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    Vista restore disk reinstalled bloatware

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by rhody, Aug 30, 2008.

  1. rhody

    rhody Notebook Guru

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    I just purchased an Acer Aspire 7720 and want to perform a clean reinstall of Vista. I burned off the 2 restore disks using the Acer empower program but when I ran the restore it still had all the trialware on it. Is there a way to just install Vista? I don't care if the acer software is still there but i dont want the office trials, norton security, etc on there.
     
  2. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    2 ways:

    1. Either use CCleaner or Revo Uninstaller to get rid of all junk.

    2. Or buy an unlicensed copy of Vista (same as your current installation), and use they key at the base of the notebook (From the COA sticker) to install Vista from the unlicensed disc. Even if it doesn't activate, you can call up MS, give 'em your current OEM key, and they'll generate and give you an activation code.

    (You should always keep the OS media wih you, as it comes in useful when doing specific repair installs.)
    Also try and ask ACER to send you one....
     
  3. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    I backup using Paragon Drive backup Personal to an external USB drive. I do this every Monday (which gets me a backup just prior to MS patch Tuesday). I also backup before any major changes. I keep 3 or so generations of these backups.

    I suppose if I had to reinstall Windows I would, but the thought of re-doing all the program installs and customizations makes restoring from a backup a much better alternative.

    If I wanted to do a clean install of Vista I would shell out the bucks for a licensed copy so I could install it on any machine.