I'm going to do a clean install of W7 on my 1558, what do I need to know?

As the title suggests. I'm not a newb but I wondered (as I haven't formatted a PC in about 2 years, last format was Vista back in 2008) if there's anything specific to the 1558 setup that I should be aware of when formatting.

I noticed 81 processes running when I ran the laptop out the box which is quite ridiculous and revolting. In fact it made me feel a little sick... anyway, I'd like to reduce this by doing a clean install of W7.

Got the Dell CD's and stuff and I'm assuming I can just opt out of installing all the Dell crap when I install it. Yes, no?

Also is there anything I should do before installing W7 to ensure I don't have any issues when formatting/installing.

I downloaded the A04 bios yesterday, thats the only thing I've updated.

Thanks all.

 

It should be pretty straightforward, install it using the Dell CD. However, I don't think all the Bloatware will be on the Dell OEM Discs? I know my XP one doesn't include anything. Win7 will install Drivers, and if it can't find any, Windows Update will do the rest, and if that fails, then just use Vista drivers. BACKUPPPPPP!!!! I cannot stress that enough, make sure you backup everything! Other then that, I think your ready to hit it up. Yeah 81 processes is a little ridiculous, I only have 69 after installing everything I possibly can.

It should all be pretty straightforward, so, just format the current partition, and install away!

Cheers, Have Fun!

 

You might try this first: http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/download

The Dell disc is just like a retail Win7 disc with the exception of not needing a product key to activate. No other software of any kind is installed from the OS disc.

You will need to install drivers, particularly the chipset: http://support.dell.com/support/dow...temID=STUDIO1558&os=W764&osl=en&catid=&impid=

 

Joel - Backup what? Stupid question, perhaps.. but I only backup things I need. This is a new laptop, got it a few days ago and havent used it.. so if I should be backing things up, what should I back up? Bet I sound like a newb now (I have nothing personal on here that is mine btw, so im asking if I should be backing up any native Dell settings or makign a restore point or something).

Jason - thanks for the clarification of the Dell disc. I asked because the Dell XP disc I got a few years ago was customised to Dell, had their help and support centre and some other annoyyign software on it, but you could opt out during the installation.

Thanks guys!

 

bump......

 

If this is a new Laptop without anything installed then you should be good to go without backing up anything....As far as I know the Windows OS discs should be free and clear. My XP disc for my 9300 was always free of bloatware.....As far as I know the Win 7 Discs are the same....When you go to the drivers disc, that where the bloatware is and where youll need to keep an idea on what gets installed.

EDIT: Just completed a clean install, youll need the drivers DVD\CD that came with your machine as well. Besides that I am up and running smoothly. I deleted the restore partition, but left the OEM partition. No more "bloatware", but it wasnet really that bad to begin with. I did not reinstall Mcafee and decided to go with Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

Good stuff. How many processes do you have running now? I had have 81 with all the bloatware etc.

 

Well for installation no need to learn anything new.You must know its operating system.Install it like Xp by following instructions.Windows 7 has best graphics and suitable for business use.