Tweaking my 640m

hi guys, i've had my 640m for almost a week now and im really loving it. I've been looking around my system with the hopes of speeding it up even more. I've removed almost all the junkware i dont need and left all the dell programs which i have no plans of uninstalling for the mean time. I've also tinkered with the performance settings, taking away what i think are unnecessary effects that windows have. Overall, im quite pleased with the speed but like a lot of us, more is better.

Question: Im running quite a lot of processes in the background, and i cant seem to get rid off most of them. Im not much of a computer wizard that's why im quite reluctant to end some of the processes as i may end up screwing up my pc. Is there any way i could trim the processes down? Can i use my McAfee to do the job? The only thing i want running in my background are Yahoo Widgets, BT and Wifi, and my antivirus software.

 

The best way to get rid of all these unwanted process is a clean Windows install.http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=67545

 

Reformat and reinstall windows

 

still reluctant to reformat. im afraid i might end up screwing up. the process is just too long and complicated for a non-techie

 

the process is way shorter and less complicated than removing every piece of crapware one by one

 

Theres no need to be afraid of reformatting. Before I was afraid and uneducated about how the reformat process worked but with the windows xp install, the process is very simple.
All you need to do is follow SouthernGirl's instructions and you'll be all set. Everything will run much smoother. I received my 640m yesterday and have done the reinstall. It runs much smoother now. Very nice.
If you need any help, let me know

EDIT: If you do choose to reinstall windows, update the bios before. I dont know if this will be a problem for you but for me, when I performed the reinstall, I updated the bios after and I ran into an error where I wasnt able to log into windows. If you update it before, there will be no need to update it again after reinstall.

 

i to am about to re format my 640m, i just need tot alk dell into sending me cd's of all the drivers and stuff

 

Are the dvd decoder included in the box when the 640m shipped? im out of the country now and i read that it usually ships seperately. Is there any other way i could get a copy without having to call Dell and ask them to ship it to me? As i said, im not in the US right now and it would take some time until i get back.

 

Wow you seriously do need to reinstall Windows. 66 Processes is completely redicilous, I have a maximum of 30 running and that's it.

 

Dell gets a lot of money from putting their crapware on your computer.... They get the money from advertisers, that’s why there is all kinds of junk and trial offers.... I would definitely reformat the machine. A new and fresh start is the best way to begin using a new computer. It makes a world of difference.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. But you have to understand that im not much of a techie (but slowly learning to be one). How easy is it to reformat a laptop? I've done it with my PC but i know it's not that easy with this laptop (with the media direct and all). Im still hesitant cause i dont want to screw up my new baby Is it really that easy that everyone's doing it? For you guys it may be easy but for a novice, it's kind of risky. I've read Southerngirl's post and seem to find it too complicated. First of all, i dont know which driver to download from dell's site and install in my unit. Help please. Here are my specs:

Core Duo T2500 2.0ghz
Windows XP Pro
100gb 5400 HDD
1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
Intel Pro Wireless with Bluetooth
8x DVD-R/RW
14.1 inch WXGA+ UltraSharp™ TFT Display with TrueLife™

 

This should help you a lot.
Step by step visual aid of what you will encounter. If you use Dell's Windows reinstall CD you will not have to enter the product key. It will skip that step

http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsreinstall.com/sp2installxpcdnewhdd/indexfullpage.htm


As for drivers...if you dont know and someone on here has not told you, then call Dell. They will tell you what you need to install
Hope this helps

 

Wow! Thanks for the link Jun85 ! That's exactly what i need! As for calling Dell, im not quite sure i could cause im currently out of the US for business. I hope someone here could help me on which driver i must install for it to run perfectly.

 

Oh sorry I didnt realize you had the 640m. So do I. As for drivers you should install in this order

1. System and Configuration Utility
2. Chipset (Intel)
3. Video (Intel)

and then whatever order you want for the below

4. Input device driver (Synaptic)
5. Audio driver (Sigmatel)
6. Applications (Dell MediaDirect) Look at SouthernGirl's reinstall thread

BEFORE you start installing windows, update the BIOS

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=gen

 

Jun85, you're the best! But how about for the wireless card and bluetooth?

 

Oh, forgot about that
For the wireless, if you only want the driver then download this

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/scripts-df-external/Detail_Desc.aspx?&DwnldID=11342

If you want the software along with the driver then download it from the dell driver site under "Network". Download the one that says intel. You dont need to download the software. If you download only the driver, Windows will take care of the signal. As for the ethernet connection, download the Broadcom. Should be the one at the very top of "Network". As for bluetooth...im not sure about that. Sorry. I didnt have it on my system

 

No problem Jun85, you've been a great help! Thanks a heap! So, how do you like your 640m? Im really loving mine, but im still having second thoughts about reformating it. How was your reformat? How much did it improve your performance?

 

Havent been very impressed with the service that dell provides. I really like the system but I have had numorous problems to deal with like a defective CD, and keyboard. Had to get a system exchange so I reinstalled Windows 3 times. Compared with my Toshiba Satellite M55 its comparably good. The only thing I dont like with the 640m is the keyboard. It feels sorta cheap but nothing that will convince me of hating it or disliking it. Im not a gamer. I just use it for school purposes and on the side...music and movies etc. I never had a chance to compare the performance of the before and after for reinstall because as soon as I received it, I did the reinstall. It runs smoothly though. Reformat is very easy. Really, there is nothing big to worry about. Microsoft has made it very simple to understand. I wrote a review a few hrs ago if you care to read it

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=76607

 

The Windows part I have no problem doing. Im really cautious about installing all the right drivers for all my hardware. I might end up installing the wrong ones and ruin my laptop. But with all the help from you, i think i could manage. Thanks again!