Dell Junkware?

Alright, rather than reformatting and installing a clean OS, I would just like to delete the junk ware manually. Is there a list of junkware thats out there, that can tell me what to delete and what not to? Im not sure which programs I need and which ones are just taking up space. Thanks

 

You could do either way. If you uninstall the software using add/remove programs, you'll still leave registery keys and folders behind. I would just go thru add/remove and see what programs you might need and what you don't. Most of the junkware will be software that is on trials. With mine, I had AOL, Quickbooks, and a lot of other stuff that I have never used.

If you want to do the clean install, you can request the XP disks (if you didn't buy it with your purchase), and they'll send you the disks with drivers and other software on it (includes a disk with applications that Dell thinks you will use as well as the junkware). Just make sure to request Cyberlink PowerDVD (dvd decoder/player) and Sonic RecordNow (burning software). You could also download free software or use other software. I think most of us have switched over to using Nero for burning.

In my opinion, i think it is better to do a clean install. Like I said, with add/remove, you are leaving alot of folders and keys behind. If you do the clean install, you'll gain alot of resources back. Plus you can create a partition to store your documents/music on so you don't have to back up anything if you reformat again in the future.

SG

 

If I hadn't already uninstalled all of that crap I would be able to tell you...sorry I wish I would have thought of creating a list from the start.

 

I have already requested the necessary cd's for clean install. I was wondering if you could tell me which drivers i need to insall and where i need to install them to, im not so familiar with notebooks.

 

The drivers will depend on your laptop. If you have a highspeed connection, I would download them from Dell's website (support.dell.com) since those are the most current ones.

If you look on your current hdd, you'll see a folder called either drivers or dell. There should be several sub-folders in there named with different numbers/letters. Those are your drivers. When I did my clean install, I created a folder on the C: drive, and labeled it "drivers". Each of the drivers that you download from the web or get from Dell's disk are self installing, so you just need to point it to the location of your choice, and it will create a separate folder for each driver there and install it.

If you give us a list of your hardware components, I can make a list of drivers for you from the website.

 

This
article from Hard OCP deals with a Dell system and just the sorts of issues with which you're dealing. If you scroll down the page a bit, you'll see a list which will give you some notion of the junk on your own machine, and how they and the lack of proper drivers, hindered installation and proper playing of games.

 

how do u check how much ram is being used at idle?

 

im having the same problem cause i want to reformat it but i dont want to erase the media direct partition...is there a way to make a clean install and keep the media direct from erasing?!!!

 

Goto the last few pages of this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=40902

there is different discussions and theories on what to do and which partition to delete.

 

Ugh, gosh I hate junkware - I thought Toshiba's crapware was bad, but I'm hearing there is a ton of pre-loaded software that comes with new Dells. I plan on doing a clean install as soon as I get my notebook.

 

What is strange is why Dell in U.S. (?) is installing those trial software. Over here in Asia, there is only single unwanted application (trialware) and that is Norton Internet Security 2006 or 2005. That is the only item that I have to remove.

Ah.. there is one application that made me research though. It's the webcybercoach 3.2 and I found out that is related to Dell Support 3.1 software. Webcybercoach --> Gtek Technology.
Other than those.. no more junk.

 

I just wish DELL had an option for Linux (Kubuntu rocks!) or no OS at all..