Bloatware - Clean Install

I like Revo uninstaller, and select the deep remove option that searches the registry as well as the file system.

Yes make backup disks.

If you are going to do a clean install and if you don't have an SSD, it is a perfect time to add an SSD because you'll have you can keep the original OEM hard disk intact.

I would also use one of the windows key extraction tools to get the Windows 10 key. Copy it, print it, take a photo of it on the screen but save a copy of this.

Thanks Dan.

I found this on Dell Support: http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/SLN297920#PBR

It says that using "Reset This PC" and choosing "remove everything" "will install the basic Windows 10 operating system on your computer without any Dell factory-installed apps." This didn't happen. McAfee, Dropbox, etc. are all still there. The computer appears to be exactly the same.  A waste of my time. I will try Revo.

I'm not sure why you suggest a windows key extraction tool. I can simply go to the Activation page on my System to see the OEM Windows product ID key. I'm not sure I'll bother with another attempt at clean install, but if I do, I understand that I will need this key. I've written it down.

I"m not an expert on windoze keys, but I'm pretty sure the product ID is not the license key should you need to re-install from scratch.

www.pcworld.com/.../how_to_find_your_windows_or_office_product_key.html

I've used belarc advisor and the magical jelly bean keyfinder, but I'm not sure about magical jelly bean finder as it might get flagged as a virus/malware.

for my dell win 8 systems I have extracted the keys and written it on the inside case with a sharpie so if the system dies I don't have to dig around to find it. 

Thanks Dan. They are indeed different. The key is nowhere to be found on or in the tower. I used magical Jelly Bean Finder and got it.