What software to keep/use

Hi, folks.

I just got an E1705 and as you all know it comes loaded with software. How much of this stuff should one keep? Is any of it any good? I have uninstalled all the AOL, Earthlink, etc., ****, but stuff like Yahoo music match, for example, is still on there. I am a big audiophile and I'd like your opinions on which music playing software is best. I mean there is everything from Windows Media Player to iTunes. So many choices. Is music match any good?

Perhaps if someone could compile a list of the ****ware I should uninstall that would be helpful.

I'm sure someone has documented this somewhere . . ?

 

Here you go, hope this works.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=48490

 

If you have a windows xp cd just do a clean install

 

keep/use none of it

do a clean install

 

It is more efficient to reinstall rather than uninstalling all of the software, defragging, and searching for other junk.
It will take about 1.5 hours to repartition, reinstall windows and drivers and install software you want. You can go to Geek Squad (Best Buy) and have them do it but it will cost you a lot of money and driving time.

 

How much will Geek Squad charge to do a reinstall. I'm not comfortable messing with partitions and drivers.

 

Call and ask. However, I would ask a computer savvy friend to do it instead of paying someone to do it.

 

I checked their site and I believe it's $59.00 to do an OS reinstall. I work with a few guys who might be able to do it, although it's a big responsibility messing with someone's system. They might not want the hassle.

I have a Best Buy next to my gym. I'll check out GS and see what the deal would be.

 

Just be aware that they may not be clued in on what impacts a reinstall will have on MediaDirect. If that's a consideration in any of this....

Mark

 

Believe me. clean install is way way easier than you are thinking/imagining.

 

it really, really is... i too was reluctant to do it myself, but it's really simple. just pop the re-install CD and give it a go (up until you actually press "Format", you can bail out at any time, so there's no harm in just putting the CD in and seeing what happens).

 

N Peart! it,s no difficult, esp with XP. There is a guide for it in Dell forum as well.

And if ever u mess up, u can then find some of ur friends or Geek Squad but first ask the charges from them now.

 

Thanks to all who replied. I guess I am most concerned with altering/deleting partitions. Also, in order to maximize performance shouldn't I be creating a few partitions and having certain programs run from those partitions?

SG's step by step instructions seem good, but the partition section doesn't make sense to me.

 

I can understand some apprehension.... esp wrt adverse impacts by deleting something you shouldn't [e.g. Dell Utility partition]. But using partitions has its benefits... Have a read thru this thread. See if it answers any of your questions.

wrt 'performance'. Yes, if you get into some more sophisticated partition schemes and operating system configurations, you can eek out some better performance. But probably something at this point to not worry about.

hth

Mark

 

I was in your position too, I was afraid that I would break something if I reinstalled.(thanks to everyone who helped answer all of my Questions, with special thanks to MarkMck for tolerating my inexperience) The fact that you're a bit nervous about it is actually good since it means that you'll find out as much as you can before you do it(at least that's how it is for me).

Just make sure you have all the CD's you'll need. You'll need the XP Reinstall disc for whatever veesion you have, the Resources CD for drivers snd to repair mediadirect, and the CD's for any Software that came preintalled that you want to keep on your machine.

Unfortunately you'll have to request most of that stuff from Dell, unless there's a way to do it when placing your order? Otherwise you have to wait until your system arrives.

 

just to clarify, you don't have to wait til the system arrives. you're free to call while the system is still being built and request it. they'll still send 'em out and you'll probably get them before you even get your computer.

 

But don't you need your service tag? Or do you get that info once you place your order.

You can also request the CDs on Dell chat.