Skipping programs during system restore?

Is there any way to skip the installation of certain programs during a full factory system restore? For one example, I have an antivirus I use rather than what OEMs choose. Currently I have to let the system install it, only to then uninstall it.

It seems there are different restore schemes. HP seems to do everything in one operation. Acer restores Windows and then adds its own programs afterward.

Is this what Image-X's Audit is used for?

I usually do, but sometimes the factory restore is a better option for drivers' or licensing' sake. And I want to increase my understanding of the subject.

Ok, thanks guys. Just wondering. I'm no Image-X maven, obviously. I don't do factory resets often because images are so much better. But sometimes the coa is worn and the FR can have advantages.

Hi Paul-

Read the Special Note for HP Owners at the end of Clean Reinstall Windows 7
which explains the HP Minimal Recovery that is nearly as good as a Clean Reinstall.

It also explains how certain HP bloatware can be extracted from Recovery disks, although some is available for download on the model's Support Downloads webpage along with drivers - which should always be used second in preference to the ones Windows 7 wants via the installer and Updates.

Hi Greg,

That's helpful. I didn't know the WU store was superior to the drivers from the oems. I had the extra thought this morning that one more reason to occasionally choose the factory reset is, as you allude, that some firmware is not available on the Web. Over time, one can accumulate his own store of what he needs, but for the one-off end user, the Reset might be the better option.

I had another thought, that maybe the factory reset could be manipulated by finding and editing the XML answer file. Until I might get an answer on that I'll not quite close this question in my mind.

BW,
Paul

Interesting, Paul. Let us know what you find.