Just recieved my dv6500t. What's the first thing I should do?

So, I just recieved my notebook today from custom order.

I've opened the box, plugged it in, and turned it on.

I followed the instructions on the screen, and now i'm at the desktop, with the HP center thing on the screen.

Now what's the first thing I should do?

I have not connected to the internet (as I do not want to until I get some Antivirus/spyware software).
I do not have any of the office programs
I have pretty much done nothing to tweak it.


(I do not want to touch my computer much unless i'm sure of what i'm doing, because my old gateway was a bust... -_- it died 3 times, each time resulting in me having to send it back to them for them to fix it, before i sold it)

 

Create the restore DVD's first. Then decide if you want a clean Vista install or just remove the bloatware (from what you said and your experience level I'd say you probably want to just uninstall the bloatware). From there you can connect to the net and update Vista as needed and enjoy your new toy.

-Reby

 

I agree, make the restore disks and then un-install all bloatware. HP preloads a good amount of it with the OS, so reinstalling the OS wont do alot

 

how do i uninstall/remove the bloatware?

 

it will be easier for you to do clean install of vista instead of trying to remove the bloatware

 

return it.

 

Laker, he bought it. He likes it, end of story.

You should uninstall all of the applications you won't need, like the office trial, norton, and all of the games.

 

I am in the same boat -- well, almost. I've had the dv6500t for over a week, but I am just now starting the initial setup -- following the Giant Out of the Box Guide -- Wow, that is exactly what I was looking for. You guys are amazing! Actually, I just did a search for it cause I remembered seeing it somewhere. I'm only on step 1...

I only have a minute to do this right now as I have to catch a plane tomorrow and I have a zillion things to do. Did not sleep a wink due to a deadline today, so, I am even more out of it than usual.

I'm wondering if you guys could recommend a quick and dirty AV solution until my FREE Kapersky IS 7 program comes (you can order it Free w/rebate and free shipping on Amazon). It needs to be foolproof cuz I have no time and I also have to set up my new Freeagent Pro and transfer all my files from XP to Vista.

I'm wondering if I install Norton, will I EVER be able to completely remove it. I know previous versions have been terrible for that. I've been using the Corporate version, and its been fine, at least since I upgraded from 7.5 to 10.1.5! So, do you guys think I dare install Norton, or should I just get AVG or Avast! ?

Actually, I have the same question for Office 2007, should I just try it and not install my Office 2003 until the 2007 expires (or buy it for 60 w/student discount--nah, not worth it!). I'll be traveling for a month and need to have things working before I go!

Oh yeah, do you guys recommend using ZoneAlarm and/or Spyware Blaster w/ Vista Home Premium?

Sorry I'm a bit scattered, would greatly appreciate some quick advice...again!

 

If you don't want to do a clean install, run PC decrapifier to get rid of most of the bloatware... I did that before my WAU arrived and that software certainly made the lappy faster. Do a Ccleaner and then defrag at least once every week as well.

IMHO, windows firewall is sufficient for a normal home user. Just add NOD32 or Kaspersky AV and I think you are good to go.

 

what next, after i get rid of all my bloatware?

Startup options?

 

check out this guide:
The HP Laptop Out of the Box Guide

 

Install XP

 

Dude have a tall glass of shut the hell up. He cant figure out what bloat is and you think he's going to be able to install XP? You are an idiot, please smack your parents for buying cheap rubbers.

Now back on topic...

After you create the restore DVD's you can read the thread in the OS section on how to Tweak Vista so it runs the way you want it to:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=166532

Enjoy!

-Reby

 

Make a clean reinstall, and get rid of bloatware.

 

Return it and get the 6700t

 

After having been on this forum for quite some time now I realize that people never do searches on the forum for information, they just post and hope people can hold their hand during every little step.

I don't mind helping people, but more and more the only thing I'm doing is finding posts that are already here and referencing them to the people. Please people, do searches on the forum before you create new posts about topics that are already here.

 

I agree, but it's not entirely the new user's fault. I've used the search function here and its not very intuitive nor does it give very accurate or usable results at times. Sure there are lazy people (and they drive me just as crazy) but I try to help if they are willing to help themselves (and at least meet us half way). What drives me nuts are the people that cant even create a complete thought and title threads like "Help Me!" ...uh ya I think I'll pass (or the bozo above with his 'Install XP' reply).

I try to behave myself and help people that need it (and try to not get annoyed) but sometimes I fail and I'm not very polite, ah well nobody is perfect.

-Reby

 

As has been said before, MAKE RECOVERY DVDS!!! That will take an hour or so, but once you do that you know you can recover the system if you ever need to. You'll need DVD+R Discs (not -R discs).

 

I have used Symantec products for years, specifically their Internet Security software and AV programs. Recently, I have decided to stop using NIS and AV due to the fact that they simply clog up my computer and make it run so damned slow and sluggish.

And if you try to uninstall it, they leave so much crap behind it's unbelievable. So, I plan to switch to Kapersky for AV duties and possibly a different program for firewall duties. Far as I am concerned, I will never use Norton AV or NIS again.

 

Holy hell, glad I bought the +R discs then... =)

 

And if you try to uninstall it, they leave so much crap behind it's unbelievable. So, I plan to switch to Kapersky for AV duties and possibly a different program for firewall duties. Far as I am concerned, I will never use Norton AV or NIS again.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, I really appreciate this input. I have been pretty nervous about activating the NIS and now it seems the FREE (after rebate) Kapersky 7 has shipped already from Amazon. I still haven't been online on the new computer cause I haven't had time to figure out the AV issue. Thanks again! Happy Holidays to all...

Ya-Ya

 

Why +R and not -R?

 

Because HP backed +R back in the day, so it's their way of promoting it. You might be lucky and -R would work, but +R is the sure thing.

 

Great guide!

-R seemed to work for me.

 

Whats the difference between R- and R+?

 

The difference is one has a + and one has a - oh, um...hehe

Ok Ok so I'm not funny. Here's what Wiki has to say on the subject:

-Reby