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    Sony Releases Bloatware Removal Tool

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by NinjaNoodles, Apr 7, 2008.

  1. NinjaNoodles

    NinjaNoodles Notebook Evangelist

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    Not sure if this is old news or not, but I was checking Sony's website for updates to my CR and I found the "VAIO® Applications Uninstaller Software."

    Check your model's update page to see if you can download it!

    Not sure how thorough the removal is, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. If it simply uninstalls the software, I would stick to the semi-clean method. That said, if anyone wants to test it out please post your results (assuming you have a good knowledge of the Windows registry and know how to tell if the keys have been removed).

    -Peter
     
    NinjaNoodles, Apr 7, 2008
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  2. Gazelle

    Gazelle Notebook Consultant

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    I can't seem to find that update page you are talking about on Sony's website. Could you please provide a link?
     
    Gazelle, Apr 7, 2008
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  3. NinjaNoodles

    NinjaNoodles Notebook Evangelist

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    NinjaNoodles, Apr 7, 2008
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  4. nodrogkam

    nodrogkam Notebook Consultant

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    i can't find a removal tool...
     
    nodrogkam, Apr 7, 2008
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  5. scadsfkasfddsk

    scadsfkasfddsk Notebook Evangelist

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    scadsfkasfddsk, Apr 7, 2008
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  6. nodrogkam

    nodrogkam Notebook Consultant

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    oh that...i installed that...no clue what it did. haha
    i guess it does things automaticaly since u cant really get into the program to manually delete anything.
     
    nodrogkam, Apr 8, 2008
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  7. greggara

    greggara Notebook Guru

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    Yes you can and have to I believe. Go to programs and it is there. It lets you choose which progams you want to uninstall.
     
    greggara, Apr 8, 2008
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  8. nodrogkam

    nodrogkam Notebook Consultant

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    all programs > sony setup > setup is what i am now given.
    and setup just asks if i want to repair the uninstaller or uninstall the uninstaller. perhaps its because i already got rid of thebloatware manually.
     
    nodrogkam, Apr 8, 2008
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  9. gaanee

    gaanee Notebook Consultant

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    I've already uninstalled unwanted programs some time back. Whether this software will help to clean registry and any other traces left behind by Add-Remove Programs. If I've already uninstalled bloatware, then is there any use of installing this software, because I don't want to install it if its not going to help. Who have used it, please post your experience.Thanks.
     
    gaanee, Apr 8, 2008
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  10. mothman

    mothman Notebook Enthusiast

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    I downloaded the tool and it does include a nice catagory view of programs with the option to uninstall. But I don't see the one I really want gone and thats AOL ! any tips for getting rid of it ?
     
    mothman, Apr 8, 2008
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  11. NinjaNoodles

    NinjaNoodles Notebook Evangelist

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    Try a program called Revo Uninstaller. Removes almost ALL traces of a program (registry keys, folders, etc.).
     
    NinjaNoodles, Apr 8, 2008
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  12. greggara

    greggara Notebook Guru

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    I downloaded it for the FZ. Maybe each computer is different.
     
    greggara, Apr 8, 2008
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  13. DTX

    DTX Notebook Evangelist

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    Seems like there is no restriction on the model being used, since I just used it on the SZ55!
     
    DTX, Apr 8, 2008
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  14. greggara

    greggara Notebook Guru

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    How do we know which programs we can remove? I downloaded it but have not removed anything for fear of messing something up. Thanks
     
    greggara, Apr 8, 2008
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  15. vro8j

    vro8j Notebook Consultant

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    The aol files are not actually installed yet, they are just sitting there waiting for you to use them, you can just delete the entire files.
     
    vro8j, Apr 8, 2008
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  16. greggara

    greggara Notebook Guru

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    Can I remove all of the VAIO files? I am afraid of losing the audio controls and things like that because I dont know if a Sony program runs it. Thanks
     
    greggara, Apr 8, 2008
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  17. ScuderiaConchiglia

    ScuderiaConchiglia NBR Vaio Team Curmudgeon

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    You need to locate one of the "clean install" guides, here, for your particular model. Even if you aren't planning on doing a clean install, they can help you make sense of which items are REQUIRED for your particular machine.

    Gary
     
    ScuderiaConchiglia, Apr 8, 2008
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  18. greggara

    greggara Notebook Guru

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    Thanks. I will search for it.
     
    greggara, Apr 8, 2008
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  19. jeeper08

    jeeper08 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'll be receiving my new FZ in a couple days and I was wondering should I run the Revo Uninstaller when I first get it or wait awhile?

    Thanks
     
    jeeper08, Apr 8, 2008
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  20. ScuderiaConchiglia

    ScuderiaConchiglia NBR Vaio Team Curmudgeon

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    With all due respect to NinjaNoodles, I would NEVER entrust my machine to a third party uninstaller tool. The potential nightmares are a bit too scary. If I were you, I'd opt for a clean install or a "semi-clean" install. (Search this forum for info on both. My signature line below has a link to details on a clean install on an FZ series machine.) You will need a Vista DVD or access to the Window Anytime Upgrade. (Which MIGHT be resident on your hard drive when it comes. Again search this forum for details on that.)

    Gary
     
    ScuderiaConchiglia, Apr 8, 2008
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  21. NinjaNoodles

    NinjaNoodles Notebook Evangelist

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    Gary's right. Check my semi-clean install link (see signature). I simply started this thread because I was shocked that Sony would do ANYTHING in favor of its customers.
     
    NinjaNoodles, Apr 8, 2008
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  22. dznutz

    dznutz Notebook Consultant

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    anyone knows if it removes the norton virus and mecrapfee?
     
    dznutz, Apr 9, 2008
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  23. DTX

    DTX Notebook Evangelist

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    There is an option to remove norton, norton update, and that norton live program.
     
    DTX, Apr 9, 2008
    #23