"Necessary/Unnecessary" Programs?

Is this really something that I need on my machine, please --> Modem Diagnostic Tool (from Dell)"? It takes-up WHOPPING 4GB (3.99) of space, and if I don't need it, I would like to purge it.

Also, do I need this "PowerDVD" program that came with the machine? I have been using Media Player for my media, and am afraid to try something else as I tend to find them all (programs of this sort) rather confusing.

 

Hi grc, this thread caught my eye as I am a fanatical deleter of what I hope is unecessary stuff, I just looked and found the same program on my Dell desktop and it only takes up (or registers as taking up) 1.62 MB which sounds about right to me. So I don't know why it might show as taking up so much space, but I would say that the advice given above by Halo sounds pretty good and I will be getting rid of this app now as I only use broadband and only got the modem in the first place as a kind of backup for connecting to the net.

Also wanted to say that the Power DVD program works really nicely on my machine, giving a seriously clear & detailed picture and sound for DVD playback

 

Hi David - Thanks. This PC has never been on Dial-Up, and I do not recall any calls to Dell concerning this machine - though it is "possible" that calls were made, as a former roommate had exclusive access to the machine for weeks at a time last year, and I can see from the Reliability & Performance Monitor that she DID, in fact, have problems...she performed multiple hard-shutdowns (due to freezes/lockups).

I just double-checked, and yes, the Modem Dx Tool is taking 3.99 Gigs - top of the list when I list by "Size".

I think I best leave PowerDVD alone for now, and handle one thing at a time.
OH, I meant to ask; this Tool (Modem Dx) is only for dial-up - correct?

 

Hi, thanks...unfortunately, I am about to head-out for a meeting, but should return within an hour-to-hour-and-a-half (though I understand that-that may be late for you?).

The "3.99 GB" I am referring to is what I see in Vista's Programs & Features (Add/Remove in XP).

It will take ol' Glenn here awhile to find the folder, and to take a screenshot. Though you teach me 'how-to' on the screenshot (and again, thank you!), it's been awhile, and I don't often find occasion to practice it......

 

I really have no idea where to find the Modem Dx Tools folder/files.

I have poked-around (looked-around) in "C" but I don't see anything there that looks right. I'm supposing that it would be in a Dell folder?

Can someone give me an idea please? I think I could get a screenshot of the Programs & Features list (to display here), but not sure if that is wise from a security standpoint (?).

Thanks in advance...

 

Well...here goes nothin'........

 

Pardon please...not intending to bump, just trying to present a better screenshot.

 

There is something wrong with here. The latest version (Vista compatible) is 4M not 4G

http://dell-modem-diagnostic-tool.software.informer.com/

It is however one of the oldest things on the list. I suggest you Email Dell support and ask them. I assume it came with the PC in Jan08 in which case they are still responsible.

 

Thank you. And you assume correctly. I will contact them now. Thanks again...

 

Ok, the Dell Tech ("Jasmine", who was very nice), said to just go ahead and remove/uninstall it (the Modem Dx Tool), and said it was probably that large due to service requests, though this PC has never been connected to dial-up service. So, "who knows (?)" why it is so big (?).

I just wanted to check-back here to see if I should do anything special to COMPLETELY remove this, or just the standard Windows (Vista Home) uninstall, maybe followed-up with Revo Uninstaller, which I already have on this machine?

Thanks again...

 

Waite until one of the others confirms this, but generally speaking, if you want to completely remove something from the system just use Revo Uninstaller and skip the Windows Add/Remove. After running Revo Uninstaller run CCleaner just for good measure. When using Revo, make sure you only delete the bolded registry entries.

 

Roger that. Am fairly-familiar with Revo, and will wait for some further confirmation - thank you for the response...

 

Your Java needs an update, too.:wave

 

I had noticed that during this process and have updated Sun/Java - thank you!

Very good - thanks as always David!