Things you do after you get a new laptop?

What do you do after you get a new laptop? Reinstall the OS, remove all bloatware, etc? I'm interested in hearing yalls procedure. I just recently got a new laptop and would like to keep it as simple as possible as to not clog up the disk space.

 

Get the drivers on a USB drive.
Reinstall Windows, update it.
Install drivers.
Install programs.
Make an image of the install
Call it a day.

If it's not my machine, I'll just remove the bloatware.

 

Usually I just remove bloatware and go through all (well, most of) settings. Clean install usually comes after like 6 months or so.

 

Clean install
Tweak OS
Install software
Overclock

 

My current laptop came without an OS, since I could get Windows 8.1 Pro free through Microsoft Dreamspark, so I had to start from scratch anyway. But if I were to get a laptop with a preinstalled OS (unless it was from a company like Clevo/Sager who don't put bloatware on the systems) I would just go scorched-earth on it, considering how much crap they come with nowadays. And considering Lenovo's recent Superfish shenanigans, you might not know about an issue until it's too late, so it's easier and safer to just start from scratch.

 

Create recovery media, then clean install.
Sent from my Lumia 830

 

1. Reinstall OS.
2. Download and install drivers.
3. Download and install antivirus software.
4. Tweak OS.
5. Install other software.

Don't do any OS backups since by the time they may be of need, originally installed drivers and software usually become obsolete.

 

Is ccleaner the go-to software for removing unneeded stuff? Or do you do it manually?

 

go manual. all this auto registr twickers/cleaners..just bring problems.

personnaly till now i always do clean install/ (keep in mind that you need to check windows 8 "after install" settings to be sure that machine doesnot share something important)

but on next machine i will probably try migrate HDD. couse i am lazy xD

 

I have no idea how to manually clean up the bloatware other than going to Programs and Softwares to remove them. I don't know how to remove the registry-related stuff, so I am hesitant to do it. I know there are plenty of guides online, but I'm scared to try in fears of messing up everything.

I always get scared when Windows tells me that a file I'm removing may be associated with other program, and then I freak out and delete it anyway.

 

1. Create an image of the HDD/SSD as factory fresh.
2. Run a few benchmarks and check to see it's working OK.
3. Repaste
4. Run a few benchmarks and check to see it's working OK.
5. Clean install
6. Spend countless hours installing Windows updates and adding apps, turn off hibernate, tuning, etc
7. Create an image of the clean install with basic apps.
8. Have fun!

 

I find the OS backup to be invaluable at the beginning, since with all the installing, re-pasting, testing that goes on, it makes it easier to restart. Like others noted, I'll do a backup once the clean install has been fully updated.

This is also handy in case something bad happens and I need to re-format the laptop, since I can be up and running in a few minutes. Sometimes (though rarely) I find I NEED to use the laptop for work, and I don't have the time to spend the entire evening re-installing everything.

Also useful for testing purposes, to make sure any problems I may be experiencing weren't present right after the fresh install.

 

Bloatware is usually removable using the Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. They really aren't part of the OS and can be uninstalled without hurting the OS. I myself usually begin installing my Software then I will clone the dry when I have a basic Image.

 

Things I usually do with every new computer:

1. Split HDD to two partitions (C and D; around 50gigs for C:\ used for instalation of Windows and software and the rest is for D:\ used for data storage such as projects, books, white papers and so on; all the sensitive information is backed up in the cloud);
2. Reinstall OS (if it came with Linux or Free DOS, if its with already preinstalled Windows - move to p. 4, then move to p. 1);
3. Install drivers and support software;
4. Setup connections;
5. Install software.

 

Get this: I just use it.

This, of course, is complete nonsense, however.

 

McAfee is the most bombproof antivirus on the planet. It resists all attempts to remove it, even those initiated by the end-user. Highly recommended.

 

I personally haven't used any anti virus or firewall software in a few years and have had no issues.

But I have to agree, McAfee is a stubborn son-of-a-gun. It's what I put on my in-laws' machine.

 

Here's what I do:
--Inspect the box the computer came in for any damage. Photograph if there is any.
--Inspect the computer thoroughly for quality - parts fit together correctly, nothing loose, &c.
--Start up the notebook and verify it has the specifications you ordered it with via Device Manager (Windows Key + R > devmgmt.msc > Enter). Also verify version of OS. In Windows: Windows Key + Pause/Break
--Look for dead pixels on the display. Just use the solid desktop backgrounds in Windows and hide the taskbar.
--Create recovery discs (if applicable - usually physical discs aren't included anymore)
--Shut off notebook, boot to memtest86+ and let it run for 24 hours (I usually burn the ISO to CD). There should be no errors at the end.
--Download all drivers from the company's support site on a separate computer. Reinstall Windows and install drivers.
--Install antivirus (I like ESET Smart Security).
--Connect the computer to the Internet. Do Windows Updates
--Install whatever else is needed (MS Office, &c)*
--Transfer data to system if needed (documents, pictures ...)*
--Smash a bottle of champagne over the lid to christen the new system**
--Start using the system

*Might consider doing this on battery to test the notebook's battery. Drain it to minimum percentage and charge it back up to verify that all works as expected.
**I don't really do this.

 

Here's a foolproof video on how to remove McAfee anti-virus... How to Uninstall McAfee Antivirus