Bloatware uninstall vs semi-clean Vista install

Is there really a noticeable difference between manually uninstalling bloatware and performing a semi-clean Vista install?

If it's just a matter of startup processes or services I can use msconfig/services.msc to stop those too.

So should I really bother with a semi-clean install?

And what about disk space? Anyone know how much disk space you save by doing a semi-clean install vs bloatware uinstall?

 

I don't know where people get the phrase "semi-clean" install from. It's either a clean install, or it isn't. I always clean install, it's like the difference between repairing a car after an accident, and buying a new car.

 

Actually there IS a "semi-clean" install. It involves starting a full bloatware install and terminating the process at the right moment before most of the bloatware gets installed. I am over simplifying the process, for more details look at one of the semi-clean install thread.

Obviously from my signature line below, I am in the "do a clean install" camp!

Gary

 

Its like taking a half a shower.

 

Actually with the Sony restore process, it is a viable option to do this. The retore process is in two distinct phases. If you interrupt the process after the first phase completes, you are left with what is pretty darn close to a clean install. Not perfect mind you, but for folks who have no access to a Vista install DVD, it beats uninstalling the bloatware.

Gary

P.S. Again I am over simplifying the prcess. See one of the semi-clean install threads for details.

 

Hehe, digging half a hole...but now we're getting off topic.

What you're refering to is just an unorthodox method of doing a clean install. You're just interrupting the drivers/bloatware installation phase of recovery.

 

It reminds me at first of the experts that were saying the only way to get a clean install out of a Dell Upgrade Disk was to do a double install. It even hit all the sites and I howled. When I started explaining to all that clean install worked perfectly, they called me every name in the book...

In the end, there were alot of people surprised.

 

The only part I don't like about the semi-clean install is by interrupting the process you are leaving junk on the system, and there's no way to find out what this junk is.

 

Yep, that is precisely why I suggest folks do a clean install if they have the necessary resources to do so. I am not a big fan of the "semi-clean" install process as you can see from my signature line below. But for some folks it sure beats the bloatware uninstall waltz.

Gary

 

Gary has pretty much described it in a nutshell. Simply uninstalling bloatware leaves hundreds of registry keys, files and folders behind. See my signature for details.

 

I don't mind unused registry keys, they don't really affect performance.

A few files here and there, I can live with it.

I always keep startup programs and services to a minimum anyway so I'm not fully convinced I need to do a semi-clean or full clean install. Guess I'll see when I receive the laptop.

 

You'll be shocked when you look at your startup list for the first time. At least I was.

 

Personaly, I like to just uninstall bloatware.

Then CCleaner to clean every registry key that's left behind and voilá (and registry keys don't even affect performance).

There are many things that with new powerful machines and upgrades on OS kernels have become just myths. THe only way to know if it's really better to do a clean install or semi clean install or erase bloatware is doing a test.

Performing the 3 tasks on the same notebook.

Clean install --> benchmarking suite
Semi-clean install --> benchmarking suite
Uninstalling bloatware --> benchmarking suite

Notice that also checking HDD space to see how much junk is left behind on a semi clean install. More than one surely will be surprised =P

 

NinjaNoodle is right. Just wait until you get the Vaio. With all the bloatware on it, the notebook should be free.

The only problem with the clean install is that sony does not have all of their drivers on the support site. Others also are having problem, especially the SZ folks, installing them correctly because something ends up not working.



The semi-install fixes this problem and from my knowledge, there shouldn't be anything left behind that you cant find. It is also much easier to do than the clean install for the less computer savvy members.


Good Options for Clean Install:
P1 offers a Recovery DVD free of bloatware for 25.
Sony offers one for 10. (Nobody knows if this has everything so P1 is probably better)

 

Are you sure about that? I have owned three Sony laptops and was ALWAYS able to obtain copies of ALL drivers, including my current FZ series machine. The order of installing things on a Sony is VERY important. This is typically what screws folks up.

What is P1? If it is not from Sony it is not likely to have any of the Sony drivers. Sony is pretty proprietary about allowing anyone else to distribute their drivers.

Gary

 

Gary, see this thread about Portable One for details.

 

dotHack, CCleaner is a great program, but it won't even scratch the surface after you uninstall all that crap.

 

Thanks for the link. To bad they are doing this only for SZ series machines.

Gary

 

It is unfortunate but I can see why so many people buy from P1.

 

Read this post:

 

The gb difference seems a bit high but everything else sounds about right.
The method works well.