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Old computers, phones and your data: questions, answered

Falls Technology Services · Idaho Falls · November 12, 2026

Old computers, phones and drives hold years of private information. These are the questions we hear most about getting rid of them safely.

Is deleting files or emptying the trash enough before I sell a computer?

No. Deleted files can often be recovered. Before a computer leaves your hands, back up what you want to keep, then reset or wipe the drive properly.

How do I wipe a computer properly?

Back up first. Then use the computer's own reset with the option that cleans the drive (on Windows, "Remove everything" and "Clean the drive"; on a Mac, Erase All Content and Settings or Disk Utility). For drives that matter, we use the right method for each type: overwriting for hard drives, the drive's own secure erase for SSDs.

Data wiping and e-waste pickup

How do I wipe a phone before selling it?

Back it up, sign out of your Apple ID or Google account first (otherwise the next owner can't use it), remove the SIM and memory card, then factory reset it.

Selling an old phone or laptop safely

What about a computer that doesn't work any more?

The drive inside usually still holds your files. It can be taken out and wiped, kept as a backup, or destroyed if it can't be wiped.

Can you destroy my old hard drives?

Yes. Drives that are dead or can't be wiped are physically destroyed, and you get a written record of each drive's serial number, what was done to it and the date.

Data wiping and e-waste pickup

Where can I recycle old electronics in Idaho Falls?

Send us a photo of what you have and we'll quote to haul it away; computers and parts we can reuse, we may take for free, and the rest goes to a local electronics recycler. We can't take swollen or damaged batteries or old tube TVs and monitors, but we'll tell you where to take them safely.

Can I get my files off an old computer before it goes?

Usually, yes, even if it won't start: the drive is often fine. We copy your files to the new computer or a backup drive.

Moving files to a new computer

A family member passed away. How do we get into their phone or computer?

Only through the official routes: Apple, Google and Microsoft each have a process for next of kin, which usually needs a death certificate and proof of your role. It takes patience, and we can help you through it.

When a family member passes: their phone

General answers in plain English, checked when we wrote them. Every device is different: we check yours before saying what it needs. This isn't professional advice for your exact device. See our website terms.

Still have a question?

Tell us what's going on and we'll tell you what it takes before we start.

Send us a message  or call (208) 745-2981, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

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