Windows 7: Dell Datasafe annoying upgrade window

Every so often I get this popup window on my laptop (Dell Studio 15). How do I prevent its appearance (without upgrading!)? Thanks.

One of the first things I do with nearly every Dell I support, or setup, is to remove all Dell branded sw! I know you can get rid of the data safe... Have you tried removing it/them via control panels Programs icon?

I wouldnt recommend uninstalling datasafe because its tied to various factory recovery options. Look in msconfig- startup tab and locate entries that are from SUPPORTSOFT, try unchecking those. There should also be an entry in Services, set its startup type to disabled or manual.

Really?? You prefer the Dell options over those in Windows 7? Curious as what exactly is better...

I've never taken the time to learn it or bother, as if I encounter a bad Dell I can use any dell restore CD to fix it! Just my opinion... I like Dell's HW... not a fan of their SW!

Lol, this isnt about me. Advising people to get rid of safety nets in a hurry wouldnt be a responsible thing to do. Plus one doesnt need a hammer to kill a mosquito.

That's the beauty of IT... we all can have our opinions. I respect your opinion and your position too. But what you call "killing a mosquito with a hammer", I call getting rid of useless OEM Bloatware! I wasnt criticizing your position, I merely asked why you prefer it, what is better about it... do you have any specifics? For the benefit of the OP, other posters, and myself???

Personally, as I said earlier, I never leave OEM manufacturers SW (AKA: Bloatware) on any branded machines I support unless it is to support a specific piece of HW (such as Dell webcam sw on their lappys). I have had issues in the past with OEM sw, mainly they stop their support way too early. So I figure, why bother in the first place. And I have not had any issues doing so in over 15 years of consulting and supporting many, many networks. Most of my clients are running Dells or HP's! We also do exactly the same thing in the IT department at the school I teach at. All brand new Pc's are wiped of all manufacturers sw and clean fresh copies of only Windows 7, needed apps, and drivers are installed.

PS - I am an equal opportunity hater of all bloatware as I also do the same on HP's, Toshibas, Acers, etc.

Thanks, all.

After I posted my message, I just went into system configuration > Services and unchecked the Dell-related items. These items are sometimes called other things than Dell this or Dell that, so I had to look some up to see that they were actually Dell items. I know I have the option to uninstall Dell resources, but I chose not to do that--yet. I think I got most of them, so now I'll see what happens.

Thanks again.

Just discussing with Darryl....dell datasafe local backup is a good solution for backup and restore of both system and data. The basic version that comes preinstalled of course offers the same functionality as the other OEMs- restore to factory state and create recovery DVDs. Though in newer recovery software on other OEMs, there are additional features like minimized image recovery (kind of inbuilt decrapifier) etc.

For those of not comfortable with clean installs and driver hunting, these things are a cozy way of refreshing and more importantly disaster recovery. I can vouch we get numerous SOS posts here asking for help where OEM recovery options are a godsend. Where does the OP get hold of a disk to clean install? "My sticker is not readable!! and so on.

From a different perspective, theres also good bloatware. E.g. on a recent HP purchase, theres this bloat called 3d driveguard. It claims to park the disk head if it detects sudden movements- in other words it'll save your hard disk if you drop it from the sofa. Of course I dont intend to test it, might cost me a lot of money lol. But I intend to keep it installed.

When I got my computer, I immediately made a recovery disk. Dell's urging to do so was good advice. I just don't want to see the upgrade window every so often--I also think it's a good idea for me not to remove the software. Good advice, Bill2. Thanks.

Actually, you can just go right click the taskbar > properties > customise (under "notification area") > select "Hide icons and notifications" for Dell Datasafe

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