How do i create recovery disk for new HP Laptop?

[kaboose786]

Hi everyone i just got a new HP laptop. I already figured out how to create a recovery disk. Now how can i safely remove all the bloatware? do i just go to control panel and remove programs one by one or is there an easier way?
thx

Specs:

 

[JDobbsy1987]

Hi Kaboose786, Welcome to seven forums.

I have always used the built in windows 7 backup rather than HP's recovery (that's my preference) - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/615-backup-user-system-files.html

Here is a good guide that gregrocker put together regarding bloatware - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219576-clean-up-factory-bloatware.html

Hope this helps,

Regards,
JDobbsy1987

 

[kaboose786]

Hi Kaboose786, Welcome to seven forums.

I have always used the built in windows 7 backup rather than HP's recovery (that's my preference) - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/615-backup-user-system-files.html

Here is a good guide that gregrocker put together regarding bloatware - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219576-clean-up-factory-bloatware.html

Hope this helps,

Regards,
JDobbsy1987

thx for replying i read that. so i went to msconfig and am not sure which startup items should i remove:

 

[marsmimar]

Many people leave only their antivirus and touchpad running at startup in msconfig. Everything else would be available on an as-needed basis.

Another possible source for assistance is a utility called pcdecrapifier. It will give you a suggested list of things that can be uninstalled. Nothing will be removed before you give your approval. You'll be shown a checklist of recommendations first, including the most removed "stuff" by other users.

The PC Decrapifier Wipes Unwanted Junk | The PC Decrapifier

Another possibility is a clean install which effectively erases everything fom your hard drive and leaves you with your operating system and preferred programs. There's a special note at the bottom for HP users.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[gregrocker]

Try unchecking everything. If you lose any functions you want you can intuit which ones to re-enable, or ask back.

Where is your A/V? Install Microsoft Security Essentials and run a full scan. Leave it turned on at Startup.

 

[edwar]

thx for replying i read that. so i went to msconfig and am not sure which startup items should i remove:

From the screen you posted none of that is really Bloatware. Most if not all are programs that need to start to give you full access to the systems on your notebook. Like the media keys, Bluetooth and Touchpad. the Coolsense may be a Temp monitoring system.

The HP Quick launch, Launch Pad and On Screen display might be disabled. Not sure what functions they add or if you need them, that is up to you.

Bloatware is more Add-On programs that are trial version and the like.

 

[JDobbsy1987]

I would consider anything starting with HP as bloatware, if i did a clean install i would not install any HP software and yet the computer/laptop would run fine.

its quite shocking when you compare the programs installed on a brand new machine compared to a clean build.

 

[edwar]

I would consider anything starting with HP as bloatware, if i did a clean install i would not install any HP software and yet the computer/laptop would run fine.

its quite shocking when you compare the programs installed on a brand new machine compared to a clean build.

Sorry but I disagree somewhat. Some of that HP software is needed for some of the features of the notebook to work.

Sure a clean install may work but some of the keyboard features may not work at all without some of that HP software installed.

 

[gregrocker]

You can normallly find any needed software on the maker's Support Downloads webpage for your model if you find a function which doesn't run correctly after a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. In countless reinstalls we've helped with here I only recall one Samsung laptop which touchpad gestures would not function correctly because the software provided was deficient.

 

[kaboose786]

Thx for replying everyone so i created the backup already. I would really appreciate if somebody can tell me which programs i can uninstall - everything below came preinstalled except for firefox. Please let me knw which program i dont really need. thx

 

[kaboose786]

Try unchecking everything. If you lose any functions you want you can intuit which ones to re-enable, or ask back.

Where is your A/V? Install Microsoft Security Essentials and run a full scan. Leave it turned on at Startup.

why not avast?

 

[marsmimar]

A lot of people say that Microsoft knows it's own operating systems better than anybody else and they have a greater interest in protecting those systems. Therefore, Microsoft Security Essentials was optimized for those operating systems. Other folks say that MSE is too basic and AVs like Avast provide more (better) user options and protection.

IMHO it's the computer user who poses the greatest threat to the computer - not the AV suite that's installed. If someone insists on going to adult sites, downloading questionable files, haphazardly using torrents, etc., the computer will eventually become infected regardless of which AV suite is installed.

 

[gregrocker]

For years Avast and MSE were recommended equally here but then Avast added some crapware which, also considering the nag to reactivate and upgrade every year, makes MSE more hassle-free.

 

[edwar]

IMHO it's the computer user who poses the greatest threat to the computer - not the AV suite that's installed. If someone insists on going to adult sites, downloading questionable files, haphazardly using torrents, etc., the computer will eventually become infected regardless of which AV suite is installed.

Totally agree with that. It IS the User that is responsible. I run many Windows computers and have for years without any AV software installed and have never been infected with anything.
Why because I use common sense. I don't open Emails I don't know who sent them. I never open links or files in emails unless I already know what is in those links or attached files. I don't use torrents or download files from questionable websites.

 

[kaboose786]

IMHO it's the computer user who poses the greatest threat to the computer - not the AV suite that's installed. If someone insists on going to adult sites, downloading questionable files, haphazardly using torrents, etc., the computer will eventually become infected regardless of which AV suite is installed.

Totally agree with that. It IS the User that is responsible. I run many Windows computers and have for years without any AV software installed and have never been infected with anything.
Why because I use common sense. I don't open Emails I don't know who sent them. I never open links or files in emails unless I already know what is in those links or attached files. I don't use torrents or download files from questionable websites.

same here i follow all that too except i download torrents which caution. However we human can make mistakes so thats why i use AV

 

[Cymbal Man Freq]

There used to be a time when computers were infected to oblivion at the Windows Update site when the Anti-Virus wasn't up to date. Does that still happen? Is the Win 7 Windows Update a zero-hour exploit site?

 

[edwar]

There used to be a time when computers were infected to oblivion at the Windows Update site when the Anti-Virus wasn't up to date. Does that still happen? Is the Win 7 Windows Update a zero-hour exploit site?

That is just ridiculous. There was never a time the Windows Update site would Infect or Exploit your computer. I don't run any AV on any computer I own, I use Win Update, every now and then, for both XP and 7 and have never been infected with anything.