Should I remove software on new laptop?

If you decide that a particular software ( bloatware from dell ) is not needed, go to the Add/Remove program and uninstall it.  If the program has its own uninstaller, you can use that.   McAfee is a bear to get off as is Nortons.  Try to uninstall it the way I suggest.  If still having issues, than hopefully someone in the know may have a suggestion. 

 

Also some added suggestions.

 

Stop Unnecessary Startup programs

Below procedure will provide a faster boot up, and eliminate wasting memory on programs that are not in use at this time, and may help gaming……


http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/  Fair reading on start up programs


Start Up Programs: Click on START, Click on Run, than put in the box MSCONFIG Click OK. Now you are in the System Configuration Utility Program. Click on START UP you see on the top of this Utility Program. Uncheck the programs from here that you do not want to start at boot up, leaving the anti virus and any third party firewall alone. You can always go back into this program to restart them. They will not be uninstalled. Click on APPLY, than it will ask you if you wish to reboot the system. Do so. After it boots up again, you will be presented with another window from the System Configuration Utility Program telling you that you have made an adjustment. If you don't want to see this pop up each time you boot up, put a check mark in the little box in the lower left corner of this announcement.

http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php  Link to a site that can explain what you have starting up, if you do not already know, and which ones you can safely un-check. It’s a long list. Or you can Google Search for what is showing in the Msconfig program, and see what it is...

http://www.yorkspace.com/pc-de-crapifier/

Thats awesome!  Has anyone used "the de-crapifier" with Vista home premium?  I did have to remove Norton with a removal tool in the past, but I checked McAfee's site and could not find a removal tool.  Does anyone know of one available, besides "the de-crapifier" of course.

I have never used it on Vista, sorry.

Looks like you are the lab rat.  :smileywink:

MajorGeeks lists a McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool :

 

http://majorgeeks.com/McAfee_Consumer_Product_Removal_Tool_d5420.html

 

I personally have never used it, meaning I cannot attest to its effectiveness nor safety.

 

It's also not clear whether or not this tool is Vista-compatible .  (See EDIT below)

 

If you choose to try it, keep in mind it's a COMPLETE removal tool for ALL McAfee products you have installed.... I don't  believe you can "pick and choose", to remove only some, and keep the rest.

I have a new dell to and I want to put in a new OS. I would like to know if I can zap the hard drive and install clean.