Deleting Programs from new Dell 1505?

Hey Everyone-

I just bought a new Dell 1505 and was wondering if anyone could tell me or refer me to a link that gives simple instructions on how to reformat/reinstall so I don't have all the pre-installed junk. I have XP Media Center and also have the re-install disk. I'll be using this for work and want it to run as quick as possible.

 

Check the stickies.

 

You have the same exact system as I do...how do you like yours? Did you do anything special when you bought it?

 

Read this thread and do as much of it as your willing to do, personally im not comfortable with re-installing windows and such, but alot of the other information there is usefull.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=42340

Also go to controll panel, and then to add/remove programs, you can get rid of alot of stuff there too.

 

I like it fine other than the power connector for the motherboard needs replacing (it's loose). Once I get all the software and stuff installed it will be much better. It will be on it's way back to Dell this week sometime. The amount of software that is bundled is ridiculous. I've had some trouble getting it reformated and windows and mediadirect both working. If you do reformat make sure you have:

Windows reinstall cd (red disk)
Drivers cd (blue disk)
Cyberlink PowerDVD (blue disk)
Mediadirect reinstall (????)
Sonic RecordNow reinstall (????)

If you have some experience reinstalling windows you shouldn't have too big of a problem.

 

Here's another thread to give you some 'ideas'.

hth

Mark

 

yep it is right on top

 

Thanks for all the help. Does anyone know what programs are safe to remove that come pre-installed? I really don't need any of this crap unless it is key to keeping my laptop running.

 

Mark gave you a list of programs in his link that he posted.

You could also just use the Dell Decrapifier, and let it remove the programs for you so you don't have to do any of the work.
http://www.yorkspace.com/2006/04/38

If you go either of these routes, realize that registry keys and folders will be left on your system, so you'll need to get a good registry cleaner, and manually go through and delete anything left over.

 

The process can take some time, but I went that route so I could use the laptop immediately and dejunkify over a few days. Eventually worked and got it pretty clean, but does require some work. In the long run, it may be easier to do a complete uninstall -- but the no downtime was a nice benefit of the way I did it.

 

Thanks Everyone...can someone send a link or top on the easiest way to transfer programs/files from my old desktop to my new laptop?

 

Do you now have or intend to have a network for your computers? Your plans in this regard will steer the options....

Mark

 

I'd like to be able to network my printer. I bought the laptop to replace my desktop at my office. I need to be able to take my work home with me and a desktop won't allow that. However, I don't want to plug the printer into my laptop everytime I want to print. That's about the only reason I would use a network?

 

How do you connect to the internet?

 

At my office my desktop is connected directly to the DSL but I have a wireless signal as well. At home I connect via wireless signal to cable internet.

 

You should be able to add your printer to your network. Since you have a wifi router, you can buy a printer server such as this one:
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/PS101.php

There are several, so you might want to check with the big router manufacturers (D-Link, LinkSys, Netgear) to see which printer server is right for you. The only problems that I know of have been with All - in - One type printers.

 

What exactly is this 'wireless signal' you mention??? Can you be more specific as that may be how to temporarily connect your laptop/desktop to transfer data/files.

Mark

 

I have DSL at the office. It's connected diretly to my desktop and the wireless signal just comes from my Actiontec modem. I don't have a router hooked up.

 

Also, is it safe to remove Norton Ghost?

 

Yes if you don't like Norton Ghost, you can remove it. It will ask you if you want to merge your spare partition with your XP partition. If you want to keep your spare partition, then make sure to choose no.

The only thing about getting rid of the small partition and having it merge with your XP partition is the possibility of MediaDirect not working. Then you would have to repair it. I can't remember if merging the two partitions causes problems or not. We've had so many threads/problems related to MediaDirect - i can't keep it all straight.

 

My recollection is that it will not impact MediaDirect. But if it does, it should be easy enough to 'fix' using the MediaDirect Repair utility.

Mark

 

Thanks for all the info...I'll probably just delete it and see what happens. I'll let you guys know so then you'll have a definite answer. If I post a reply asking for help on how to repair media direct, you'll know why! Any ideas on transferring everything from my desktop to laptop? Maybe a link that tells how to get the programs over there? I want to make sure I get all of my Quickbooks files, outlook files (would be screwed without my outlook).

 

Here's a couple of links for you to get started....

About dot com

Microsoft Peer-to-Peer

And this last one is probably not applicable, but interesting...

Wireless Network w/o Router

hth

Mark

 

Reinstall you windows is good . I know how to reinstall windows ever since I was 13 years old. It's the best way to clean up all the junk and makes ur computer runs smoothly.

If you want some faster way to install ur software faster, ( for a next re - installation) .

1st- Split your hard drive into 2 partition ( i have 80gb - i split 30gb for windows and the rest is for data)
2nd- Always save ur stuff in Data drive (data, drivers, softwares...) and if u do the reinstallation,you don't have to worry about losing ur data. The
only thing you need to back up might be your bookmarks. If you use firefox, you need to google for "back up bookmark firefox for futher instruction of where to find ur bookmark.

 

I have a Dell inspiron 1505 with Media Direct and cannot axcess the manual to go back to the manufactures configuration. There is no icon on the desktop.