Clean OS worth it ?

Was wondering if a clean install on vista premium is worth it and will I be able to tell the difference .... (computer in sig)

 

You will certainly notice your computer runs faster with all the bloatware gone. I think its definitely worth it (if you have the time).

 

It's always nicer to start with a clean slate. If you were pressed for time you could just remove all the bloatware, clean the registry/run CCleaner, and defrag...but it's quicker to just reformat w/o the bloat. Plus, you won't have to start with the clutter.

Even with a clean install, however, you'll want to optimize the computer after installing all software and drivers. Defragging helps a lot.

 

The setup disks included with the system don't re-install the bloatware, just Windows?

 

It depends on the manufacturer. With Dell recovery discs, you'd just be restoring to factory form (complete with bloat). However, the nature of the question indicates that the OP has a Windows disc to use. Without a Windows disc to reformat with, you will not be able to clean install.

 

one thing to keep in mind if you are doing a clean install from a generic (or retail) version of windows - download all the necessary drivers first, and make sure you have the latest stable versions.

the device manager is a good starting point if you want to know what are needed.

it may take some time and effort, but it will be worth your while if you want to have a stable & speedy system ... minus the bloatwares.

 

Starting with a clean slate so to speak is both satifying and at the same time frustrating. Yes, make sure you download the latest drivers on the manufacturers web site before you do so but sometimes Vista can automatically find the latest drivers once connected. For HP re-installing from the recovery disc will also install the bloatwares and the HD recovery partition and will take some time.. about 2-3 hours. I didn't notice any significant speed difference between a clean install vs deleting the bloatwares. As long as you get your gear working is the goal. Good luck

 

IMHO is a a must. I think Windows and PC's get such a bad rap because of factory installed bloatware.

I would love to know how many problems are caused by bloatware either from it taking up to much resources or just to much conflicting crap on a PC.

Sadly they install the same crapware on a lowest end machine even further making the "experience" of Windows that much less.

If you know how and have the media, blow it away upon the first boot-up...to include that hidden partition. Install what you REALLY need and not every single download from HP for your notebook. One app at a time.

Macs come with almost Zero bloatware....and the "experience" is much better out of the box. Dell is starting to sell some of their PC's with out some of the bloatware. A move in the right direction...but far from where it needs to be. They (the vendors) get money from all of that pre-installed bloatware.

I would love to get a new computer with two DVD's and a blank HD. One OS, and one with all of the drivers and vendor specific (HP, DELL...etc) utilties.....and NOTHING ELSE.

 

Wouldn't we all!

 

So what is the difference between clean install and just regular install & uninstall bloatware after?

Or is there no difference aside from the fact that you save time?

 

Clean install never puts the junk on your hard drive.

Regular install and uninstall of bloatware potentially still leaves bloatware lying around, even if it's "uninstalled".

Depends how good the uninstallers are.

 

^Well then good fellow, recommend me a good free uninstaller.

 

Just do a clean install. Otherwise you will have to do a registry clean, service clean up and such while as in a clean install your insured everything is wiped considering that hard as you may try certain features may not be cleaned out.

 

The main advantage OS X has over Windows....NO REGISTRY.

Like it has been said....un-installing can (not always) leave files, folders and registry entries behind. Something down the road can bump into that junk and have a problem.

Its just easier to nuke the drive and put ONLY what you need on it.