S15 bloatware - anyone know what these programs do??

Hello folks. I've had my S15 a month or so now and I'm well happy with it. Seems to work very well.
I've just been reading a few posts about bloatware and its removal. I've read the very good guide on this site.
I've had a look at my program list and I have the following programs installed which I class as bloatware:

Avantquest update
Browser address error redirector dell
Cisco EAP-FAST Module Cisco
Cisco LEAP Module Cisco
Cisco PEAP Module Cisco
Dell getting started guide dell
Dell Support center dell
Dell video chat dell
Edocs
Google Toolbar for internet explorer google
GoToAssist 8.0.0.514
Inter matrix storage manager
Live cam avatar creator creative
Microsoft SQL server 2005 compact edition microsoft
Microsoft visual C++ 2005 microsoft
Windows live mail microsoft
Windows photo gallery microsoft
Windows Live Writer microsoft

This are programs that I will consider removing. Does anyone know of what they are for, or any reason why I should not remove them?

I reckon I need to keep the C++ for certain software like maybe office.

I have a 4 year dell in house warranty. I guess therefore I may need to keep the dell stuff like the gotoassist?

As for removing the bloatware, what is the advantage of doing a clean install rather than just remove the apps from add/remove programs?

Any advice greatly received.

Many thanks

Kai

 

Don't remove the cisco stuff, the intel storage manager, or the SQL server/visual C++. Removing them will cause problems with the OS and many programs. The other stuff I removed and I have no issues with the laptop so far (3 weeks in).

Doing a clean install is nice because you know exactly what is installed. Plus there is nothing left over from uninstalling those programs.

 

How vital is the C++? I uninstalled it a few weeks ago, and so far haven't experienced any problems. Then again, I don't have MS Office installed.

 

Avantquest update - This could be anything, it's an Umbrella updater for many different programmes. Leave it.

Leave the Cisco stuff

Dell getting started guide dell
Dell Support center dell
You could get rid of these if you want. I'd keep support definately keep support center.

Dell video chat dell
You could probably get rid of it, it's for webcam-ing with other people. MSN does this fine though.

Edocs
Dunno what this is. It could be a few things...

Google Toolbar for internet explorer google
Nuke it

GoToAssist 8.0.0.514
This is sth to do with Citrix AFAIK

Inter matrix storage manager
KEEP THIS! If you've read the reformat thread you should know what it is.

Live cam avatar creator creative
Nuke it if you want.

Microsoft SQL server 2005 compact edition microsoft
Keep.

Microsoft visual C++ 2005 microsoft
Meh, no harm in keeping it.

Windows live mail microsoft
Part of Vista.

Windows photo gallery microsoft
Part of Vista.

Windows Live Writer microsoft
Part of Vista.


BTW, there's very little of this Google couldn't have told you.

 

I find that a lot of programs that I run need it, but if you aren't running a lot of open source, then it probably isn't too useful. It doesn't take up that much space and it's not a running process so I don't see a reason to remove it.

 

Thanks everyone,

I appreciate your time here, I'll remove the few extra apps tonight, but I'll leave the ones that you have advised such as Cisco.
Point taken about googling a bit mroe before posting...

I am still unsure about doing a clean install. The thing is, I am ready to install Oracle and WebLogic server to crack on with my Java developement, so if I am to clean install, now is the time (so I can back it up before installing wls and oracle - occasionally these two culprits can cause problems).

So far I've read a mixed bunch of success stories and not so successful stories on the (very long) bloatware removal thread. I'd like to do it but I don't want it to take forever to get right.
I also like the sound of the speedyvista site, I am going to look into that too.

Anyway, I'll spend some more time going through the thread before I make a decision.

In any case, I use Paragon drive image, so if I wreck the system I should be able to put the partitions back!

Thanks again
Kai

 

A heads up: The bloatware removal/clean install thread is very good, however Media Direct 4 is slightly different.
There's no need to put it in before the reformat as it doesn't have its own partition. Just skip that bit and install it at the end.

 

I actually uninstalled MediaDirect, as I am used to Media Center already and can use one of my old Media Center remotes with it as well.

 

I have to say, the more I read on here, the more I am thinking of dispensing with media direct altogether. As you rightly say, my MD version is 4, and subsequently the useful feature of booting up MD without windows does not exist.
What I'd really like to do is to securely wipe my HDD using a third party tool (included on the 'ultimate boot disk' that I downloaded), then simply have 1 partition with vista on.
I think I can do this but I wish to read some more of the bloatware removal thread (its huge and takes some reading) first to see if there is any more info about it.
My only wrinkle about not having MD installed is my dell travel remote may not work. I will test this tonight in windows media center. If this is the case then I will re-install MD 4, as the remote is handy for movies.
Does MD4 create its own partition if installed after vista?
I currently have a copy of each of my partitions but I am not sure I could recover with these alone if it all went horribly wrong. I might scratch that and take a full copy of my HDD instead. Although I've used PCs for years I haven't had a lot to do with partitions.
I am very keen to do a clean install, following which I fancy the windows tweaks and maybe even a dabble in undervolting....

 

Someone posted yesterday showing you how to make normal remotes work, so I assume it'd be fairly easy to get the Dell one working in MediaCentre...

 

I don't have the travel remote but like you said, just see if it works in regular media center right now (I don't have the travel remote so I can't confirm.) If it does, you should be able to reformat and reinstall to a single partition. If it doesn't, try changing the ehome infrared driver to the generic one like I posted previously.

As far as I know, the second partition Dell installs is merely for the recovery utilities. They might be helpful at some point, but they certainly aren't necessary as you can obtain similar or better tools on boot CDs like "Hiren's Boot CD" (awesome disc!). You also mentioned backing up, which is a good idea. Use Ghost and make a full HDD backup to an external USB drive, then you can fully restore if anything goes wrong.

I chose not to reinstall myself. I ordered from Dell directly and was able to change my options to NOT install any extra trial software. When I got it there was very little bloatware and what I didn't want was easily removed without any subsequent issues. I removed MediaDirect and just a couple of other things (QuickSet seems to be useless). For the most part, the benefits of a clean reinstall are more psychological than practical, but in some cases necessary... such as certain software like Symantec Security that often just refuses to fully go away.

There shouldn't be any problem deleting all current partitions and starting with just one when you reinstall. Just do this during Windows setup.

 

Whatever you do def. get rid of the "Browser address error redirector dell"

http://searchengineland.com/070523-083042.php

Dell and Google, that's just not cool :

 

I reinstalled my Windows Vista without MD4 installed. The travel remote control works as usual. You must install the ITE IT8512 CIR Receiver driver for it to work. Of course, the left button next to the Windows Media Centre button on the remote doesn't work if MD4 isn't installed. I think MD4 doesn't create a separate partition after it is installed. Remember that we only have 2 partitions (system and restore) when the laptop came out of the factory and it has MD4 installed by default? Just my opinion.

 

OK so the remote will work - thanks for that, I never got on my laptop last night so not tried yet, but it sounds OK to me.
The more I read about bloatware removal, the more I like it. Sadly mine came with trial ware such as norton, BT (broadband), MS Works to name but a few.
I cannot be sure how deep into my system these have burrowed (despite me removing them via control panel).

I think a reinstall for me will be easy, as I don't want MD, or the google stuff or anything really. I do want dell dock, as I think thats great. Also I want dell quickset as this enables the custom power plans (I think, and I get 4 hours plus on dell extended batt mode), as well as the useful icons when you search for networks, adjust brightness, check batt strength etc via the fn keys.
Other than that it will just be office and my java stuff really.

The main issue I see people having with reinstalls is with the AHCI drivers. To me, so long as I unzip them to the media, it would be fine. Plus, I have ALL resource CDs, so I reckon they will be on the cd anyway.

I do take on board what you say however that it may be a phsychological thing: the need to wipe and reinstall. The trouble is, if I don't there will always be that thought, could this machine run faster??

My only wrinkle at the moment is that I am having this '3 flashes then nothing' issue with the wi-fi catcher which Dell are supposedly ringing me back about. I really need to keep it a stock build for the minute so they can help me resolve that.

I hope they hurry though as I really want to get started!!

Thanks for the help and advice, its appreciated.