Smashed laptop repair

[Number 7]

Unfortunately my neighbour managed to knock my laptop off a bench in my garage yesterday, and the screen internals are now smashed - can't see any data at all. Going to try to connect a separate monitor to see if the system itself is still functioning. My insurer wants to arrange for a third party IT company to take the unit away for testing / possible repair, but I'm slightly concerned about them accessing / using private data (nothing illegal)- website passwords, account numbers etc. Is there anything that I can do in advance of them taking it to protect myself -even as simple as getting them to sign an undertaking not to access / use such data?

Any suggestions welcome.

7.

[SS2.]

Why not remove the hard disk drive before you send it away..

[Number 7]

Will the repairer be able to verify that the unit works without this?

7.

[lockstock2sb]

plug the laptop into a VGA monitor and make sure it boots ok. If so remove the disk and send it off. Just tell them to fix the screen/cosmetics and then send it back. That way you know the disk is fine/safe and there is no reason why you should send it off to also get replaced. If the disk is indeed trashed/wont boot i wouldnt worry as they wont be able to get into it if you cant boot it.

Be aware that a format of the disk before sending it off will not necessarily cover your tracks

>> Edited by lockstock2sb on Wednesday 8th March 11:59

[pdV6]

*cough* Garry Glitter *cough*

[neil_cardiff]

pdV6 said:

*cough* Garry Glitter *cough*

[Jinx]

http://msn.pcworld.com/downloads/file

Should get rid of any unwanted files.

[Number 7]

Thanks all. Removing the drive seems to be the way to go. I certainly dont want to delete anything (as I said,nothing illegal to hide), just want to ensure that passwords, accounts etc. are not abused.

7.

[k50 del]

Sounds like a silly question, but couldn't you just replace the screen yourself, rather than having an insurance claim, laptop screens are dead easy to replace.

[Number 7]

k50 del said:

Sounds like a silly question, but couldn't you just replace the screen yourself, rather than having an insurance claim, laptop screens are dead easy to replace.

I would be happy to do the work, but at c.£320 for a new screen, I'm not going to foot the bill myself, and I suppose I'm taking it easy on my neighbour. All he'll need to cover is my excess.

7.