How to uninstall factory installed software (bloatware) on NEW computer

I've have a new HP desktop (HP Pavilion Phoenix Special Edition a6655f) computer and looking for the best method of finding and completely uninstalling the software that's factory installed which is not needed (basically bloating the system). My goal is to perform a thorough clean-up before I do anything. Getting ready to power it up in a few days, will make restore disc(s), etc. I'll install XP as well to perform dual boot. I did this a number of months ago on another computer, probably took to long road and hoping there's an easier way. If not, will refer back to notes and move forward. Perhaps Vista Home Premium with SP1 has some of the issues fixed. Thank you.......

 

PC De-Crapifier (I haven't used it but it's highly rated)
You can also use the built-in uninstallers and/or Add/Remove Programs. A 3rd party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller may be a good idea of you want to do a VERY thorough removal of the software, but for most programs, Add/Remove Programs should be fine...
Good luck!

[dlb]
:-D

 

Add/Remove Programs (remove the bloat) and reboot. Then I'd run CCleaner and maybe even install Spybot, complete a malware search, and look for anything strange that runs on startup. Afterwards I'd run a drive defragmentation.

There's a program floating on the 'net named "PC Decrapifier". Never tried it but sounds interesting. (ahhh darn that dlb )

 

Yes I just read and installed De-Crapifier on my older computer...nothing that I couldn't find on Add/Remove Programs which I would fall back on (basic knowledge). I also have Revo Uninstaller which I'll try to see if it picks up anything the others to not. I clean and defrag on most regular basis (maybe over the top in this area, so it will be done). My major concern is getting the junk off from the start and working with as clean of computer as can be achieved. Thank you both for your input.

 

Take your time, you don't need to get this all done in one swoop. I have an HP notebook PC I bought in July 2007. Obviously, the first step is to identify all the extraneous software, desktop shortcuts, etc. that appear to be things you don't need. If you're not sure, go to Google and do some searching before removing it.

 

Good advice. I know it's somewhat a challenge to identify all the software that's included in a factory computer. I know there's stuff on computers that are not in add/remove program. Just thought I'd run this by some people in case there was an easier route than fishing around. Thank you.

 

Nah, dualbooting with XP is still the same song and dance as before. Just make sure of driver availability for XP which I'm sure you know to check for. I'm assuming that you had severe enough issues with pre-SP1 Vista to make you take the plunge in getting XP on a pre-installed Vista system as that's not for the faint of heart..

 

Yes I ran into issues (pre SP1 Vista), but probably on my part as I hadn't done a dual boot previous to that. I have a lot of patience for this computer tinkering as many of us do. Guess it's become a hobby of mine. Now it's starting to come back to me....finding the drivers. I seem to remember I contacted HP who slowly but surely sent me the links. What's your recommendation on getting them. Thanks...

 

I grabbed them from HP, have things running reasonably well and didn't take as long as my first attempt. I thought I might have some issues with setting up boot XP 32-bit with Vista 64-bit (already installed). So far so good...fingers crossed.

 

A year ago i purchased an Emachine,and also wanted to strip all the junk out of Vista,the computer came with an oem disk.........I downloaded Vlite and ran my oem disk threw but did not discard anything from MS.....otherwise at the time SP1 would abort........Vlite stripped this thing clean as a pen.....I reinstalled and all i had was MS windows.....
http://majorgeeks.com/vLite_d5387.html

 

Unfortunately my HP a6655f did not come with OEM Vista disk. I've created the recovery discs, but in my mind not the same as having disk. Probably will eventually get a Windows Vista disc. Possible to run Vlite w/out disc...I'll check out the site further tomorrow. Thank you for information.

 

I meant manufacturers disk with all the crap on it (sorry) yes it was just a recovery disc....I only had one....if you have more than one disc,use the disc that has windows installation files, here is vlite Documentation:
http://www.vlite.net/help

 

Kathy...here is a youtube tutorial that may help.....Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIofYlbp7Zo&feature=channel_page
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrLNdrFN0gs&feature=channel


I never could get a virtual pc to work right on my computer....so i used DVDRW........when burning your finished ISO image to disc I used imgburn,have been real happy with it:
http://majorgeeks.com/ImgBurn_d4870.html

Hope this helps...

 

Here's a link that you may want to read through. http://adrynalyne.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!AB9DE24BE9AF1B9F!303.entry

 

Very good information, I'll check out the videos later today. Thank you very much. Another question that comes to mind. Any known problems with reassigning drive letters. During my dual boot process (for some unknown reason) I did not do a clean an tidy assignment as I've done in past. Currently: C: Factory Image D: DVD E: removal F: removal G: removal H:Vista, I: XP. I would prefer C: Vista and D: XP. Went through Disk Manager the other night, don't believe it would allow me to change. Will revisit this again.

 

That link opens https://login.live.com/login.srf?wa...entry%253f%26sa%3d234716043&id=250915&lc=1033

Is that what you intended?

 

Yeah, something weird going on, there. I've tried it several times and have not yet seen the guide written by Adrynalyne.

 

Try the advice in this link...simple yet to the point http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=107991

 

Good info. listed there. My HP did not come with recovery discs, but I did make them. So when time allows I may just do a clean install. I've got it's dual booting w/ XP which worked out much better than first attempt. I am wondering if I do clean install w/ just Vista which came with computer if I'll have to repeat that process (set up partitions, vista boot pro, etc.). Thinking ahead on how much I'll disrupt what I've got going. Thank you to all have posted here...very helpful.