removing bloatware rubish

Dist · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:16

Today my nice new lenovo r61 arrived (was planning on getting an xps m1530, but i managed to get an amazing deal i couldnt pass up). When i turned it on, i noticed a dozen icons poping up in the start menu next to the clock, and 50 or so programs in the add/remove programs list.

Does anyone have any guides on removing all this junk? i ask because im not sure what is needed for the laptop to actully work, and what can be removed without causing problems.

I could format and install windows xp pro using an old xp pro cd i got from years ago (using the cd-key that is on the offical microsoft sticker on the bottom of the laptop), but im not sure if that would work as i dont know if its oem or retail version currently on the laptop, and i would proberly loose some essential programs and drivers (the laptop didnt come with a driver/software/OS cd, so getting all the correct stuff back could be hard).

Any advice on how i should go about removing this junk would be greatly appreciated.

TheVoice · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:17

Try a program called Decrapifier - it should clear out a lot of that stuff.

radderfire · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:23

Why don't you start using the laptop and wait to see what performance is like first?

The only thing I tend to remove is Norton products because they still seem to create more problems than they solve.

Removing any troublesome apps one by one through Add/Remove Programs is probably the best bet but I doubt you'll have to remove that many.

Matrix · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:34

I formatted my Xps 1530 right away though this was more to do with Vista on it.

Put XP on it and it's flying now well happy with it.

Mr.Clark · 27 Feb 2008 at 22:48

Download your AV and firewall of choice.

Unplug from the internet.

Go through the Add/Remove programs list and take out everything you aren't 100% sure you want, including any mention of QuickTime and RealPlayer.

Reboot.

Install your AV and firewall.

Reboot.

Install Real Alternative and Quicktime Alternative.

Win.

ninja2000 · 28 Feb 2008 at 13:11

I'm with Matrix! you cant beat a format. Then you can get the OS exactly how you want.

I hate the bloatware and partition choice of most Manufacs. I always remove the restore partition etc to claim back the wasted space.

Oh and geting rid of Norton....what a nightmare

Matrix · 28 Feb 2008 at 14:50

ninja2000 said:
I'm with Matrix! you cant beat a format. Then you can get the OS exactly how you want.

I hate the bloatware and partition choice of most Manufacs. I always remove the restore partition etc to claim back the wasted space.

Oh and geting rid of Norton....what a nightmare

LOL norton is evil !

Gemok · 28 Feb 2008 at 22:15

I always repartition and reinstall my laptops hard drives when I get them x% for windows x% for playing with linux and the rest for storing stuff. Just in case a OS reinstall is needed in the future all my files are separated from windows

Bane · 1 Mar 2008 at 20:16

Might want to run CCleaner after you uninstalled fluff programs.

Have run it today and it found plenty of left overs from original fluff programs that had been uninstalled upon first boot-up. References to McAfee, Google, etc.