Dell Vista Laptop Reformat and Bloatware Removal Guide

[Sparky 1720]

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.

[SmoothOperator_r]

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

[J23]

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

[Sparky 1720]

Smooth,

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

[Evan42]

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.

[Les]

Operating system=Vista Disk

[Evan42]

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?

[Evan42]

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?

[Evan42]

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)

[bding93]

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