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    Bloatware Removal Question - A Work Around?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by ArthurofChicago, Jul 9, 2007.

  1. ArthurofChicago

    ArthurofChicago Notebook Consultant

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    How much bloatware can be removed simply using the add/remove function? I don't want to worry about down loading drivers, quick launch operability and other challenges that can occur with a clean Vista install.

    I know Norton is a problem so I will use Nortons own removal tool. http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

    Does Norton's own solution remove everything or at least everything that will cause problems?

    Bottom line - Can I get to 90% removal effectiveness through add/remove and Norton's own removal program?

    FYI -I also plan on tweaking the default start ups through Msconfig. http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/msconfig_vista.html
     
    ArthurofChicago, Jul 9, 2007
    #1
  2. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yeah, you should be able to except it will be leave behind registry entires and several files and folders behind so its just better to do a clean install.
     
    usapatriot, Jul 9, 2007
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  3. thegsrguy

    thegsrguy Notebook Deity

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    You should probably run CCleaner afterwards to nuke all the old temp files and other random registry keys left behind.
     
    thegsrguy, Jul 9, 2007
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  4. nephipower

    nephipower Notebook Consultant

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    I removed all the bloatware when i first got my computer. But, it still took forever to restart my computer, at least 5 minutes. Then I did a clean install and install the necessary drivers and my start time was cut down to 1.5 minutes.
     
    nephipower, Jul 9, 2007
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  5. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Same here for me. The clean install made the unit boot into Vista very quickly, where before it was quite lethargic (even after uninstalling the bloatware through Add/Remove).
     
    R4000, Jul 9, 2007
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  6. camaren

    camaren Notebook Enthusiast

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    The difference was that great? That doesn't make sense on a brand new computer? If the difference is indeed THAT extreme than I too will consider re-installing the OS. However, would not removing the applications via Add/Remove and changes start-up app's at MSCONFIG do the trick?
     
    camaren, Jul 9, 2007
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  7. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    Most of it. See also this thread.
     
    AKAJohnDoe, Jul 9, 2007
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  8. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    I've done both clean install and deleting bloatwares. No change in booting time. Norton is very easy to delete, first delete the update then the actual program.

    The main advantage of just removing the bloatware is that you leave the drivers intact. A clean install takes forever to load all the programs you have. Make sure you have copies of drivers after a clean install.
     
    kanehi, Jul 11, 2007
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  9. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    In my experience even going into the registry and removing all references to Symantec and Norton will not remove enough of Norton to prevent it from interfering with other products subsequently installed.

    The Norton Removal Tool, available from the Symantec website, does remove all traces, however.
     
    AKAJohnDoe, Jul 11, 2007
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  10. mtor

    mtor Notebook Deity

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    The fastest and easist way is to do a complete reformat and reinstall
     
    mtor, Jul 11, 2007
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