Reformatting Latitude E6500

I just ordered a new Latitude E6500 (and my boss is paying for it!). It will come with Vista Business 32 and I plan on reformatting the machine and doing a clean install.

My new system will have:

P8600
2 GB RAM
160 GB 5400 HDD
WXGA+ LED Display
4500MHD
Integrated Webcam
Intel Wifi 5100
Dell 370 Bluetooth

I prefer to have my system as clean as possible. Is there any included software that I will need to reinstall?

 

Get the latest drivers and other software from the Dell support site. Enter your service tag and it will list what is appropriate for your configuration.

Start the Dell installation with the Dell system software. It says:

You will need to install all the drivers for your hardware, but the webcam software won't install unless you first install the driver from a CD that should have come with your computer.

The bloatware is in the Dell software. Choose what you need of Dell ControlPoint and if you don't need the Security Manager and Communication Manager then don't install them.

John

 

Would it be easier to just uninstall the Communications and Security Manager?

 

Thanks for the replys.

So it sounds like I can get away with just the System Software and the Webcam software?

What do the Security Manager, Communication Manger, and Control Point do that can't be handled by Vista?

I know that I could uninstall the things that I don't want, but I'd rather start clean and only add the things that I need.

 

I answered my own question about Control Point here.

It looks like I don't need it, unless someone tells me differently.

 

Dell ControlPoint includes several modules. At the moment I have only the Power Manager and Display modules installed. The Power Manager is able to turn off some hardware and reduce the display refresh rate if you want the extreme power savings. the display module provides controls for the ambient light sensor and keyboard backlight.

John

 

I've done the same as has John, and for the same reasons. Be aware that the ControlPoint software is a work-in-progress, so if Dell makes a marked improvement to some of these modules (for instance, my Intel 5300 wireless card is not even supported yet), you can download and install the updated version. Otherwise, if there's no need or driver support, why bother?

 

I completely agree with John on this.
Install as little to none of the Dell Control point modules as needed.

Unfortunately if you have a fingerprint reader, you'll have to install the DCP security manager.

If you want to try to get the most out of your battery you'll also need to deal with DCP System manager to turn of things like CD/DVD drive, ethernet, and other hardware to maximize battery life.

Neither of these modules work very well or reliably tho.

 

its important you follow the order of driver installation. these new systems are really fussy about it for some reason. you can find the correct order here:

http://support.dell.com/support/top...0937D62A8739E0401E0A55174744&doclang=en&cs=#2

also i dont think vista can operate stuff like the backlit keyboard and the automatic light sensor, as well as the security devices

 

Thanks for everyone's input.

I won't have a finger print reader or backlit keyboard. I've heard that the ALS is only marginally useful. So, I think that I'll try to get away without the Control Point.

My Inspiron e1505 came with some sort of Dell control center that I've never reinstalled and I've never missed it. It sounds like Control Point is sort of the same thing.