XPS15 Clean Install - What's worth keeping?

I usually do a clean OS install on any new system, but some forum posts sorta lead me to think that the XPS 15 might have some Dell software that actually may be useful.

So what Dell software, if any, is actually worth keeping?

I'm really inclined to just wipe the hard drive and any hidden partitions, and start fresh. If so, would I really miss anything?

 

I chose to keep the OEM wallpapers and login screen blue UI. That's about it and I downloaded all the newer driver versions off dell.com instead of the ones on the CD/Laptop.

- Dan

 

Reinstall dell quickset to have access to the top row of keys (screen brightness), etc.

 

A quick related question on the SXPS16, I'm planning on reinstalling at some point (1.5 years since I ot it so it's about time). Is the DVD they give you the same as the recovery partition, or is it just barebones windows? At the moment I'm planning on using the recovery parition since I know it has all the software and drivers on it (I'll get rid of the useless crapware though).

What I'm wondering though, is that although my antivirus hasn't showed anything up, you still never know what you have sitting around on your computer and whether that might have nestled its self into the recovery partition, meaning that I'd have some viruses right from the start. If the DVD has the same stuff on it as the recovery partition then that would be great since I know that's 100% clean (ROM ftw).

 

Dell isn't sending an OS disk with these systems (you have to request it after you receive your system). The disk included only has drivers on it.

BUT, dell used to include an OS disk with their laptops so you may have one. It would say Window xxx operating system. If you have one, it's the bare bones operating system and you can easily do a clean install with it (and not worry about using the recovery partition). You should also have a separate driver disk.

 

I reinstalled from scratch on my XPS 14.

I agree with the Dell Quickset software.

I did put the Dell Support software on just for the get Drivers and PC Health checkup. I doubt I ever use this.

I put the Dell Dock and Dell WebCam Central software back on it. I Googled Dell Dock for the link to it and I used the "Install Software that came with your system" link on the Dell support homepage. It pops up a page based on your system that lets you DL the WebCam, Macafee and other junk.

 

Do you delete all Dell's partitions? (OEM, Recovery)?

 

^ I deleted all of them and reformatted the whole drive into one partition.

 

How do you recover the WAVES sound software after a clean install?

 

If I do it, is there any way to go back to the original disc partitions (OEM + Recovery + System)? Will recovery CD-s (If I create them) do the trick?

 

None of the pre-installed software is worth trying to "salvage" if you're doing a clean install.

You can properly install any/all software that came with your computer from here: https://smartsource.dell.com/web/main.aspx

I think if you want Dell pictures/files/ect. you're on your own to grab them before you format.

 

I'm taking the approach of stripping things out of my system rather than doing a fresh install. Can anyone tell me whether this is needed:

IAStorDataMgrSvc - Intel Rapid Storage Technology. This service is set as "automatic (delayed start)".

 

I did a clean install. I got all the drivers installed. I, however, cannot find the camera application.

 

Will there actually be much of a performance difference if I did a total clean install with the barebones OS rather than the recovery partition? If there is then I might consider it.

 

I'd say nothing noticeable or measurable assuming you're comparing the same applications with the same overall system configuration.

I did a clean install because I had an additional license of Windows 7 x64 Pro and wanted to save money by ordering the cheapest OS.

Did you try my link on the top of this page? It's Dell's official place to get those types of applications.

 

So if I got rid of all the bloatware from thefull system restore then it should run pretty much the same as if I did a blank windows install and then loaded what I wanted on top of it? I'm just wondering in case there's a bunch of runnish clogging up the registry or something.

 

I had some issues finding it also. I just did a chat with dell chat and they remotely installed it on my system for me with some additional drivers I had issues installing.

 

Could anyone please post EXACTLY what you did to do a clean install? I am trying to do a factory restore. I created the disc set in DataSafe but they do not appear to be bootable. I receive an error when I try to boot from them. I receive the same error when I try to restore to factory image using DataSafe as well.

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. Below is the error. Any ideas?

I also get this same error when attempting to restore using these directions - Restoring Your Dell Computer to Original Factory Installation with Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 - KB Article - 353562 | Dell

Status: 0xc000000f

Info: The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible.

 

On a quick note, is there any way to reliably backup the recovery partition from a 1640 to DVD?

 

I think I also only use Quickset. I will have to see what I startup with when I get home. You can go somewhere on Dell to request the OS disc and some others. They sent them no problem.

https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form

You can only request one set per system. It has the disc with just the OS on it.

 

This link was HUGELY useful. I live in Japan and routinely handle new DELL laptops upon which I install an English OS - only with the two new XPS 501's that arrived yesterday there were no application CDs - and one had a Blue-Ray drive. Spent all day trying to figure out where to download PowerDVD.

Now I know!

Many thanks.

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