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#11
The first things I'd get rid of are the trial AV and Office bloatware. Use Revo uninstaller in Advanced mode to uninstall them. Revo will first run the Windows uninstaller, but when that completes and requests a restart, don't restart, instead click Next on Revo and it will present you with a list of leftover Registry keys and Files for you to choose and Delete. This gets the bloatware programs out cleanly.
Now install MS Security Essentiials for a lean, mean unintrusive AV that doesn't slow your system.
As you become certain of other bloatware programs you don't want, uninstall them also using Revo.
Uncheck all items in msconfig>Startup that don't absolutely need to start up with Win7. I only allow my AV and gadgets to start. This reduces startup time and drag on your CPU/RAM markedly.
Once you have it cleaned up as you like, clean and order the HD perfectly using free state-ov-the-art CCleaner and Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly. Then save a Win7 backup iamge so you never have to reinstall again.
Most tech enthusiasts will find a clean-copy install DVD for their version to clean reinstall with Product Key on the COA sticker on machine. This is because bloatware can often corrupt in it's uninstall almost as much as it does by hanging around. Run sfc /scannow periodically to see if any system files are corrupted beyond repair.
Be on the lookout for a friend's DVD you can borrow to copy with ImgBurn - all versions can also be unlocked in any Win7 installer except Recovery disks.
Last edited by gregrocker; 07 Aug 2010 at 21:30.
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