Reformatting + few other questions.

Sorry for the newbie question, just got my laptop recently and there's just SOOOO much junk dell installed onto the laptop. I was wonder if I wanted to reformat; would I just use my Windows 7 Home edition CD and reformat like normal? or is there a certain procedure for reformatting a laptop, also I plan on replacing one of my HDD's ( I have 2x700GB HDD's ) with a SSD, Which brand would you guys recommend, Is there a topic on installing a SSD and what programs/tools should I download for a new laptop. I want to over clock my GT 555M as I saw this topic on it but is it worth it? I mean the laptop does get pretty loud already... and those 2 USB's at the back inst working... But I heard its a pretty common issue as I'm not the only one with this problem and there seems to be no fix.

 

As for me, I just uninstalled all the stuff I didn't want. I kept a few of the programs that I actually use. If you recieved the disks from Dell you can do a clean install. After loading Win 7 you just use the driver disk to reinstall the drivers. Two nights ago I installed a Seagate 750 GB momentus XT hybrid drive. I used the cloning software from seagate. If you choose to go this route, use the manual settings so you can adjust partition sizes. I use MSI afterburn to overclock my 555 and it does make a diference with Skyrim. Things run smoother and I can have the graphic settings a bit higher. I don't know how common the issue is with the USB 3.0 ports, but mine have worked perfectly from day one. Call dell if they don't work and get a tech out to fix them. They should work as advertised. As far as loud, hmmm, thats a tough one. I guess it just depends on you. It doesn't bother me and it keeps my laptop fairly cool. Check your BIOS version and also update the USB 3.0 drivers from the Dell website and see if that helps. Hope I helped a little bit.

 

No, you helped greatly. thanks for replying. umm nvm i thought the noise level would increase. the noise atm doesnt really bother me as it only turns loud when i game and its covered by music/background music.When I watch shows / anime / movies it doesnt make noise whitch i totally love. how would i check the bios? and the usb thing. I don't plan on going on a hybrid as i havent really heard much about it. Most likely going with this one picking it up tommorow OCZ Vertex 3 120GB 2.5IN SATA3 6Gbps SandForce SF-2281 Solid State Disk Flash Drive SSD - OCZ Technology - VTX3-25SAT3-120G I don't need a caddy or anything right?

 

Oh, I'm on Bios A14 ( whatever that means ) for the USB 3.0 driver i would just google it?

 

During statup, press F2 and you can check what BIOS version you have. Take a look at Dell.com and look under support. Make sure you register your system and you can check for updated drivers on the Dell site. The current BIOS is A16, Mine came with A14 when I recieved it in January.

 

The dell site has all the drivers you need and the updated bios. There is no need to use google. Until you become more comfortable with your system, just stick with the stock dell drivers. Once you get comfortable, then you can seek out better drivers. For instance the drivers for the 555 from the nvidia site tend to be better then the dell drivers. When you locate the drivers and bios on the dell site you will find instructions to assist you. Make sure your system is plugged in and don't turn it off in the middle of updating the bios or you will kill the laptop. The BIOS is what makes the computer start up and allows everything to work.

 

I don't normally say to update your BIOS if everything is working fine but A14 is a buggy BIOS. It will keep shutting off when turning on the laptop from a cold boot when you have a USB Hub plugged in. At least for me it did that. A16 it does not do that and the fan does not spin up as much.

 

I agree, I have experienced zero issues since I updated to A16.