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    Cleaning Bloatware

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Why_Me, Mar 1, 2011.

  1. Why_Me

    Why_Me Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys, I'm planning on buying an HP Envy 14 and I heard HP is loaded with bloatware, so I was simply wondering, was is the best way to remove that stuff in order to prevent slow-down and save some disk space

    Now I must mention, I am rather familiar with computers but I have never played with the BIOS or anything such, never installed an OS myself either, so just keep that in mind.
     
    Why_Me, Mar 1, 2011
    #1
  2. Patrck_744

    Patrck_744 Burgers!

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    Patrck_744, Mar 1, 2011
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  3. Why_Me

    Why_Me Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'll give it a try, thanks!
     
    Why_Me, Mar 1, 2011
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  4. Deks

    Deks Notebook Prophet

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    you could also do the following.
    turn on your laptop when you get it and go into device manager.
    Check for devices (names and numbers) that are used and download them off of HP website (or at least make sure to download the wifi and network drivers).

    Next, create a Win 7 with slipstreamed SP1 disc and do a clean install.

    In most cases, Win 7 will likely recognize most if not all of your hardware, but in certain situations, it may not.

    Doing a clean install is actually better since that way you will remove customized settings inside Windows made by the manufacturer along with other things that might slow the thing down.
     
    Deks, Mar 1, 2011
    #4
  5. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    -> Manually uninstall programmes you are sure you'll never need and CCleaner, I wouldn't do much more.

    I WOULDN'T trust any software do "clean up" a computer for me without a clear documentation as to what it does and where it works.
    -> CCleaner is well used, respected - and it's clear what it cleans.
    Anything that is automated can go very, very wrong.

    On that note: I think I broke my OS with Revo in Summer 2010...

    Regarding OS installs - they are pretty idiotproof nowadays - as long as you can read you are allright with installing an OS :)
     
    DetlevCM, Mar 1, 2011
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  6. youngeno

    youngeno Notebook Enthusiast

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    You can also try Revo Uninstaller. Works great to remove mass amounts of bloatware.
     
    youngeno, Mar 1, 2011
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  7. KimoT

    KimoT Are we not men?

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    If you are familiar with computers, an OS install will not be a problem. Just download drivers and put them on an external drive or CD. I usually like to do a clean install when I get a new machine, then set up programs and image the drive in case I need to restore later. But you will probably do just fine if you simply uninstall what you don't need.
     
    KimoT, Mar 2, 2011
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  8. comrade_commissar7

    comrade_commissar7 Notebook Evangelist

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    I recommend you use Revo Uninstaller to clean up all those mess (bloatwares) and leave no trace in your system and registry. Make sure you choose advanced mode so even the registry traces that are left upon uninstallation will be deleted. You can download it here

    Hope this helps :)
     
    comrade_commissar7, Mar 3, 2011
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  9. Zeptinune

    Zeptinune Notebook Evangelist

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    I for one use Total Uninstall. I believe that it works the best because it incorporates using the actual uninstaller the program came with and then cleaning anything else that it the uninstaller missed or the program left behind that wasn't included in the uninstaller.
     
    Zeptinune, Mar 3, 2011
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  10. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    -> One worry I have with Revo is, that it can break your OS...
    Especially if you reduce MS products with it.
     
    DetlevCM, Mar 3, 2011
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  11. comrade_commissar7

    comrade_commissar7 Notebook Evangelist

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    Of course, you have to take extra precaution. I have been using it for two years and my notebook and OS is working fine.
     
    comrade_commissar7, Mar 3, 2011
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  12. 3Fees

    3Fees Notebook Deity

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    Do a clean install with retail version of windows 7 64 bit, then install SP 1
    ( downloaded already) and on your backup, then reinstall all your hardware drivers, from there your free to load whatever applications you like to use. like IE 9.

    Cheers
    3Fees
     
    3Fees, Mar 3, 2011
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  13. michael_recycled

    michael_recycled Notebook Deity

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    Better haveing the recovery discs made (including any software/drivers/apps discs offered) before going that step. Also check the HDD for install folders for preinstalled software.

    Sometimes there are useful tools and programs that are not available as download from the manufacturer's website.

    Michael
     
    michael_recycled, Mar 4, 2011
    #13