Vostro Windows disc

Ben Cole · 5 Dec 2007 at 17:13

Little bit dissappointed to seem me brand new vostro has lots of little Dell bits and bobs on it plus Google toolbar etc. Thinking about doing a fresh install and deleting the recovery partition but I have a question.

Is the disc supplied a proper windows disc or is it just a disc to use in conjunction with the HDD recovery partition?

If it is just a recovery disc can I just use my other vista home premium 32 disc and use the laptops product code?

Thanks,

Ben.

Indy500 · 5 Dec 2007 at 17:14

Its a normal copy.

Ben Cole · 5 Dec 2007 at 17:28

It looks like this

Are there any problems with doing a fresh install.

Think I read somewhere about loss of wifi sniffer button functionality?

Will_3rd · 5 Dec 2007 at 17:30

Could always try this:

http://www.yorkspace.com/pc-de-crapifier/

removes crap that comes on Dell computers etc

Indy500 · 5 Dec 2007 at 17:33

Ben Cole said:
It looks like this

Are there any problems with doing a fresh install.

Think I read somewhere about loss of wifi sniffer button functionality?

They may have tweaked\added some things, but it still a functional copy of Windows.

Ben Cole · 5 Dec 2007 at 17:52

Thanks gents

Dreadi · 5 Dec 2007 at 18:57

Will_3rd said:
Could always try this:

http://www.yorkspace.com/pc-de-crapifier/

removes crap that comes on Dell computers etc

anyone used this ?

GuruJockStrap · 6 Dec 2007 at 08:20

check out the big Dell Vostro thread. I posted a guide on what drivers you need to install to ensure full functionality without all the driver bloat. didn't see the point in the wifi catcher and never bothered getting it to work. I'm sure the software needed is available on the dell website.

Ben Cole · 6 Dec 2007 at 09:28

Cheers jockstrap...being using your guide.....I've installed windows about 15-20 times now, this media direct button detrying the OS is really getting me down.

GuruJockStrap · 6 Dec 2007 at 11:34

I just deleted every single partition on the HD, formatted and then installed a fresh copy of Vista. Didn't see the point in the Media Direct feature and no need for a recovery partition as I have that on an external HD.

Ben Cole · 6 Dec 2007 at 12:22

So do you have the problem that I do with the media direct button?

That is...if you press the button when the machine is off it will try to load media direct in the process destroying the MBR and sometimes putting the OS install beyond windows recovery.

Basically it's a self destruct button right next to the power button!!!!!

Will_3rd · 6 Dec 2007 at 12:26

Dreadi said:
anyone used this ?

used it on my Mum's Compaq computer, removed odd bits of junk with little problem