dv5t "bloatware" removal

Hello,

Wasn't sure if I should make this a seperate thread..?

Anyways I am wondering what all of the "bloatware" that the dv5t has preinstalled is worth keeping around. And once I delete a program can I still get it back or is it gone forever (I imagine some of the software are HP exclusive deals, or is all of the "bloatware" just free downloads off the internet?). Whats the deal with like 5 different media players? Are they different in some way?

To get specific I am unsure of these devices...(I plan on using my dv5t as an entertainment center/tv station [but I think I will stick with Microsofts Media Center to watch those things? or is there a better program recommended?], with casual web browsing and gaming, etc.)

AverMedia Encoder
Compatability Pack for 2007 Office
Broadcom wireless LAN Adaptor
Cyberlink DVD Suit
CyberLink YOuCam (do you need this for webcam?)
DigitalPersona Personal 3.02
All of the HP software... (customer experience enhancesments, help and support, photosmart, quick launch buttons, quickplay, quicktouch, smart web printing, total care advisor, update, wireless assistant, and HPTCSSetup)
IDT Audio
Intel Matrix Storage Manager
Java?
JMicron Flash MEdia Controller
LabelPrint
LightScribe
muvee
Power2Go
PowerDirector
ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (I imagine this is good?)
QuickPlay SlingPlayer
Realtek Ethernet Driver
Serif WebPlus
Slingbox FLash Tour
SlingPlayer
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
Viewpoint Media Player


If anyone would be so very kind as to go through these individually and tell me what they do and if they are worth keeping? Right now I just have so many things installed that it makes me sick and I do not know what is safe to uninstall (or that I won't be using...).

Phew, ok thanks again for any and all replies and I hope my post isn't too sloppy.

-AndrewCK

 

Ya, my new dv7t will be coming soon and I could use some advice as to which programs should be uninstalled too. Anyone?

P.S. - you might want to try the PCdecrapifier

 

Here is a semi-tutorial that will help you get the most out of your notebook.
1. Create Factory restore disks.
2. Backup your factory activation using the tools described in this thread .
3. Obtain a copy of the anytime upgrade dvd's
4. Install Vista
5. Activate your vista again
6. Check to see all your drivers have loaded correctly in device manager.
7. enjoy your clean install of vista without any bloatware!

 

jpz just uninstall everything that looks awkward lol.

MS Office Compatibility
MS Office 2007
HP Help & Support
HP Frontend Support
HP Smart Web Printing
muvee auto producer
Yahoo Toolbar
SlingBox
SlingBox flash
HP everything, blah blah blah

 

I tried what you are talking about, but could not find any reference to what to delete. I never could get Norton complete off my computer. I finally did a clean install

 

If I do the clean reinstall what programs should I load back on?

And is it better to just get all of the drivers off hp website or does it not contain them all?

 

To this point, I just purchased a new DV5T yesterday and I am wondering this as well.

Is there a significant advantage to doing a clean install once I get the machine? Or can I just uninstall all the crap I dont need/want?

 

Go to the thread on Clean Install of Vista and follow instructions carefully. There is a setup file on your C: drive called "SWSETUP". It appears to contain all your drivers and software installed. put it on a seperate DVD. After you do a clean install, look thru the list and read the readme files to see what each file contains. don't load Inetsec(Norton). I found these drivers worked better thatnthe download from HP site. Also some software is not available on HP site. The other thread on clean install explains it.

 

You need to download a special uninstaller for Norton. You can find it in the Norton website.

 

Hey I had 64 bit windows Vista and now its 32 bit! How can I get 64 bit back? By the way I used a 32 bit upgrade as my Vista disc.

 

Use the recovery disc to restore to the factory Vista 64bit.

 

But can I do a clean install and still get 64 bit?

 

No, you will need a 64bit install disc.

 

So if you uninstall Norton from the remove programs, it won't be fully removed??

BTW, should the driver updates be installed before or after removing the bloatware?

thanks

 

You have to remove Live Update from Symantec as well. I uninstalled those two and my task manger went from 74 processes to 63.