Clean XP Install after purchase

by mthomp2 Apr 19, 2005 1:29AM PDT

I am looking to buy a Dell Inspiron 6000 in the next week or so and many people have said that it is best to do a clean install and get rid of all of the crap that they put on. I am a Mac user so I am new to the XP installation procedure. Anyone have any suggestions or know of anyplace I can find more info? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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If you have a few spare weeks, then go for it.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 19, 2005 1:36AM PDT

It's rare to encounter someone that can find all the drivers needed for today's laptops.

I cleaned up a machine of extra stuff in about 15 minutes. Your choice on this one.

-> Worth repeating. XP as supplied by Microsoft will not install without a lot of help.

Bob

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Hmmmm....

by mthomp2 Apr 19, 2005 1:51AM PDT

I see. I never really thought about that. I think that is definitely more than I want to encounter. Whats the best way of cleaning that junk up? Is the XP remove application feature going to get rid of it or do I need something more powerful?

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I used that.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 19, 2005 1:57AM PDT

And for the Norton I used symantec's removal tool.

The delete key or right-click delete was used a lot.

Bob

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Thanks Bob!

by mthomp2 Apr 19, 2005 2:02AM PDT

Thanks for the help! I think I will go that route.

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y not?

by keybordp Apr 19, 2005 9:39AM PDT

you can't you just format the hard drive, and do a clean install. I was planning on doing the same thing when I get mine.

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Same issue. In fact one more.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 19, 2005 10:03AM PDT

A proper install of XP does not involve you formatting the drive. Take no offense that this shows that you are not ready to install this difficult to install proper OS.

Bob

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not the one posting

by keybordp Apr 19, 2005 10:41AM PDT

I wasn't the one originally posting. I have done multiple installations of multiple operating systems. So I'm not a newb and don't need your condescending comments. If I was going to reinstall XP, I would want to completely clean the hard drive off first. Hence why I would FORMAT it. Then just do a clean instal. So, my question to you is, WHY WOULDN"T THIS WORK! Can you answer that without being a smartA$$?

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I'm the original poster and...

by mthomp2 Apr 19, 2005 10:46AM PDT

not to get in the middle of this but is it really that difficult?, like I said I AM A NOOB and want to know straight up whats the best way to get rid of the junk. I already heard from the moderator and I take his advice to heart but I want to know what everyone else thinks because I want a really smooth and solid operating laptop. Thanks for all your help!

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Simply this.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 19, 2005 11:07AM PDT

When you boot the XP CD, you can partition then let it format the drive.

Having encountered far too many oddball issues with the owners formatting the drive in DOS, I can write with authority that it's a fine way to trip up the XP install.

It may work, but shows the person who is installing this OS is not very experienced.

No offense intended.

Bob

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didn't say to use dos

by keybordp Apr 21, 2005 6:20AM PDT

Formating the drive using the install disk is still formating it. I never said anything about using dos.

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not the one posting

by moiroux May 30, 2005 6:18AM PDT

I agree with you it is better TO FORMAT.

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why format

by melt8 May 30, 2005 10:46PM PDT

if u just bought a new one, u don't need to format, just clean installing would do good. while quick formatting would be a good choice.

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(NT) (NT) no format = big mess

by Ryan T May 30, 2005 11:03PM PDT

Clean XP Install after purchase

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