No clean install possible on new Dell?

After uninstalling with Revo in Advanced mode, cleaning up using CCLeaner "Run Cleaner" then Registry tab, then Auslogics Disk and Registry Defraggers, run sfc /scannow to see if the uninstalls caused any permanent System File Damage as often happens. Bloatware is insidious in its removal, too.

If you still need a clean reinstall and Dell won't any longer send a clean copy of the OS, then it has become the last maker to succumb to bloatware enforcement, which all manufacturer's are adopting to protect their thin profit margin. You can only avoid it by buying a business computer, it seems.

But you can still get a clean install by borrowing or locating a retail Win7 DVD for your version, then installing it using the Product Key stickered to your machine. If necessary all versions can be unlocked in any installer by extracting the ISO then googling/running the ei.cfg removal tool, then burn an all-versions DVD to use with your key.

Ok, I'll do that. In the meantime since I want to get started would you guys suggest this course of action?

1. Create a system recovery disk when I boot up the PC.

2. After that, go through and uninstall what I don't want and then burn an image of the drive.

3. After doing that, just burn more images whenever I feel like it.

pparks1 said:

81sc said:

Just got a reply from Dell saying they no longer ship the OS and gave me the instructions for creating the recovery disk.

Call up and speak to a manager. You aren't asking them to ship you recovery cd's that you can simply make yourself...you are asking them to ship the OEM provided operating system installation disk that I think they have to provide if asked.

So I replied and asked if the recovery disc would contain just the OS because I wanted to keep the OS and other programs separate and the dell tech replied that they are going to ship an OS disc and program discs after all! Should have it in 3 to 5 days.

You are a lucky Dell dude(tte).

PParks: are you aware of MS OEM licensing requirements that manfacturers must supply a clean-copy of OS if requested? I haven't heard of this except in the case of the Upgrade Kits in which case an Acer supervisor told me they were required to provide the DVD as well as driver/apps disk in order to qualify for MS Upgrade Kit OEM licensing scheme. So maybe MS is moving to pressure manu's into a more consumer friendly posture just as most are starting to enforce bloatware shamelessly? Meanwhile the Norton bloatmonster CEO buys another yacht, mansion and a bigger Rolls to bloat in.

pparks1 said:

81sc said:

Just got a reply from Dell saying they no longer ship the OS and gave me the instructions for creating the recovery disk.

Call up and speak to a manager. You aren't asking them to ship you recovery cd's that you can simply make yourself...you are asking them to ship the OEM provided operating system installation disk that I think they have to provide if asked.

So I replied and asked if the recovery disc would contain just the OS because I wanted to keep the OS and other programs separate and the dell tech replied that they are going to ship an OS disc and program discs after all! Should have it in 3 to 5 days.

Oops. Sorry for the double post. Doing this on my phone. I guess I am a lucky dude. I had thought they were required to send it but their first reply seemed like they might put up a fight.

Yeah, makes sense. I'll create ISOs for backups to keep on my external drive, but I feel a little better knowing I'll have just the OS disc to reinstall if I need to.

A clean install is vastly superior to any factory installation even if bloatware is successfully deleted.

Save a Win7 Backup image of your HD as it exists now, back up your files and Windows/System32/drivers and driverstore files, then wipe the HD and clean reinstall to see the difference yourself.