New laptop owner (e1505) what do I need to look for?

This will be a scary thread to most veteran computer users but maybe if we (new laptop users) can get some veteran advice, it could help us all out.

I started reading this forum as my new dell e1505 was being made and shipped and found many things very useful. Albeit I struggled to keep up on terms and such being pretty much a computer novice.

Basically my questions are:

1. What should a person in my situation check for/ do to run my laptop through the gauntlet to make sure everything checks out before the return period is up?

2. I've read a lot on reformatting and starting from scratch although am quite scared to do this (see novice above and don't wanna lose the media direct function), so I read you could also add/remove programs to get rid of most of the dell fluff. Anyone that hasn't already reformatted know exactly what all I should/can get rid of? (Reformatting is kinda not an option due to the fact I didn't get the xp disc from dell becuase I assumed that is would come with it) Is it possible to get them to ship you a disc? Or buy it?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions as I go along, just as long as the other forum members are tolerant and patient of my stupidity

 

Basically make sure all the components are functional...
- make sure everything ordered is there. hd, screen right size, etc.
- check over the screen to make sure is fairly evenly lit and functions properly
- write a cd or dvd to make sure the drive is functioning properly
- pop a memory card in the card reader to make sure it works.
- run it on battery a little while to make sure it holds a charge.
- just generally use the computer to make sure everything is as expected.

Im a software developer and deal with computers every day and im not thrilled at the prospect of reformatting my e1505 either. I had a HD crash on my 600m and took forever to get my bluetooth back after a reformat so im going to go the 1/2 way route this time and see how it goes...

Basically go through all the software installed and if its not something you would install yourself get rid of it... ideal candidates are McCaffey antivirus, firewall, etc... and replace it with Norton or your favorite AV program, Google Desktop, Corel Photo Software, all the ISPs, etc. Remove all these thru the add/remove programs section of Control Panel.

Removing the software will clean things up some, but your registry will still have alot of junk present... if you have norton system works or other registry cleaner you can use that to get rid of the extra junk left behind in your registry... but even if you dont your system will still run cleaner without the junk.

Oh, also there are a number of games in the Dell Games option from Programs... these are evil IMO... they all use WildTangent installations which are widely recognized as adware/malware. Dont run them, just get rid of them.

No problem.

 

In regards to WildTangent, yep - I'll agree with that one... EVIL junkware. I have to admit though, that helicopter shoot em game was pretty cool. I still uninstalled it, but it took me back to the 80's and Xevious...

Congrats on your purchase bungerman! Enjoy it and be sure to give it a good looking over before the 3 weeks are up.

 

Yea double thanks. I was worried my 1.66ghz DC would be weak but man oh man it handles everything i through at it.

 

You should be able to get one for $10. If you place an order make sure it also is delivered with a Dell Drivers and Utilities CD [aka Resource CD]. And don't be shy in grilling them to confirm the Resource CD is specifically for your computer [I got the wrong one]

Mark

 

It would also be good to run the diagnostics utility and make sure there are no errors. Hit F12 on boot up and select the diagnostics utility for a one time boot. This will run a series of tests on your laptop to check audio/video, memory sticks, check your HDD, etc.