Trying to remove bloatware.

[Chaoz]

Just got a HP Pavillion and the amount bloatware is incredible. I did a format using the recovery drive (did not come with a CD), but the bloatware is still there. I have a retail version of Win 7 Professional. Can I just use that disc to format, and use the serial key that came with the HP? Or can I download the Enterprise trial version and use the serial key?

 

[profdlp]

... I have a retail version of Win 7 Professional. Can I just use that disc to format, and use the serial key that came with the HP?

No, sorry. The HP key will be for an OEM license.

Or can I download the Enterprise trial version and use the serial key?

For 90 days.

You might try Download | The PC Decrapifier

 

[Chaoz]

So neither methods work? What if I can find a Windows 7 Home Premium (is that OEM) version?

 

[pparks1]

Seriously, just go to add/remove programs and uninstall the stuff you don't want. If there is still extra crap you don't want, check out pc decrapifier. That should really take care of 95% of the bloat without resorting to changing versions and not having easy access to your system recovery options.

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/home

 

[richc46]

I agree with the two prior posters, it cannot be done. But here is a thread that I was in Yesterday

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/103326-i-have-question.html

The computer manufacturers make money from that Bloatware, and would not make it easy to remove.

 

[profdlp]

No. OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer.

The bottom line is that Microsoft cuts the company a huge discount on the software with the understanding that it will only be used on the machine it came on. If you can come up with an OEM disc (without the bloatware) you might be alright.

HP and other companies stick all that crap in there to permit them to sell the computer at a better price. (Or just to gouge a few more bucks out of each sale, if you're the cynical type.) To be fair, my understanding is that the profit margin on computers is pretty slim, so this is one time I'll suspend my own cynicism.

That's the big catch with buying a pre-built computer. Any money you save (if you actually save any at all) goes down the drain should you want to do anything with your OS license key other than run it on the machine it came on with the version they gave you.

 

[pparks1]

That's the big catch with buying a pre-built computer. Any money you save (if you actually save any at all) goes down the drain should you want to do anything with your OS license key other than run it on the machine it came on with the version they gave you.

People can save money on prebuilt computers. I've seen some in stores that would be darn near impossible to build and match specs for the price paid. Especially when you factor in a legal os, keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, mousepad, etc.

 

[profdlp]

...People can save money on prebuilt computers...

Yes. I could have sworn that I pointed that out...

 

[archie123]

msconfig and uninstall . The bloatware will always still be there after a reformat as the bas**** put the bloatware on their windows install partition too , the wifes new lappy had ove 80 running processes when she first booted up!

How to use MSCONFIG in Windows 7: NetSquirrel.com

what that doesnt seem to mention is if you also choose the services tab then put a check in the "hide all microsoft services" <<<< that bits very important btw . you may also find more bloatware hidden there , be carefull though cos your antivirus/firewall sometimes hides there and you dont want to disable that.

if your not sure of what to disable google it

 

[Petey7]

It's my understanding that you can indeed use an OEM key with a retail copy of 7 as long as it is on the same computer. I even read it in of brinks tutorials (can't remember which at the moment). You just have to make sure you install the exact same version of 7 as what came on the computer (I'm guessing Home Premium 64-bit). Here are the tutorials you would need.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?

 

[pparks1]

It's my understanding that you can indeed use an OEM key with a retail copy of 7 as long as it is on the same computer. I even read it in of brinks tutorials (can't remember which at the moment). You just have to make sure you install the exact same version of 7 as what came on the computer (I'm guessing Home Premium 64-bit). Here are the tutorials you would need.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/85813-windows-7-universal-installation-disc-create.html?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?

Yes, that's my understanding as well. The keys dictate what version you are loading and the install disks themselves are the same.

 

[gregrocker]

Factory OEM can be reinstalled using the retail installer since Vista.

Manufacturers no longer provide clean-copy install DVD's in order to enforce their sponsor's bloatware since it provides most of their thin profit margin.

Many tech enthusiasts find a clean-copy DVD of their OS version and reinstall using the OEM Product Key on the COA sticker on machine. Any installer can also have all versions unlocked by extracting the ISO using ImgBurn then using the ei.cfg removal tool.

Make your Recovery DIsks or save a Win7 backup image of the entire HD first so you have a path back to factory condition. Then wipe the HD clean of factory code since links to useless factory utilties will be lost anyway: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-optimize-windows-re-installation.html

The installer is mostly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. Any drivers then missing in Device Manager can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your model computer or device. Don't change drivers given by installer/Updates unless performance dictates.

Install programs slowly over time to gauge performance after each. Don't let any programs write themselves into msconfig>Startup as they become freeloaders on your RAM/CPU and can spy on you. I only allow AV and gadgets.

Use a lightweight free AV like MS Security Essentials which works perfectly with Windows 7 Firewall.

When it is finished, clean and order the HD perfectly using state-of-the-art free CCleaner then Auslogics Disk and Registry defraggers monthly.

Then save a Win7 Backup image externally so you never have to reinstall again, just reimage the HD or replacement using DVD or Repair CD.