Dell Vista Laptop Reformat and Bloatware Removal Guide

yeah, I found tons of stuff on-line (this forum and elsewhere) comparing pros and cons of each. However nnow I'm probably more confused than when I began.

I was hoping to get some recommendations with just a complete list of either exactly what they use, or specifically what they recommend to average users. The reasons I was asking on here are twofold:

1) You guys will pretty much know the EXACT condition of my machine (out of box, 32-gb Home Premium, will follow bloat-ware guide). If there is anything specific to either Dells, or Dells in this exact condition, here's the place to ask.

2) I tend to trust both Les's ability and willingness to help more than people on forums I have not regularly been reading. I am on this section of the forum more than any other and just sorta feel safer "using what Les is using". (your input is welcome, too - but I'm sure I'm not the only one at least curious to see if he recommends something different)


Darth - is your recommendation simply this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832114004&Tpk=ESET+Smart+Security

and that's all I need? Or in addition to any built in firewalls or virus scan Vista may have (does it have anything?)

 

Vista does have built in real-time spam blocking with Windows Defender, and it has built-in Windows Firewall. I find that the ESET Smart Security that you linked too is far better than Windows' security apps, so I have disabled the Windows features.

If you want free software, I know that many on this forum use a combination of AVG Free Anti-Virus software( http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/ ) and Windows Defender for spyware protection. I believe Les uses AVG antivirus software.

 

so just to clarify, 2 options I have are:

1) use free Windows Defender and Windows Firewall and add that free progam to it

2) Use solely ESET for everything.

After re-installing the OS and removing bloatware, etc, are Windows Defender and Window's Firewall on or off by default?

I'm leaning more towards ESTS for everything - do I just do nothing and install the program, or do I have to disable Defender & Firewall somehow (if so, I can prolly google how)? Why not leave them active and add ESTS IN ADDITION? Would the speed suffer for no more marginal benefit?

Thanks.

Evan

EDIT: would I also need a Norton Ghost or Acronis type program, or is this traditionally only used for business uses? (I will be using my computer only for the occasional work I bring home, but it's backed up at work on a daily basis)

 

Yes, those are 2 good options to take. Many on NBR take the free approach as it does a very good job of blocking viruses, spam, malware all for free. The ESET security does cost a lot of money to combine the 3 feautures (firewall, antivirus, antispam) into 1 interface...but it does it well.

Windows Firewall and Windows Defender are turned on by default after a Vista reformat.

To disable Firewall: Click the Start Orb, in the Vista search type Firewall. Click Windows Firewall. In the new window, click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off." Click "Off" and then ok.

To disable Defender: Click the Start Orb, in the Vista search type Defender. In the new window that opens, click "Tools" at the top. Then click options and scroll down to the bottom after that. Uncheck "Use Windows Defender" and click save. In the popup, just click Close.

Norton Ghost and Acronis provide advanced disk management tools that you most probably will not need unless you at some point want to do a full disk backup. They are not required for the Dell reformat procedure.

 

Okay I'm going to attempt this tonight. Have a question though, and I apologize if it sounds silly...
How do I go about backing up my drivers? Do I just copy everything in Dell>Drivers to a usb key? Are there other drivers I should be copying?

 

SmoothOperator, you could either copy all of those driver folders in the Dell folder to a CD or a USB drive, or you can go on the Dell support/downloads page for your notebook and download the drivers listed there. This way you would have the latest drivers.

If you do choose to download drivers, I made a post in this thread for m1530 drivers that are for the most part up-to-date. Here it is. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=3106106&postcount=866

 

Evan - I know when you start diving into Anti-everything it gets confusing. Info overload. I used to pay for McAfee (I know, silly me) and then went with Avast Home Ed. for free about 4 months ago. I think it does a great job and works well on all my computers. I also have a pretty secure router and I use Comodo firewall and Spywareblaster (both free). If I was buying - I would go with ESET. I think you should check out some of the free programs with a good firewall and an anti-spyware program. But that is just one regular guys opinion.

Smooth - if you read the instructions on the first page, you will see that it tells you to insert your Dell Driver & Utilities disc - so, unless you are upgrading to 64-bit, all of your drivers came with your laptop on a DVD disc.

 

Yeah but I've read a million times in this thread to back em up before proceeding with the reformat, so I'm doing so! Also many of the drivers on the disc are out of date. Believe me I've read the original post...repeatedly for about 2 weeks now (since before my laptop came in). Just want to make sure my bases are covered.


darthsat: Thanks a million!! I'm going to start right now!

 

Hey...

I use AVG Free edition antivirus along with Windows Firewall. I am on 64bit so, i will admit I am a bit complacent as the security issue isn't nearly as bad as with 32bity systems.

I always recommend to back up your system before doing the Clean install. This is simple with those who have Vista Ultimate and for those who don't, I recommend Acronis as many have had success with it.

Simply, the 15 day trial may expire but the diskset you create is bootable and doesnt ever expire. This leaves you with the option and comfort of knowing you can always revert to where you started.

With respect to drivers, you can always use the drivers you get with the system, but I also recommend maiking sure you get the most up to date. Go to Dell.com, x-drivers.com and laptopvideo2go.com for all the drivers you need. Remember though, once you do a Clean Install, you will be missing many hardware drivers and need to reinstall them. Go to control panel/device manager (properties) and take a look. You will see many hardware items with a triangle and yellow exclamation. Each represents a driver you need to reinstall.

Also to speed things up, you don't need to install each driver and then restart. Just get them all in and restart it at the end...they will all work themselves out..

Thats about it and i hope i never missed anyone...again Thanks Darthsat and all who jump in to help here. Thats what makes the site unique.

 

so get Acronis trial and follow what they recommend to backup before even starting what's listed on p.1 of this thread?

Wouldn't the following steps wipe out whatever Acronis files I may have on my hard drive?

I am so thoroughly confused and my laptop hasn't even arrived yet (tomorrow!)

Thanks for all your help guys!!!!!

 

Okay, I'm in the process of installing drivers. Only 4 of them contained checkmarks so I'm trying to go through and figure out what I need. One question regarding the network drivers though...
These were all ticked except "Dell Wireless 400 USB Mini-card". Pretty sure I don't need it, but asking to be safe. Do I require this driver? I proceeded to extract all the other network drivers.

*edit* also unsure about these modem drivers! d'oh!

 

Just went for this. Not able to start computer without the vista disc now, says there is a file missing.

Also, network connections has a missing driver, which it can't locate.

I've no idea what I did wrong...guess no choice but to start over ;/

 

BTW - I read it a lot too! Then I did it three times in 2 days. Its like old hat now. But the driver disk does work until you can look up those you need - and it saves you from pulling those you don't really need. I looked up all I needed for 64-bit install and put'em on a USB. However, I just used all of the original Dell disks to "downgrade" today (I am returning the 1720). And I screwed up a few times and just started over. I think Les said it WAY above on page 2 or 3, of you screw up, just start over as you are not going to "hurt" the hardware. Good luck - its easy!

 

Most of mine were not checked either even though they were on the disk and my 1720 had them onboard. Just follow what your configuration from Dell says - the online version for your product code.

 

Do you just pick up all the drivers from the dell website? The disc was sorely out of date, it seems

 

Yep, just typed in my model number and got'em all. I just dl'ed the ones I needed.

 

Problem worked itself out. God knows how, but I'm not complaining

 

I got it all done in a little over 2 hours last night, then passed out cause I work super early in the morning. Everything seems to be working fine, but I'll get a better chance to tinker this evening.

Thanks to Les and everyone else helping out!

 

For those of you who get "x file missing" at boot time and it halts it is easy to repair with the Vista CD. Just put it in and instead of choosing install (the big shiny button in the middle of the screen) go for repair in the bottom left corner. Then let it do a startup repair. That almost always gets rid of the "file missing" error. Essentially the boot table is hosed and it doesnt know where the files are. BCDedit can usually be employeed to fix this problem but it is a cumbersome tool and the vista CD does it all for you automagically.

As for drivers I always DL them directly from Dell. That will get you the latest and greatest. I have had my 1720 a month and there is already a new nvidia driver (3-18-08) that takes care of an issue I was having with settings not sticking on resume from hibernate/sleep. The fastest and best bet to get the right drivers is to use your service tag. The model will usually get you the right info too but the service tag is a guarantee assuming you put in the right info. You can confirm the model once the service tag is entered on the DL page.

 

will doing this remove all data/program files from the hd?

thanx for helpen teh nubbin

 

Eoen,

If that question was directed at me then the answer is no the startup repair does not change data at all. Vista has a lot of repair options available on the install CD that are new. In fact if there is a startup problem that needs to be repaired it will often detect that automatically when you choose the repair option instead of install and then it will prompt you asking to fix it.

 

Okay, so I've spent a few hours playing with the machine now that vista's been reinstalled, and everything seems to be working great (just worked out a network issue I was having too).

Only question I have now (and it's kinda not even thread related), but have any of you reinstalled "Dell Support Center"? Just wondering if I should, especially after spending the time to do the clean OS install.

Thanks again everyone who's contributed to this thread! I'm going to play with the tweaking guide next

 

Hi. Killer post. Will this method work with xp?
j23

 

Smooth,

I say no way. Its just going to add processeses that you will only need pretty much if you have a problem.

 

Okay... dell inspiron 1700 arrived today (way earlier than estimated, so I guess my dance worked!!!)

anyway, I think I have a learning disability, as I got stuck on step 4:
"When it says, remove MD3 disk and replace with your Vista disk"

um.... what's my "Vista Disk"?

4 cd roms came in the box:
- Dell Media Direct
- Dell Drivers
- MS works
- Roxio

am I missing something?!?! is there an additional cd somewhere or am I supposed to burn my own (if so, HOW?!?!?)

thanks in advance!

EDIT: I found not one, but 2 cd's still in the packaging material:
- Dell webcam drivers
- Operating system!!!! (this is it!!)

soooo... sorry for wasting everyones time, back to page one, to finish my mission.

 

Operating system=Vista Disk

 

yeah, i almost threw it out!!! (well not really, i keep all packaging material for a while in case i need to resend)

anyway, is it normal that my computer's been on the last step of installing vista for about 35 minutes?

I have green checks next to:
- Copying Windows files
- Expanding Files
- Installing Features
- Installing Updates

but the last step:
Completing Installation

has been happening for like 35 minutes.... the dots afterwards have been changing ("." ".." "...") but that's it!!!!!!

How long should I give it? If I go to bed and wake up and it's still like this, what should I do?

 

is this even close to normal?!?!

what sorta wait time did you guys experience in doing this process?

 

Seriously?!?! this is an unanswerable question?!?

perhaps until further notice it should be made clear:



DO NOT DO THESE STEPS AS THERE IS A CHANCE YOU WILL END UP WITH A $1000+ PAPERWEIGHT



(until this issue is resolved)

 

Hey All,
I have become intrigued enough to want to do a clean install of Vista on my 2 week old 1530. It came with Home Premium, and I bought the update disc to Ultimate.

-How do I know if I bought the 32 or 64 bit version? I have 4 gb of ram, so if I have the 32 can I send it back and get 64? Should I care?

-Also, should I use the "update" disk to reinstall with, or the original Home premium disk, then install the update?

-I admit, I am a little nervous about the whole driver thing.

-Can I copy all my settings from Outlook so it can be imported back in after I reinstall Office 2007? I know how to backup the data.

-Can/should I copy any/all programs (Firefox, CC cleaner,etc) and their settings, then reinstall them from a usb or disc, or do I have to re-download and start over on any program I installed?

Sorry for all the rookie questions. I can build/paint the heck out of a show car or bike, but the computer thing, although a new passion, intimidates me somewhat. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Randy / Painthouse

 

Evan32.....did you install the AHCI driver when you were doing the installation? It should be done at the point that you select the partition to install to.

And...it will not become a paperweight so don't fear that.

My advice....

Go to Intel.com and download the latest AHCI driver EXPANDED to a usb drive or a disk.

Start the installation again and when you come to the screen that it tells you to choose which partition to install to, click on the drivers button bottom left I believe. From there direct it to the driver it it will identify it automatically. Be careful because there may be two identified. You want the AHCI one. Once thats finished...continue on and I think you may be in luck.

 

Bding,

1. You can only get the 32 from Dell and, if you bought the 64, it will say on it;

2. If you have an update disk, you have to update from another version of the os, in this case Premium I believe;

3. No reason to be nervous about the drivers at all, just read the article. Given exception to the AHCI driver (described in my last response above) they can all be found and installed after the fact. You cannot hurt your machine and just need to remain patient;

4. If you have personalized your system and have Outlook stuff that you don't want to lose, do a Windows easy Transfer to save what you want to move over. Once the installation is complete, just transfer the stuff saved back; and

5. Yes, reinstallation of software is a must on a Clean Install.

Hope this helps.

 

First, thanks for the quick answers, which lead to more questions;

ref #2- do you mean to reinstall the Dell-supplied Home Premium first, then install the update to Ultimate next? If so, at what point do I go from one to the other? After the machine is up and running and all drivers found, or somewhere in between?

ref #4- What exactly is a 'Windows Easy Transfer' and how do I use it in my application for Outlook 2007, or any other needed application? Is it transferred onto a flash drive or disc, then reinstalled after the clean install of Vista and Office 2007?

Thanks for your patience with this 'wanna be'.

Randy / Painthouse

 

Bding,

I can not speak from experience with Vista as we have the Enterprise version s of everything and you get a little more latitude with those but.... With past OS disks that are "Upgrade" style disks, you can choose upgrade path with no OS on the machine and when it tries to sniff out your OS install on the disk and then fails it will allow you to put the full install CD in and it will look at that and then procede. Might be worth a shot, it only costs a few minutes and might save you double install time. Again I have not tried this so I can not say if it is valid or not with Vista.

Edit: I found this link for clean install from ultimate upgrade CD it seems to require double install anyway but only with the ultimate CD.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=196

 

First of all, props to the creator of this guide because it is pretty awesome. Having read about 30 or 40 pages, I can see that he and a couple of other notable members are very good with their feedback and advice.

Hence I was wondering if you could assist me. Personally I am getting an M1330 in the next couple of days and I knwo for sure I will get some bloatware (I had no idea that you could ask for a no software option). So my questions:

1) By using this method, I will have to make my partitions again? Does that mean the money I paid DELL to do this was useless cause I will be doing it anyway?
2) The Macafee comes with 15mths subscription. Will I lose this because I am completely emptying the computer? Do you get a CD or something?
3)I chose Vista business. I read that there may be some problems with this (or was the issue earlier that the discs were non-DELL oems)?

Thanks a lot and sorry for not using the search. I just don't know exactly what I am searching for

 

bding93:

An upgrade disk must recognize a previous version to install properly and you will find Easy Transfer inside one of your folders (Acessories/Maintenance/System Tools). It is self explanatory.

laptop9:

1. Yup! You might call and consider asking for that money back. I am surprised ever did this in the first place. As soo as you insert the MD3 disk, it asks you what size partitions u want and then the os will later ask what partition to install to;

2. Not a MacAfee lover. AVG or Avast is superior for free. AVG can be found by doing a search on download.com. It is superior in many ways and updates almost every day;

3. Your disks are Dell disks so there shouldn't be a prob...

 

hi, i did a reinstall with media direct, and i think it went a bit pear shaped, i ended up with 4 partitions, and media direct ended up not working and giving BSOD's

Anyway, im going to just reinstall vista totally fresh, and only vista. I dont really have any use for media direct anyway, and i now SP1 is out, that can go straight on. Also a bios update wont go a miss. time to start again with it basically.

 

Yeah I don't like Mcafee either. It just would seem a waste of the subscription if I deleted the program. I wonder if they give me a separate CD that I can reinstall (for the subscription)
If i don't use it, at least a CD would mean I could give it to someone who hasn't jumped on the superior internet stuff bandwagon. esp when it comes to security software
They believe that you get what you pay for... this is not totally right but it is correct for many scenarios
So yeah, do they give me a CD of the antivirus?

I called DELL about the partition money refund but they say the system is already built (not according to the tracking information they have on the internet) and it would cost me to make the change. They said that even if I changed it in time, they would not have given me a refund. Don't know the legality of all this BUT it was my fault and I can't really complain.

 

Ya I know.... Unfortunately its business. Dell is simply relying on those unfamiliar with OS partitioning and those who wouldn't conceive that they may end up reformatting the system themselves to cough it up. Many moons ago I would have thought...well for the few bucks...might as well because then its set up like that from new.

 

I know this is my first post here... I've read all the way up until page 70 before giving up (or actually getting too lazy)...

I want to reinstall my XPS M1330 with Vista Ultimate, and I want Media Direct to work. BUT I don't want to repartition my D (data) drive and lose everything on it. Is there a way?

Some people suggested that reinstalling Vista on the C: (without touching any of the partitions) and then installing media direct under Vista works. But others say it doesn't...

 

It does not and that is because Vista initially creates the partitions needed and then, once the Vista installation is completed, you have to again insert the Mediadirect disk to complete the installation.

Separate to that is a heartache from what I remember.

The purpose of a Clean install is to get rid of the junk. Suggestion... get Acronis True Image 15 day trial and backup your original system as it is free and the diskset has no expiry date. You can then go to town on the new installation with the comfort of having an original system backup to fall back on.

 

Thanks Les for the confirmation.

Wouldn't it be a pain then, that you have to wipe out your entire hard drive every time you want to reinstall the OS if you want to keep media direct?

 

Why would you want to continually reinstall the OS once you have taken the time to build it from the ground up and then back it up?

 

In my previous notebooks (Acer & Tosh), I've set up 40gb of C: for the OS and the remaining for D: (data). Over the years, I've accumulated lots of files in the D: and a lot of junk in the C:. So I try to reinstall the OS (C: ) once a year to regain a nice clean system.

I'm trying to do that on the new M1330 without having to back up and restore all my data files in my D: partition

 

Do what I do... once you have C: set up just as you want it, make a backup of your perfect setup...tuck it away or that next time next year.

 

Worked, thanks!

suggestion: maybe add this to the start page as an first step:

"Go to Intel.com and download the latest AHCI driver EXPANDED to a usb drive or a disk, put it aside."


Then add a note that if this type of error happens (which is apparently sorta common, according to google), then:

"Start the installation again and when you come to the screen that it tells you to choose which partition to install to, click on the drivers button bottom left I believe. From there direct it to the driver it it will identify it automatically. Be careful because there may be two identified. You want the AHCI one. Once thats finished...continue on and I think you may be in luck."


If nothing else it could save time, as I had to wait an extra day or so to purchase a usb key, use internet at work, download driver, etc...

...if you add it on P 1, it's one of those things people could get out of the way ahead of time.

Evan

p.s.:

worked like a charm.

 

I understand... but I want to try to avoid the hassle of rebuilding my data partition (D: ) every time I rebuild my OS. Guess there's no way around it unless I chuck media direct

Thanks Les, for ALL your valuable input ever since post #1

 

I just received a replacement for my XPS and it came with a 200GB HDD.
The problem I have with this is that for some reason when I follow your guide there is roughly 20gigs that cant be used for some reason.

I just did a clean install of vista and once everything loaded up it showed 19+ gigs that wasnt partitioned and nothing for the mediadirect was there

Also it seems like everytime i delete the 20g partition and try to use the hdd as a whole it recreates it the same way
What should i do?

 

Just used this guide on my vostro 1700. only hiccups were it froze on the completing installation prompt. Next try I just had to load the sata drivers. My other hiccup was I coudln't load my wifi network adapter from the drivers cd that came with my laptop. I had to d/l that from the dell website.

 

See-Fu,

While doing my own clean install a week ago I did choose to add the Intel Matrix driver as the bios was set to AHCI. I had it on a memory stick at boot time off the CD. However, when it was done with the "Expanding" etc... part from the CD boot and rebooted, at some point I took out the memory stick and I got the same thing with the hung install progress bar for 30 minutes.

Second go I left the memory stick I the whole time and it was fine.