Clean Install on new Latitude

Upon receiving my new Latitude XT2, per the usual, I'd like to perform a clean install of Windows Vista Business.

However, with Dell's ControlPoint software, I'm unsure of the best way to do this.

Those of you with a new Latitude, how did you go about a clean install? More specifically, how did you handle the Dell Control Point software?

Also, what exactly is "Control Vault" and what is it used for?

Thanks!

 

I thought Latitudes didn't have much bloatware, so why the need for a clean install?

 

With only Chrome open, there are currently 81 processes in task manager.

I was hoping to cut this number down some.

Plus, I have a non-OEM copy of Vista Business SP1 I'd like to use

 

I don't think you'll cut down the # of processes that much with a clean install. Plus, why would it matter if your system is running smooth anyway?

Also, Dell CP is helpful in automatically managing your on-battery settings. However, the connection and security modules aren't necessary to be installed. In fact, you don't even need those installed at all. Otherwise, it's not bloatware by any means though you don't have to use it.

 

i have a clean install and i already have 79 processes on task manager
which intern has only 10 processes on my username
the bulk is system, network service and local service

cpu at 15%
physical mem at 30%

 

Seriously, there is no bloatware.

 

I didn't bother with ControlPoint after my clean install. I have no need for it.

 

Well... I have some bad news folks.

The lone speaker present on my beloved XT2, is suffering the same crackling and popping we've been reading about on the Latitude E-series.

Upon boot up, there is an audible pop from the speaker(during the green scroll bar prior to the Windows Logo). During the Windows startup sound, it just sounds ugly (very distorted). And when I play audio/video... the sound crackles and pops occasionally. If the brightness of the screen changes during media playback, it seems to cause extra crackling and popping.

I've tried uninstalling the audio driver and using the Vista driver, no luck. Reinstalling the IDT audio drive, no luck. Even after a clean install of Windows... no bones.

I've called Dell, and they're sending me a replacement next week. Though I'm doubtful it will be devoid of the problem. I've decided that if I find the replacement unsatisfactory, I will send it in for a refund, and try my hand at the Lenovo x200t.

Thoughts?

 

Did you install the latest Intel Matrix Storage Manager (version 8.8.0.1009)? It says it fixes the issue "where the user may hear interruptions during Audio/Video playback." I had a similar problem on my E6400 where the audio sounded like it was crackling/skipping but this driver fixed the problem.

 

I had the same problem on E6400 and it's actually the wireless card driver that's causing it. Dell released an updated wireless card driver few days ago and it fixed it.