Dell Vista Laptop Reformat and Bloatware Removal Guide

i just got my laptop and went to do a clean install.... but it seems i was not shipped a media direct disk. does the disk actually say media direct on it? i got 6 disks but none say anything about media direct on them, they are as follows:

operating system
drivers and utilities
drivers and utilities(for webcam manager)
roxio
works9
internet security

the invoice does show a media direct 3.5 disk

 

I'm pretty sure the CD I have says Media Direct 3.5 or something like that.

 

Thanks for the info so far, Im thinking shut down what ever I dont need in msconfig, delete stuff I wouldnt use and then run a few registry cleaners see if it improves performance. I just dont like having my data on my OS partition but suppose I could back that up to an external.

 

Perhaps my sarcasm was a bit heavy in my post a couple back but you can just resize the OS parition on the fly without even a reboot in between by using disk manager. I would have a backup for sure just in case though

 

I've been using cc cleaner, glary utilities, regscrub xp and easy cleaner for a long time and never has run into an issue with any of them. I agree no one reg cleaner is the best but a few together works well. I hate to sound stupid but I dont own any vista systems. Can you resize a partition on vista from disc manager.

 

Yes in the Computer manager tool, near the bottom is disk management. Just right click on the OS partition and choose shrink. It will default to the most you can shrink it but I wouldnt go that far or you will have little room for updates.

You could do this in XP too though but the tool was not as robust.

 

Apples,

I will have to thank you. In the process of trying to help you I managed to help myself. I used that bluetooth driver (slightly modded of course) to make my motorola PC850 Bluetooth dongle work in Vista with A2DP stereo . Greedy A$$ motorola refused to make a driver claiming they couldnt. I even proved to them it would work in Vista so I knew it wasnt hardware by piecing together part of the blue soleil driver and the motorola one but they wouldnt budge. Now I have stereo audio without the flakiness of having to use the blue soleil driver!

Anyway, I was able to install it on my SP1 Enterprise version of Vista so it may not be due to SP1 that it won't install for you.

 

I can't find the AHCI drivers on Dell's site. I am at the section for my laptop (XPS 1530) and I see many drivers, but not one for AHCI... There's a "Matrix Storage Manager" - is that the same thing?

 

jarn,

Yes Matrix Storage Driver is the AHCI driver.

 

Okay, thanks. I am going to do this now, then.

 

lmao dude I was just about to ask the same question haha

good luck with your reformat

hope I can do mine without any problems...

 

AHCI is the Matrix Storage Manager...

 

Only problem I ran into was after I shrink my OS (C drive, I wasn't able to create another drive. I get an error message saying that I have too many partitions. There are 4 partitions that I see, 86MB (Healthy EISA Partition), Recovery (D , my OS (C , and 2.5GB (Healthy Primary).

I shrunk C:, but figured out that I could only extend if the "Unallocated" is right next to the partition. I wasn't sure if I deleted the Recovery Partition, I could merge it w/ the "Shrinked" space from C:.

Might have to just reformat completely...

 

If the unallocated space and the recovery partition are adjacent to one another then if you delete the recovery partition then you will see more unallocated space (meaning the unallocated space will grow). You can not merge space in front of the OS partition (to its left) to the OS partition, only space after it can be merged with it.

And for the record, when I did what I described above I did so after a clean install with the diag partition, OS partition and media direct partition. In other words, only 3 partitions to begin with and added a fourth.

 

i might be wrong, but that's probably because you can only have 4 primary partitions, so you can't have a 5th one...what you do...is create an extended partition...and create the other partitions that you need inside.

 

I just tried with GDISK in dos (a symantec ghost tool) and it said Heck no, 4 primary partitions is the max. I was able to delete the 4th partition and make it an extended partition. Then in that extended partition I made two more for a total of 6 partitions when you include the extended one. 3 primary and 2 logical that are useable.

Darn, now I have to reimage one of my test machines

 

Sorry if this question has been asked already (I really didn't feel like reading through a thousand posts), but can I do a completely clean Vista install using the Anytime Upgrade discs I have and following the steps in http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228 ? I don't think I have much use for MediaDirect and the other two partitoins, and I would like to use all of the drive space I can. Has anyone tried this, and even if I can't access the MediaDirect partition in Windows, can I delete it during the install process?

Thanks

 

If your talking about using a vista install CD you can delete all the parititons and just install Vista, yes. I am unfamiliar with the nomenclature "Anytime upgrade" but I am assuming its the vista ultimate upgrade you can purchase?

 

Yea, but it has all the versions. I think Microsoft stopoped shipping those.

 

Looks like you can still buy it:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/windowsanytimeupgrade/overview.mspx

I don't know if it will install out of the box or if you will have to install the vista that came with your system first then upgrade with anytime upgrade DVD.

At any rate, whatever vista CD does the initial vista installation you can choose advanced options when presented with your drive configuration and the choice of partitions to install to. The advanced options will allow you to delete the entire drive and to a clean one parititon system install.

 

I can't get my trackpad scrolling to work.. did I miss a driver or something?

 

Thanks a lot Les!

HELP! But something seems bizzare.


When I go to 'My Computer', all I see in the 'Hard Disk Drive' section is the {C:} Drive
I thought we had another Hard Disk Drive, the recovery backup one (I think it was {O:} or something). It's gone now


Well here's a picture of it, and I'm wondering if this has to do with my hard drive selection partitioning in the beginning.

Thanks a bunch

 

Well... yeah, the recovery partition is gone.

You can look for guides for using Acronis directions to make a backup.

 

Yes Puckmaggie, you need the appropriate touchpad driver for your model Dell.

 

I have to correct myself regarding AHCI VS Ata and performance differences in a conversation earlier in this thread with Les.

I got a new 7200 RPM drive a couple days ago and imaged my old drive over to it. I then made sure I had the latest and greatest drivers from Intel on my 1720. I noted the performance was a about 12 MBpS better than my old drive. I was expecting more but not sure why I wasnt getting it. Finally I installed the Intel Matrix Storage Manager (an additional app that is not a part of the driver install) With that I realized about 7 to 8 more MBpS. So it does indeed appear to be more worthwhile to run AHCI with the proper driver and manager install.

 

Lookin for the AHCI for my 1720 can someone answer the following questions.
1. it is the Matrix Storage Manager under SATA drives?
2. If so thier are 2 Matrix Storage Manager options with dates 10/17/2007 & 6/26/2007 should I select 10/17/2007 or both?
3. By expand you mean unzip right?
4. when doing the partition step is it pretty much common sense or is there anything i should look out for?

Many thanks for the thread great job and thanks in advance for anyone who answers.

 

BYG,

They are under 4 yes I cut and paste the links below:

This is the storage manager:
Labeled as: Matrix Storage Manager - Notebooks

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~mode=popup&file=205608

This is the driver:
Labeled as: Intel - Driver

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/downloads/en/downloads_splash?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~mode=popup&file=205570

All you need is the driver during installation, run the manager after you are up and running in vista.

Its not a zip, actually its an EXE that you double click. You will eventually be presented with an option for a target location to save it to and that is when you choose the USB drive.

The partition step. If you are referring to using the media direct CD to set it up its pretty much just go with the defaults.

 

Just go for the actual driver file located here http://support.dell.com/support/dow...1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=41&fileid=205611.

And to expand, just double-click the R154200.exe that you download and it will ask you where to extract the files to. Just extract it to a folder in your USB flash drive.

 

Okay, thanks!

So, I just want to ask to confirm if I installed everything correctly. I'm missing the recovery partition and Vista is working. THAT MEANS I did everything RIGHT, right? I just want to know that I did everything the way I was directed to.

And... Do I actually NEED the recovery partition? Can I live without it. What happens if there's a problem?

 

You dont need the recovery partition. I got rid of it the day I got my laptop. It frees up 10GB disk space. If you want a recovery disc, just use vista's backup feature to backup the entire system as it currently is to a couple DVDs. If something happens to your computer, you can use those dvds that you make to recover everything to exactly how it is now.

 

Oh I see. Thanks a lot for your input! + rep!

 

So is the partition needed if you want to install Media Direct? I read backwards several pages but never saw StuntDragon say if Media Direct was reinstalled or not.

I was thinking of going with out it, but then played with it and said what the heck. But do I need the partition for Media direct? From the way I read the first post in this thread, it is MD that creates the partition ?!? (not sure about that)

 

Also, with the AHCI .... can you use a USB Flash Drive like the ones that install a small set of files to run on your pc before they will work (usually with flash drives larger than 512mb) ? Will a USB flash drive or even external HD even work before Vista is installed?

And is the install of the AHCI step done before or after Vista Install?

 

Hello MrM1. The Dell factory partitions for the notebook are the primary partition, a 10GB recovery partition, and a 3GB Mediadirect partition. At the partitioning phase, you can get rid of the recovery partition and maintain the Mediadirect partition if you still want to have mediadirect. If you want to get rid of them both, you can delete both of those partitions and just go with the primary one.

You can use any USB drive to load the AHCI drivers onto. It will be recognized when you click "Load Driver" in the pre-vista installation step. The AHCI step is done just before vista installation begins. There will be a button that says "load Driver" that you have to click on. Once the driver is installed, vista installation will begin.

 

OH Great thanks.

So When I reformat the drive, I am guessing I will also have to remove/delete any partitions too. Is this done using the Media Direct Disk or the Vista Disk (media direct I guess).

 

The Vista OS partition and the mediadirect partition will both have to be formatted and thus erased. I believe both the mediadirect disc as well as the vista disc can do the wipe.

 

Final Question Before I Punch "Go" and wipe.

I am seeing that some of you are linking to R154200.exe as the Matrix Storage Manager. I find in my service take updates for the SATA drivers a newer one with a different number .... R166200.

Is this a newer, better update fo the same?

 

My friend lost his media direct and windows vista cds for his m1330, can he use mine?

Also, can someone direct me to the ACHI driver download? I can't seem to find it. Maybe it's not available for the m1330?

 

The AHCI driver will still be on your drivers disk for a basic installation and yes he can use your diskset. Dell will send him a new one free though.

The reason he can use yours is because the oem installation of Vista is already verified from the diskset. the legal requirement, of course, is that he have that sticker on the bottom of his system.

 

done, but got not Wireless Card. I installed The Dell Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN Rev:A05 and the Marvel marvel Ethernet controller rev: A01. But nothing.

There are a string of Drivers under modem Drivers listed as Dell Wireless 5520 Cingular .... minicard etc. But I did not think I needed them.

Any thoughts? System is an XPS m1530

 

I new here, but I always find myself referencing this site for How-To's and general notebook guidance. Today, I used this tutorial to format my new Dell XPS M1530 laptop and was very pleased with the results. I ended up doing it twice because the first time I forgot to re-insert the MediaDirect CD to complete its install.

The second time around, I thought others may benefit if there were step by step photos of the process. So I took a few. Ok, I took more than a few, but hey that's just how i roll!

So these steps are those of Les, the OP. I've added some instructions, as it relates to the photo. The original wise words of Les are highlighted. I hope Les and the NBR community doesn't mind me doing this.

Cheers!
Bamaster

----------------------------------


1. Place MediaDirect 3.3 in drive;

2. Restart/Hit F12 at initial screen/One time boot/Boot Dvd;

I inserted the MediaDirect DVD. Reboot. After I hit F12, this is what I got. I actually selected USB Storage device since I put the Vista installation DVD on a USB drive. Here are instructions on how I did that. But you should just select CD/DVD here.



3. Follow instructions to change your partitions. This will delete everything. (Note, I got my system to accept two partitions which are the 3Gb MediaDirect partition and the main partition but sometimes you will have no choice but to go with 3;

I selected "1" at this point


Then "Y" to proceed



4. When it says, remove MD3 disk and replace with your Vista disk;

Like this


5. Restart/hit F12 at initial screen/one time boot/Boot DVD;

Hit F12 here


6. When "press any key when ready" comes up make sure you press this right away. On mine, if you dont in the first few seconds there will be no reaction;

7. Follow the instructions/select complete install and, in the select partition screen, click bottom left to install the AHCI driver, insert the driver medium and direct it to the file which will say AHCI. There may be two files identified, ensure you select the AHCI driver. Once you have completed installing the driver, select correct partition to install Vista on;

First screen of the Vista installation.


Next shot
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I wasn't sure if I needed to, but as Les advises I loaded the AHCI driver here, by clicking "Drive Options (ddvanced)"


Click Load Driver
Browse to your USB drive (if that's where it is)
Click Next
Click Next

Vista will begin to install. It will reboot a few times and this takes a while depending on the speed of your system.


Next shot
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Next shot

8. On completion and windows is running, reinsert MediaDirect 3;

9. Run "DellKit" and press enter to complete installation of MediaDirect;

After my fresh Vista installation was complete, I inserted my MediaDirect CD and ran the install


Click Next

10. Change disk to your 'Drivers and Utilities' Disk and install 'Dell Resource Application;

After MediaDirect completes, I need to install my drivers. I insert my Drivers and Utilities CD


11. Let it open and press extract for all that are checked. Install them. (note: Dont reboot after each installation of appropriate driver or it will take forever.);

I manually installed my video, ethernet and Bluetooth drivers. But I forgot my wireless. Through the Dell Resource Application, I selected the Intel Wireless WiFi driver. Click Extract.



After it extracts, it will install.



12. Look at the unchecked drivers carefully. NOTE: There are a few that may be unchecked that are on your system. For example, my fingerprint reader doesnt come up checked as well as Quikset but they are there; and

13. Go to the Dell website/support/drivers and downloads and enter your service tag. Look for drivers that arent on your disk. I am aware that there are a few such as a DVD update.

 

Do you have the Dell Wireless Mini card or the Intel Card?

 

Also, where is the very snappy Black "XPS" Wallpaper. As of yet it has not installed with this reboot/reinstall.

 

Who are you asking? I have the Intel 4965AGN card.

Search Google > Images > Extra Large Images

I found this
http://vistawallpapers.wordpress.com/2007/03/09/vista-wallpapers-vista-ultimate/

 

OK I am back up, but I can assure you the driver for my wireless card of this New XPS m1530 was not on the install disk. It is driver A17_R174292.

Maybe it is because I have a bluetooth installed to that it needs this driver. When I tried to install the bluetooth connection from the Driver disk, it would not see it and would not install it.

 

OK, any ideas on the BlueTooth. It was there and working when I started the proceedure, but now it is not even showing up in Device manager.

Right now Windows Vista is in the process of downloading and installing 46 updates. Is perhaps that going to "find" my Bluetooth card? I have one, but as of yet, this new / clean install can not see it.

every thing else has gone OK so far.

 

This is probably a silly question... but is it on? On the right side of the M1530, under the express card slot, there is a switch. Mak sure that is on (the right side). When off, the Bluetooth and wireless is disabled.

 

Is it possible to format and combine the other partitions while leaving my windows partition (C unaffected? So ultimately my recovery drive and the other partitions are formatted and merged together..so that would leave me with 2 partitions and 0 bloatware (C: and D

 

Ya BA, it is on. I have switched it off and on several times and the only thing that is working is the WiFi.

Is it possible it has to have some other driver first before it will load / become visible. Perhaps something I have not installed yet?

 

When I installed mine, it was pretty straightforward.

Here is what I used for the Intel 4965AGN

Or just download the executable: Intel_multi-device_A05_R164259.exe

Worked like a charm.