The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Fresh Install vs Clean Up on New System

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Dienz, Nov 19, 2012.

  1. Dienz

    Dienz Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hi everyone

    In about 2 weeks I will have my m14x R2, and I am curious about just a couple things:

    Is it better to just have a fresh install of Windows and reinstall some of the Alienware "look and feel" software...
    ...Or should I just uninstall / delete folders / registry cleanup (Ccleaner ftw!) all of the bloatware that comes with the system? 'm talking about PowerDVD (useless), MS Office Trial (useless, I have an older but paid-for version), the Wireless Display Application and Driver (I didn't pay for any wireless streaming hardware), etc.

    I don't see why they have to install so much crap.. I placed my order over the phone, and the rep even told me that they could not put a customer request to have things exempt or not installed. Kind of sucks =( At least the rep was absolutely helpful and a joy to talk to!

    So, what say you guys?

    Fresh install or manual clean up? :confused:
     
  2. Mastaa

    Mastaa Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    127
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    In my opinion, you should do a clean install. I think in your case, you'll have to spend about the same amount of time for both of these options.
    I did a fresh install after I replaced my Harddisk with a SSD, and with your service tag on the dell website, it is really easy to grab the
    right drivers and leave the ones you don't need away. Thread for clean install: Click me

    You should also look at this thread, in order to restore the alienware-look.

    Hope I could help.
     
  3. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

    Reputations:
    827
    Messages:
    2,278
    Likes Received:
    104
    Trophy Points:
    81
    Alienware computers dont really come with bloatware. None of mine ever had, they are pretty minimul from the start.
     
  4. Dienz

    Dienz Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Sounds good guys. I definitely read the How-To guides thoroughly so I know what to expect.

    Thanks guys!
     
  5. PyroDonkey

    PyroDonkey Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    126
    Likes Received:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Both Alienware laptops I have owned have not had bloatware. I think you should be fine with just using the laptop with the setup that comes from the factory.
     
  6. Dienz

    Dienz Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'm sure I will too, but for certain several things are coming off... MS Office trial, since I have a retail copy of student 2007 anyway, and PowerDVD since its utterly useless. There is probably some webcam software as well.. according to my order confirmation, there is. We'll see!

    Ultimately, I know it's going to be one kickass mobile powerhouse and I'm excited =D
     
  7. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

    Reputations:
    1,141
    Messages:
    1,459
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    56
  8. Dienz

    Dienz Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thank you, Luis! I was only intending to uninstall a few things, but I may just go with a clean install.
     
  9. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

    Reputations:
    1,141
    Messages:
    1,459
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Cool! Remember it's better if you delete all partitions, create a new one and install windows than just installing it over the one that appears. Otherwise it wouldn't be a clean installation and it could drag trouble along the way