Zd8000 and HP crappy software?

I have heard that HP loads a ton of software onto their systems from the factory.. I hear it is a good idea to reload windows when you receive the systems?

I am a complete newb, how do I go about reloading windows and getting rid of the HP junk software? Thanks.

 

You dont need to rebuild from scratch if you dont want to. Just go to the control panel and use the add/remove software utility to remove everything you dont want.

 

RMichaelson85,

I'd recommend reloading the system from scratch. using the Add Remove Programs doesn't always remove all the files or registry settings from the system. This leaves the HDD and registry loaded with junk that it doesn't need. Extra entries in the registry will actually slow down system operation since it might start searching for apps/files that no longer exist in the system.

To reload the OS is pretty easy, but it does involve deleting all the data from your system, so make sure you have backed up all your data before starting the process.

HP usually ships a Windows XP OS CD, a Driver Restore CD & and App Recovery DVD/CD. The XP OS CD is a full version of XP specially modified so you don't have to activate your OS (verifies some info in the BIOS). So, to start the process follow the basic steps below:

1. You can either download all the updated drivers or use the drivers on the included CD (I'd recommend downloading updated chipset, wifi & display drivers from the manufacturers sites, not HP's as they are a bit outdated). Burn drivers onto CDRW or copy onto a USB drive (once formatted, you won't have access to the internet until the drivers are installed)
2. Insert XP OS CD and reboot/power on system and boot from CD
3. Follow the steps as indicated in the screen
4. When given the option to format OS or leave partition unchanged, select Format
5. Choose NTFS Quick Format
6. Again follow the prompts
7. The OS shoud now be complete (takes approx 45mins-1hr)
8. Now install the drivers one at a time if you downloaded them or run the setup on the driver CD and install the required drivers only. If prompted to install any software (that aren't drivers) say no
9. Goto the Device Manager (Start -> Right click My Computer -> Properties -> Hardware Tab -> Device Manager button) and make sure you don't have any question marks or exclamation marks. Once all ? & ! are gone that means all drivers have been successfully been installed and your system should be 100% working with a clean OS.

This is obviously a very basic guide on how to restore your system, but it should get you from A to B without any real issues. Just drop a line of you have any questions before you begin.

Good Luck!

-Vb-

 

Thank you for your responses, especially the detailed guide. I appreciate your help and will refer to you if I have any questions. I really appreciate it.

 

If I were to run Battlefield 2 or Half life 2 on this system, how would it run? Would the frame rate be playable and decent on the average settings?


ZD8000

2.8GHZ HT
512 MB DDRs2 ram
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) X600