How to remove un-wanted/needed Dell software from new laptop

jasno999 · Rated NC-17 Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 122 Location: PA

I am expecgint to receive my new Dell laptop computer this weekend. I am excited to get it and want to start gettign the stuff I am goign to use loaded on it and all that good stuff.

However from what I kow and have heard the Dells come to the user loaded with a bunch of un-needed and usless software that basically jsut takes up space and processor usage (speed, ect.).

So I want to basically get rid of all of the programs that I don't want on the computer or will never use.

What is the best way to do this? I am looking for some detailed descriptions on how to properly go about doing this.

I have heade some users jsut do a windows re-install and then get all the drivers and what not back on - but I also hear that this is somethign that you may not want to do if you are not experienced with it cause if you load things in the wrong order or if you are missign a boot disc or something you could end up in a world of hurt.

I did order the windows media center re-install disc with the computer.

But I am wondering if I should somehow wipe the system clean and re-install windows and all of the required software (and if so how to do this?)

Or maybe I could jsut use the windows uninstall feature to get rid of ceartain programs that I do not want or need (would this work and what programs coudl I get rid of without havign to worry about anyhting?)

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Wed, 31 May 2006 11:48:43 Post Subject:

I posted this link a while ago...

http://www.bigbruin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9439

I can't vouch for it, but it sounds cool and like it could make easy work of this. Would be interested in hearing from someone who tried it... Grin

Re-formating and installing only what you want will work, but is overkill to me. I generally just use the Add/Remove PRograms tab to wipe out the extra junk.

**Modulok** · Posted: Wed, 31 May 2006 13:21:54 Post Subject:

Hellfire · Rated XXX Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 3473

Unless you're familiar with the install process of XP, and have a good install cd, I'd start with the Add/Remove Programs myself.

If you do not know what you need/want. When you get it, get a screen shot of the Add/Remove list and I'm sure we can provide you some advice on what is good/bad.

**Modulok** · Posted: Wed, 31 May 2006 17:57:53 Post Subject:

OK, just got the 600M replacement today.

Opened the dell cardboard box and saw a XPS box with software and manual...hmm that's weird. Upon further inspection I saw a XPS M140 laptop underneath the shiny XPS box.

guess they ran out of 600m's and gave us a XPS. Not bad if your a home user, but we cannot use it with our docking station because it has no replication port on the bottom. Another thing is its a widescreen with a shiny a$$ lcd screen. OMFG, guess it wont be used outdoors or in a windowed office on a sunny day.

Back to the subject...the Dell De-Crapifier worked to some extent. It didnt remove all because there were newer programs installed (like PC-Cillin inplace of Mcrapafee) Overall it did an ok job and didn't mess anything important up. Still needed to do some manual add-remove though.

Maybe Dell overheard us talking about ThinkPads while dealing with the support people...hehe