How Device Shop Refurbishes Laptops and Computers

Every refurbished laptop and desktop computer Device Shop sells goes through a set process before it is listed, run under our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified quality and environmental management systems. A machine that fails any step goes to parts or recycling rather than onto the shelf.

How we refurbish a laptop

Laptops go through six steps, with extra checks on the parts that wear most in daily use: the battery, hinges, keyboard and screen.

Inspection. Chassis, hinges, ports, screen and keyboard are checked by hand.
Component testing. Battery health, RAM, storage, fans, Wi-Fi and webcam are tested individually.
Secure data wipe. The previous owner's data is erased to industry standard before anything else is done.
Clean install. Genuine, licensed Microsoft Windows Professional is installed and activated.
Clean and grade. Interior dust is removed and the exterior cleaned, then the laptop is graded A, B or C on visible wear.
Final sign-off. A senior technician approves the laptop before it is listed for sale.

How we refurbish a desktop computer

Desktops go through seven steps. Because they run for years in dusty offices, cleaning the cooling system is a step of its own.

Inspection. Case, ports, connectors and power supply are checked by hand.
Component testing. RAM, storage, fans, USB, network and video outputs are tested individually.
Secure data wipe. The previous owner's data is erased to industry standard before anything else is done.
Clean install. Genuine, licensed Microsoft Windows Professional is installed and activated.
Clean. Dust is blown out of the heatsinks and fans, then the case is cleaned inside and out.
Cosmetic grading. The desktop is graded A, B or C on visible wear only. Every grade is fully functional.
Final sign-off. A senior technician approves the desktop before it is listed for sale.

Why every machine runs Windows Professional

We install Windows Professional rather than Windows Home on every machine. Professional includes BitLocker drive encryption and Remote Desktop, and can join a company domain, which is what most businesses need.

Grading is about looks, not performance

The grade only describes cosmetic wear. A Grade C machine has passed exactly the same tests as a Grade A machine and carries the same 1-year warranty. See our grading system for what each grade looks like.