Dell unneccessary software: is it a good idea to re-format the harddrive?

[Old Jim]

I have just bought a new Dell XPS laptop and was wondering if it is a good idea to format the harddrive and do a re-install to remove the unnecessary software that Dell includes on their machines.
What would be the main steps in doing this?

 

[ajapale]

Dell pre install a load of "tease ware" and "junk ware". It should be possible to remove most of this without the need to reformat your hard disk.

This thread may be of use.

Try googling for dell + "tease ware" for instructions.

I had terrible trouble with a thing called GTB or "Google Tool Bar" - it conflicted with my anti virus software.

 

[tiger]

Would it not be simpler to use the add/remove programs in the control panel?

 

[ClubMan]

Yeah - I always remove the Dell preinstalled stuff for people and replace it with free stuff that works indefinitely. I know of lots of people who when faced with the McAfee etc. end of trial messages assumed that they had to buy a license.

 

[rmelly]

you may want to format just to partition the hard drive as dell ship with only a single partition unless you pay for them to partition it for you, and even then there is limited config options - just make sure you have OS and driver CD's etc.