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  1. #1
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    New Dell notebook computer...

    I bought this Inspiron 9300 to help with photo/video editing while on the road. It seriously rocks with a 17 inch screen and the GeForce 6800 GPU. It even has a subwoofer. Pretty cool machine.

    First order of business? Format the machine to remove the factory bloatware, then install Half-Life 2!

    Oh, I'll use it for work too, I promise.



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  2. #2
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    Greg,


    Tell me what you mean by "bloatware". I know there are programs in this thing that I don't need or use.

    Jim

  3. #3
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    Jim,

    Just about all new computers ship with their hard disks filled with what I call "boatware", which are useless items like trial versions of software, ISP software, and other useless items. As you know, that stuff is there because of advertising agreements, which is fine. If that means getting a computer for less money, great.

    Problem is, when computers are new (like any Dell, for example), these preinstalled programs slow the machine down, since many of them have components that load up when Windows starts up. All these processes drain system resources, which slows the machine in addition to using up disk space.

    You can uninstall these programs, one by one, but that's not a perfect solution since these programs always leave components in the system registry.

    The best solution (for me, anyway) is to format the hard disk as soon as I receive the machine and install Windows, the latest drivers, and configure the system the way I want it - lean and mean. Most people will not go that far, but I'm very particular with my computers. I'll usually format the drives on my machines at least once each year anyway. It's the best way to keep them running stable and fast.

    Greg


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  4. #4
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    thats a good idea!

    i wish i remembered the commands...

    kevin
    Quartershot T-3R 15" 3.5L E-Tec 1.62 Sportmaster


  5. #5
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    Nice piece greg i just got a dell lap top not too long ago. I know what you mean about all that crap dell installs. when ordered mine i told them to leave it out but they said they couldnt.

  6. #6
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    Keep in mind that you need a Windows XP disc to reinstall the OS once you format the machine. Since Dell no longer includes the disc, you have to call their awful customer support line to get the CD. Took me over a month to get mine - they kept sending me Wordperfect



    Maureen

  7. #7
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    i think "bloatware" has something to do with michael moore
    I'm currently boatless

  8. #8
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    Greg and Maureen,


    Thanks for the information.

    When you reinstall XP, do you then go to the microsoft site and download all of the updates and security fixes? And the same for all of the other programs?

    Jim

  9. #9
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    Hi Jim,

    The only things you'll want to download from Microsoft are security fixes and updates for Windows and Office. Never use their generic drivers.

    When formatting a machine, there are a few things to keep in mind:

    1. If you have a cable modem or DSL, disconnect it during the installation of Windows. If you leave the computer connected, it will connect to Microsoft during the installation and install some generic drivers for video and audio. You don't want that to happen.

    2. When you finish installing Windows XP, restart the machine, and install your drivers in the following order:

    • Chipset (on motherboard) - very important, especially on newer machines.
    • Video
    • Audio
    • Network (if needed)
    • Hard disk (if needed)
    Get those drivers from the manufacturer of the components. If you have a Dell, HP, Gateway, etc., it will likely include a "restore disc" with all of your system drivers. Personally, I like to make my own driver disk by going to all the websites of the vendors for the components in my machine and downloading them. Just make sure you know exactly what you have installed in your computer.

    Always restart the machine after each driver install. When finished, connect the machine to the network and go right to Windows Update and download all security fixes and updates.

    If you need any other help, just let me know.

    Greg


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  10. #10
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    Half Life 2 Sigh too bad I own a Mac, thats one of my favorites

    Oh weeeelll Greg should have still bought a mac
    Faith
    MudGripGrafix.com

    Excuse me... have you seen my sanity... I think I lost it.

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