New 'used' PC with a buttload of crap. Vista Home 64

Gateway DX 4800 05-e

Good running PC, bought used... just can't get rid of the past user's CRAP. Gateway wants $20 for a restore disc, and will not help me otherwise.

Can I just wipe the drive and then beg Gateway for help?

 

Define "crap". Is it a ton of software you want to get rid of, or is it a mess because no one knew how to do basic maintenance on it for years?

PC Decrapifier is a good starting point to removing unwanted software. It's made to remove all the annoying trial versions that come with OEM computers though, so may not be ideal for your situation.

Advanced System Care is a good one-app solution to maintenance.

 

Vista & owner crap I cannot get rid of. Trust me, I have tried.

gateway dx 4800 05e

Gateway says $20. I have better uses for $20

 

The restore disc will only reload the Gateway crap anyways. Do try the Decrapifier or if that doesn't work then describe and/or screenshot the offenders. RevoUninstaller works well.

I would pay the $20 for a factory install, then the machine is truly yours.

 

Agreed. Nothing like running a file recovery on a PC you bought used to try and get your term paper back, and come across the previous owner's honey moon photos... rolleyes

Besides complete wipe-out removes all your software problems.