Solved Should I reinstall the OS from a brand-new laptop? (bloatware)

[PedroCst]

Hi everyone,
I just received a Toshiba Tecra A11 from work.
It's quite an alright computer, but it brings, as usual, the infamous bloatware from the manufacturer.

My question is: what should I do?
1. Do nothing besides disabling startup programs
2. Uninstall programs
3. Install another Windows 7 version (alias cracked) without all that bloatware

The computer brings a fingerprint scanner and, as I don't like Windows 8, I'm not planning to do the switch.

Best regards,
Pedro.

 

[doubled822]

I always wipe and re-install Win7 on new laptops. Just make sure you have all your drivers handy on a thumb drive or what not so you can install them all fairly quickly after installation. I can't however recommend an illegal copy of Windows 7....

 

[gregrocker]

You do not need to install another Win7 as you own the license which comes with the PC to reinstall in whatever way you want for the life of the PC.

Everything you need is in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to get a perfect install. Pay close attention to how drivers are handled in Win7 as it is different than XP. You should only have your Wireless driver in your backup in case its needed to get online and get all of your other drivers from Windows Updates.

If it has a UEFI BIOS then you'll need to either follow the steps in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with - Windows 7 Forums or during reinstall delete all partitions to Bypass UEFI to Install WIn7. Be sure to make your Recovery Disks first to have a path back.

To determine if you have a UEFI install, look at Disk Mgmt to see if there is a UEFI partition preceding Win7. Post back a screenshot using Snipping Tool in Start Menu if in doubt.

 

[PedroCst]

Thank you everyone! You provided an amazing help for this one!

Just a few more questions: I have the Portuguese OS installed, what happens if I install the exact same version but in a different language? Is the code accepted?
Also, is it better to run in English seen I'll have full language support for all programs or it doesn't make a difference?

Pedro.

 

[gregrocker]

I've never seen a report that another language is rejected when reinstalling with the COA Product Key, however you will have to try it to be sure.

If activation fails and you've triple checked the key was inputted accurately (which causes 90% of failures) then try phone activation: How To Activate Windows 7 by Phone Step-by-Step Guide

I would make your Recovery Disks and save a Win7 backup image first so you have a path back if necessary.

There is an expanded list on the web of official Win7 installers for other languages which may take some research to find yours if it becomes necessary, but I've seen it.

 

[Layback Bear]

Your post #1. Could you please explain.
3. Install another Windows 7 version (alias cracked)

 

[PedroCst]

Your post #1. Could you please explain.
3. Install another Windows 7 version (alias cracked)

I thought, to clean install it I would need one of those.
Fortunately I don't need to since I already have a legit version installed (and the respective key)