If you want to ensure you delete all your personal info, pull the hard drive and smash it with a sledge or drill hole through it. That's the only way to guarantee removing your data.
Then recycle the laptop, or donate ( http://www.computerswithcauses.org/laptop-donation.htm, for example) it to a group that will install a new HD & will load their desired OS.