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...

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?

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.

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?

Mark, you might want to check out the Dell outlet, I've been extremely happy with the two desktops I've purchased from them.

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.

If the price is sweet I would. After 30 days you normally have to deal with the manufacture anyway.

My favorite (for the name alone, if nothing else) is PC Decrapifier

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.

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...

Congratulations, Mark. It sounds like it should work.

Now I have nine computers...some of them better work!

I wonder if that's what polygamists are thinking.

Now that's funny!! Is there anyone from Utah on the forum??

Funny that my wife is watching Big Love on our TiVo now.

Yeah Cam, Dave(dllewel)is from South Jordan, but it's been over six months since he posted. Possibly he's been busy with something(no, not that!).

I would recommend simply backing up all you rcritical files and blowing away the operating system and re formatting the hard drive. Then install the OS from scratch. The pc will run like new again. This will take a few hours to do, but the pc will eb Cleansed of crap.

Vista64.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Can't wait for the next thread.

Crap. I'm setting it up today or tomorrow.

Should I start drinking now?

Nice to see Toms words of encouragement

Oh, c'mon, Tom, Vista ain't all that horrid.

Yeah, but if Vista is to XP as Vista 64 is to XP 64... then Mark may be in for a world of pain.

Nope, Vista64 actually has pretty good drivers available.

I've been pretty satisfied since I switched over to Vista, with all the criticism of it I was worried at first, but after having it for a time now I prefer it over XP.

I have Vista on four computers now and haven't had any issues, but this is my first with Vista 64...(I wanted the RAM)...

Ah, it'll be fine. I was just muckraking. I'm sure all those horror stories about Vista64 compatibility problems are overblown and/or solved by now. If Ken isn't worried, then I certainly wouldn't be.

Although I don't think that's any reason NOT to start drinking.

I haven't had any compatibility problems at all with my Vista 64, but then again, I use very little software.