Windows 7: No clean install possible on new Dell?

Hi everyone,

I apologize if this has been asked before, but through all my searching I haven't found the exact answer I'm looking for. I just took delivery of a Dell (xps 9000, Windows 7 64) and it's the first system I've had that didn't come with an OS disc. So, I'm new to all this recovery/diagnostic partition stuff. I'd like to be able to do a clean install of Windows 7 so I don't have the bloatware that came pre-installed. But, from what I've read it seems like my only option is to create a system image to restore to (which would have all the pre-installed stuff anyway)?

Is my only option to uninstall anything I don't want and then do the system image? I know that would leave some registry files and whatnot, but ideally I'd like a completely clean install.

Thanks for the help!

P.S. I wasn't ready to dive into the "build it yourself" pool. I realize I probably could have avoided this because I would have the OS disc in hand. Live and learn I guess.

If you call Dell there will send some install DVD's. (may be a postage fee)

Ok, I did the online request form so hopefully that works.

You are wecome. We are here 24/7 to help.

When you get the installation CD, you can taylor it with vLite. But in my book that is an overkill. If you uninstall the programs that you do not want with e.g. the REVO uninstaller, you can get rid of all the registry entries and additional files you are worried about. Unfortunately Revo is freeware only for 32bit - not 64bit.

Thanks theog and whs. So it sounds like I have to hope Dell will send the OS disc and not just refer me to the "create a system backup" route.

Do you know of an uninstaller program for 64 bit machines that could help me get to the point that I would if I did a clean re-install with the OS disc? If there isn't one, maybe I should just suck it up and uninstall what I don't want and do a system image. I know the leftover stuff from uninstalling programs doesn't take up a lot of space, I'm just kind of anal about it.

You might check this program out:
Welcome | The PC Decrapifier

There is one that was rcommended the other day called Advanced Uninstaller. I am not sure to what extent it is free but they seem to have at least a free trial. I myself have never used it, but the specs say that it supports Windows 7 64 bit.

Thanks guys. I had seen the PC Decrapifier but didn't know it was compatible with Windows 7. It does get rid of some Roxio stuff, but that's ok because I could download a different burning program for the purposes of making my system images, right?

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.