Dell XPS 702x tips for a newb and do I clean up or clean install??

Apologies if this has been asked before, I got my new laptop a few days ago and now have a bit of time to look at it.
It has been a long time since I last had a new system so advice is welcome.

What is the best approach to getting rid of the bloatware on the system? should I clean install or just remove what I do not need? I do not understand what partitioning is for and why and I don't want to do anything wrong.
I have re installed XP numerous times on my older system is this just the same with Win 7? Where is the best place for the drivers? the disc that come with the system or the Dell website?

Are there any alternatives to the McAfee that are lighter on the system? are there any other programs I should use to keep the system running smoothly?

I have purchased a external Hdd to store all my programs on and to keep the laptop as free of software as possible.

Any advice appreciated

 

You will probably find many an opinion.

When I got mine, I just uninstalled MacAfee...went with MS Security Essentials. Uninstalled the Ebay stuff; kept the Dell stuff...just don't run it...like their dock that comes up which can be stopped through it's settings at startup.

I don't think you need to do or worry about partitioning. Your external HDD will work for whatever you need. Did you purchase a 3.0 USB HDD? Interested in hearing how it works.

The disc that came with my dell only had the drivers. No Windows 7 software. The manual said you could use a 8GB USB drive to create a system image. I bought one and the computer said it was too small...needed a min of 9 GB. This is all probably based on what was initially ordered so ended up using 3 DVDs. Oh well.

I wouldn't get too wrapped around the axle about getting your system clean. Once you uninstall MacAfee and any other software and are "done," download CCleaner to clean up your registry.

Be ready for a lot of updates to Windows 7, Office etc...

Best of luck and enjoy your system!

Rich

PS...You a Pompey fan? Sorry to see them relegated last season.

 

Hi, thanks,I bought the OS disc when I ordered it and have the drivers disc too, I will uninstall what I don't need and burn recovery disks just incase, I feel a good session with Windows update is in order lol, might as well watch eurovision it would be more fun.

I also come across another post regarding a clean install with some tips about using avast etc so will try them too.

As for Pompey I am not a fan, its always sad to see teams relegated, myself I am one of Kenny's Reds living in exile...

Well off to get to grips with the system and maybe some COD MW if I have the time.

Thanks

 

It's really up to you. Some prefer to reformat and do a clean install while other like to cleanup/remove programs instead.

I just did a clean install from the Win7 disk last night on my recently arrived XPS 702x. Formated the partions, then loaded the drivers from Dell's website primarily. You need the wireless driver to connect to the internet as a minimum if you use wifi. I debated just installing all the drivers form the disk. But if you go to Dell's support site you will see that most of them have been updated.

I've reinstalled every MS OS over the years and would say Win7 is definately the easiest. It's all gui driven. And Dell provides all the drivers in two places. I noticed faster boot up speeds right away and there are ~20 less processes running as well.

Derek

 

Tobeloy - I use Avast - it's probably the lightest of the lot . I also use only the AV , and not the complete security package , which will take a lot of resources . In my experience - the AV is usually sufficient . You can run a malware check manually once a week , with MalwareBytes , for example . Windows has it's own Firewall , and also Defender , which again , together , should be sufficient .