Should I do a clean install of Windows on my new notebook?

I just purchased a new Dell XPS 1730 that will come with Windows Vista Business (32 bit). I am having a hard time deciding whether I should attempt to do a clean reinstallation of the operating system to remove all the boatware that comes with the new system. I mostly play older games (2-4 years old). Probably the most taxing games I play are flight simulator 2004 and Silent Hunter 4.

Is it worth it for me to try to reinstall the operating system?

Since I am a novice when it comes to computers, should I even attempt to do this? I would hate to mess anything up.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Best regards.

 

It's always suggested to do a clean install for best performance, but clean installs are overrated. If you're satisfied with the overall performance now (boot time, speed, etc.), then I recommend you leave it be.

 

everyone has to start somewhere... when i did my first clean install i had no manual whatsoever... things came perfect... i did learned to never do a clean install without all drivers at hand... if u really feel the need go ahead... there is a thread around on how to... if u dont really need one.. then dont.. thats the best advice i can give

 

Doing a clean install as soon as you get your laptop "is not a must do thing". Its your choice... but if I were you, I'd first see how the system is, how the performance is, boot times and such, see if all program' run well, and also follow the Vista Tips n Tweaks guide (here in this forum, a sticky thread), and set it up... if you are not happy, I would still try to fix the issues, because most issues have a fix at hand these days... but then if you decide to do a clean install, I would suggest reading around the sticky thread on dell vista laptop reformat / install guide, and read it well... and get all the drivers necessary and follow each step word-by-word.. Good luck.

 

if you aren't reinstalling windows at least once a day then you are doing something wrong....




yes do a clean install, it is worth it.

 

I personally am a fanatic about keeping my Windows fresh & clean. However it's not necessary.

I've found Dell's bloatware isn't too bad. Unlike HP, which is unusable from all the bloat .

Just disable the bloatware from starting up via MSCONFIG and you'll be fine. You can find a lot of good suggestions in this thread:

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

 

I did a clean install and glad I did. I like tinkering with things and like having control over what is installed on the machine. You don't have to do it immediately or in a rush. I used my machine for several weeks and in the mean time read various guide and things. You could do this as well. If you choose to do a clean install make sure to back up your files and drivers. Also make sure that you can get all the drivers for your hardware before the clean install process. Basically you can take it slow and as learning experience. The good part is that if your machine gets hosed in the future, you will know how to reinstall everything.

 

If you do a clean install, you'll probably lose the 'good' pre-installed software like PowerDVD and Nero (or Roxio)....

 

I am not sure on the Dells, but my machine comes with a C:\SWTOOLS folder with the 3rd party software. If I back this up before the clean install, I can choose to install any of the 3rd party software after the clean install, if I wish.