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    Is it worth it to reinstall XP MCE???

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by darkshark0159, Aug 31, 2006.

  1. darkshark0159

    darkshark0159 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just purchased a Dell E1505 1.83GHz Duo w/ 1gb ram, ATI X1400, and XP MCE + re-install disc.

    What's easier/better? Re-installing the OS and loosing stuff like PowerDVD and Sonic or just deleting the junkware you dont want. I know there is alot more work involved with reinstalling because you have to fix MediaDirect etc. Would the performance be a whole lot better with a reformat or would just uninstalling junkware be sufficient. Also, can you still play dvds in MCE without PowerDVD?

    Thnx
     
    darkshark0159, Aug 31, 2006
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  2. Chele

    Chele Notebook Consultant

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    No you can't play dvds without power dvd, you'll need a dvd decoder, i don't know if there are any free ones. You can request the sonic and power dvd cds from dell. Performance has a increase but if you really don't wan't to go for formating erasing all the junkware will be ok, not so good as the other alternative but it'll be something.
     
    Chele, Sep 1, 2006
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  3. Metamorphical

    Metamorphical Good computer user

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    VLAN is free and will decode about everything. It can be used for DVDs. You may also request stock software like sonic and power DVD like Chele said.

    You could remove all the junkware in add/remove softwar then use a good registry cleaner. That'll speed things up. However that's just close and not the same as a full reinstall as there may always be traces of bloatware in our machine.

    A clean install really isn't that hard to perform and is worth it. Southern Girl's guide will give you a good walk threw on how to do it.
     
    Metamorphical, Sep 1, 2006
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  4. darkshark0159

    darkshark0159 Notebook Enthusiast

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    yeah thnx, ive read the guide, I know that i will have no trouble reinstalling windows, Ive done it Plenty of times before. I really perfer not have to get those cyberdvd and sonic disks so I'll see what else i can do.

    anyone have any reccomendations on the registry cleaner if I go that route?
     
    darkshark0159, Sep 1, 2006
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  5. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

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    I just reinstall and add a dvd software. If you dont add the software you wont be able to play
     
    gridtalker, Sep 1, 2006
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  6. BigFoot48

    BigFoot48 Notebook Guru

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    I Ghosted my drive upon first boot, then did a re-partition (I use C:-H: ) and reinstall of MCE. However if you just want to get rid of the bloatware I would just use Add/Remove and avoid any brain damage from having to reinstalled needed Dell stuff.
     
    BigFoot48, Sep 1, 2006
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  7. VCman

    VCman Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    Just follow SG's guide and you will be fine. I did and my laptop runs a lot smoother now.
     
    VCman, Sep 1, 2006
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  8. darkshark0159

    darkshark0159 Notebook Enthusiast

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    do you have a link to where i can find "VLAN"
    thnx
     
    darkshark0159, Sep 1, 2006
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  9. darkshark0159

    darkshark0159 Notebook Enthusiast

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    and if anyone else has recomendations for free dvd decoders.. plz

    i just requested the cyberlink pdvd disc but id like other (free faster to get) options.
     
    darkshark0159, Sep 1, 2006
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  10. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    vlan will play anything, literally

    videolan.org or something like that

    a reinstall is 1000% easier than uninstalling; you know this already since you have experience doing it
     
    drumfu, Sep 1, 2006
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  11. darkshark0159

    darkshark0159 Notebook Enthusiast

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    yeah, ive made the decision to reinstall and put my $9 disc to good use :D

    im impressed, it seems dell is sending me the powerdvd disc overnight free o' charge. i might not need vlan after all.
     
    darkshark0159, Sep 1, 2006
    #11