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New computer question...
#246907 02/14/09 05:57 PM
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I know that some of you would encourage a kit, but if I wanted to buy a typical B&M computer (HP, Compaq), how easy is it to get rid of all the preloaded crap and get something similar to a "cleaner" computer such as Dell?

I've had it with my main biz computer... a 4 y.o. HP on XP Pro. It crashes 3~4 times a day and I've tried registry cleaners, etc...

I like the idea of Dell over HP and Compaq in that they don't come preloaded with so many crap programs. But Dell also seems to run 10% ~ 20% higher than comparable HPs and Compaqs.

So... If I bought an HP or Compaq, can I get it "clean" with add/remove programs, or is there still a lot of stuff messing up registries, etc...?

Any opinions are VERY appreciated; I might just do this today or tomorrow...


::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
Re: New computer question...
MarkSJohnson #246910 02/14/09 06:29 PM
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Mark, it's really not that difficult to get rid of pre-loaded stuff on computers as long as you know what you're doing i.e. downloading a good uninstall program like Revo uninstaller and then a good registry cleanup program like registrybooster 2. Another important thing to do is to check what programs automatically load when Windows starts which can dramatically slow down your computer, this can be accomplished with a program like winASO Registry Optimizer, which is another alternative to registrybooster 2.

Does that help you out?


The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
Re: New computer question...
MarkSJohnson #246911 02/14/09 06:30 PM
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You can likely get it pretty clean with Add/Remove, but uninstallers rarely remove all of what they've put in the registry. (Registry cleaning is a cross between voodoo, black art, and placebo.) The best thing to do wipe the new computer and put a fresh install of Windows onto it, but HP/Compaq may not give you a "just the Windows, ma'am" install disc (set) with the computer.

Also, there probably exist numerous sites on the internet with instructions on how to get retail PCs to a fairly clean state.

As always, if you have specific questions after you get your new toy/tool, fire away here.

Re: New computer question...
pmbuko #246914 02/14/09 07:20 PM
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Thanks Guys! I'm taking all of this into consideration!

Another real quick question...as I'm heading out in an hour to run some errands....

I haven't even swung by Circuit City since their Chapter 11 filing to see if there was anything decent. IF...by some chance.... they have a desktop at a good price, should I consider buying?

My understanding is that they don't allow returns, which means if there's a problem, I'll have to deal with manufacturer support.

Would any of you buy a computer that couldn't be returned if the price is right?


::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
Re: New computer question...
MarkSJohnson #246915 02/14/09 07:35 PM
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Mark, you might want to check out the Dell outlet, I've been extremely happy with the two desktops I've purchased from them.


A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Re: New computer question...
pmbuko #246918 02/14/09 07:49 PM
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 Quote:
The best thing to do wipe the new computer and put a fresh install of Windows onto it

You can do the same with your current computer to clean it up.

You can also buy a cheap prebuilt and a copy of windows and do the initial install yourself. That way you avoid all the extra crap.

Whatever you decide to do, I would highly recommend that you pick up some good backup software like Acronis and do a full backup of your newly installed clean system. That way, at some point in the future when crap messes up your system, you can simply back up your data, do a restore from the clean image to bring your computer back to a healthy state.


Fred

-------
Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
Re: New computer question...
HomeDad #246919 02/14/09 07:49 PM
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If the price is sweet I would. After 30 days you normally have to deal with the manufacture anyway.


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

Re: New computer question...
Wid #246929 02/14/09 08:57 PM
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My favorite (for the name alone, if nothing else) is PC Decrapifier


I started out with nothing & I've still got most of it left
M60 VP160 QS8 EP350
M22 VP100
Algonquins
Re: New computer question...
Joe_in_SC #246938 02/14/09 10:44 PM
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add/remove programs for the most part will be fine. For programs like Norton, Mcafee, etc. there is removal tools on their website. CCleaner does a great job and its free.


M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350
AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85


Re: New computer question...
SirQuack #246989 02/15/09 05:24 PM
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Just to update:

I ended up with an HP with a Phenom X4 9650 quad processor, Vista 64, 7 gigs of ram, 640 gig HD, memory card reader, FireWire, etc...

The only concerns are its use of a GeForce 6150 se for graphics, (but I think it'll be fine as a business, non-gaming or graphics computer) and whether the 64bit OS will cause a problem with some older, "odd" programs....

It's surprisingly lean on bloatware... there's probably just 3~4 programs to remove based upon the desktop in the store...


::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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