Questions regarding clean install

Hi all,

I just bought my first Acer Aspire (loving the sexy beast so far) and I want to do a clean install of Windows 7 without all the bloatware.

I'm not very computer savvy and I'm not sure what to do, I've read your clean install guide here but I've run into a few snags.


When I come to formatting the drive I can see three partitions, 'Acer' my main partition and two hidden 'PQSERVICE' and 'SYSTEM RESERVED'.

What I want to know is, what is their exact purpose, is it okay to delete these partitions and are there any ill-effects (voids warranty .etc) in doing so?


Any help is appreciated, and sorry if there's a thread with this info already... I'm a newb.

 

Hi,

In this case, I'd rather uninstall the unwanted stuff using the "Programs" thingy in Control Panel. For the Antivirus stuff, you may do some additional cleanup with the removal tool from the AV software manufacturer.
That way, you get your system "clean enough". Seriously. There might be some files left on the HDD, but this shouldn't disturb.

And don't forget to create your recovery discs.

PQSERVICE contains the recovery data. In case you have some problem with your laptop, you might be requested to restore the factory preinstallation in order to see if the problem persists.
SYSTEM RESERVED is a small partition containing the stuff, Windows needs for booting.

If you still want to start from zero, then you may consider buying a new HDD, install this and then install your favourite operating system as you like.

Michael

 

I've already tried uninstalling, but some programs just refuse to uninstall and do get in the way of my day to day usage.

And yes I've created my recovery discs, being paranoid by nature it was the first thing I did.

Ah okay, so in any outcome it's best not to delete these partitions then.

Wouldn't doing this void my warranty?

Thanks for reply.

 

press ALT + F10 after turning the laptop on. The laptop should load the recovery software.

 

Hi,

Which one? I "cleaned" my 1810TZ that way.

Haven't found a seal on my laptop
HDDs are often considered as "user-upgradeable". Of course you need to be very careful.

You're Welcome!

Michael

 

I agree with this,why buy a new copy of window's when you can just delete the bloatware,if you go to acer's web site look up you laptop it will show what software comes pre-installed,so you can go from their and delete the programs you want.
well thats what i would do anyway.......So what acer laptop did you get,im lovin my new 7740 series too............

 

At the moment the program that's bugging me the most is something called 'MyWinLocker', every time I try to uninstall it tries to install.

If I can get rid of this one thing, then the rest I can live with.

I paid extra for an additional two year warranty so the last thing I want to do is void it, might try phoning Acer about this.

Would love to pop an SSD in there.

I already have a copy of Windows7 for my main rig, I had been planning on just using the disc with the code on the bottom of the laptop.

It's an Aspire 4741G with i5-430, 4GB Ram, GT 320M, 500GB HDD and 14" HD LED.

The battery life isn't as good as my last Dell Vostro, but it's gorgeous, better built and very powerful.


Again, thanks for replys.

 

I uninstalled MyWinLocker completely by using "ending process" to close the program in Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Delete) and uninstalling it in control panel.

Before, it would uninstall halfway and would give an error. I had to reinstall the program and then use the uninstall steps mentioned above.

Not sure if this applies to you.

I don't think you can use the key on the bottom of the laptop to activate a clean install of Windows 7. You'll have to use ABR to backup the key and certificate to activate the clean install of Windows 7. You can search the forums on how to do that.

 

I ended the process 'mwlDaemon.exe *32' and tried uninstalling through 'Control Panel' but I'm met with this...



It appears to be trying to install when I try to uninstall.

So I leave the boxes deselected and go though the uninstall process and restart when requested, but upon logging in I find it's still there.

Everything I had read said as long as I match up the versions it was fine.

i.e. I can't install Win7 on a notebook originally shipped with Vista because the key is only licensed for Vista.

Is this not the case?


Cheers.

 

I always use CCleaner to uninstall those programs. It works for me so far.

It can be downloaded HERE!

Give it a try

 

Hm.
Check if there is a service installed by this software
-> Start->Run->Services.msc
and disable the service that belongs to the software. (Sorry, I can't remember any details about that, since the uninstallation was some months ago). Then you should be able to uninstall that software.
The software is from EgisTec - perhaps this is somewhat helpful for the removal process.

EDIT: They have a patch there which should help if uninstallation doesn't work properly: http://www.egistec.com/en/download/product-updates.aspx

Michael

 

Of course you can. Provided it's the same version (Home Premium). Activation is done by phone.

Not needed.

Michael

 

I tried the patch and Services.msc but it still didn't work, I've disabled it from starting up and I think that's the best I'll get.

Thanks for the help.

 

The best software for uninstall software is Revo uninsalller. have used CC but Revo is best
Goodluck