Wow, bloatware reinstalled automatically?!?

I'm in the process of doing a clean install on my XPS M170. I'm using the MCE Operating System install CD which was supplied with my system. I've done clean installs in the past and this seemed to be no different.

The problem comes after you setup all your Windows settings (like time zone, etc). Before the systems boots into the desktop, a window takes up the whole screen which says "Installing Applications...Do not press any keys while the installation is in progress. Please wait up to 30 minutes for the installation to complete."

Is there a way to do a clean install WITHOUT installing the bloatware?

 

Wow! That is crazy!

I did a clean install 2 days after I got my laptop and I didn't have that problem.

 

That is not bloatware.

That is the standard applications for XP. This happens with XP Pro, but I think it happens with all XP systems. It is only installing the generic XP programs. If you've done reformats in the past, you should have noticed that pop up. All it is doing is installing things like I.E., Paint, etc

 

I've never seen that with any previous XP installs I've done. Of course, my XP CDs are pre-SP2; maybe they changed things up.

 

I've had it happen with all versions of XP. Normally this is the point where most people walk away and just leave their system so it can do the install. That's why most users don't know about it.

Don't worry. It is doing what it is suppose to do. I promise.

 

You're right. Install is done and the only extra software it loaded was two games, "GemMastic" and "Otto". I had the option of removing them from Add or Remove programs. Continuing with drivers...

 

The Dell XP copies (Same with HPs) are weird compared to an actual copy of Windows XP Home/MC/Pro. It doesn't even ask for the serial number, and it is a Dell modified version of Windows XP taylored for Dell systems. Meaning some folders are modified, including install files. (To make the install even easier than normal... I know thats pretty unbelievable seeing how a third grader could load XP and to make XP run better on a Dell Machine) Just felt like I should mention that. If components like paint bother you (I do not recommend uninstalling IE) follow these instructions

Control Panel --> Add/Remove --> Add/Remove Windows Compnents --> Assessories --> Select what you want to uninstall.

Btw, I do not randomly uninstall opponents.

Ack... a little late. <<;

 

well the reason that it doesn't ask for the serial key is because OEM disk installs based on hardware. If the disk was retail, it would be like you described, but OEM's can only be installed on the hardware that matches with the disk.

I still can't get the driver's page to work.

 

I got it up. Would you like a link to a specific model?

 

I was trying to get the XPS M170 drivers page, but when asked to select an operating system, there's nothing in the drop-down box.

 

I am at the DLs page as well, I don't know why there is no drop down box!1

 

So if I install a 6800 Go Ultra in my 9300 and change the BIOs, can I still install my OEM Windows XP Media Center on my laptop???

 

Probably note because it is matched to your hardware. A normal XP disk would create a hardware profile and would allow for minor changes like Graphics cards.

I can no longer get the thing to work either.

 

they must be still updating. Sometimes it has down time.

I haven't heard any complaints that you can't use your Dell OEM disk with the 6800 card. I can see why you are questioning it since it is an "unsupported" modification, but I think the disk just needs to detect motherboard and some other components in order to do the reformat.

 

Yea, but the hacked BIOs for the 6800Ultra Go make say the computer is now a XPS.

You are right though, I haven't seen anyone complain

 

Well eventhought the Bios is going to make it a XPS, that is still a dell, and the disks are suppose to work with all Inspirons and XPS. I mean there isn't a specific disk for each model.

The latitudes get a retail disk.

 

I can't be 100% certain but I believe its an SP2 thing. I didn't always get that installing applications thing, in fact I dusted off an older XP Pro and XP Home CD just to be certain

If its not SP2 than I suppose MCE related either way