New Laptop with lots of crap loaded on it.

Solution
Laptops often/usually come with a whole bunch of crap preinstalled. Often making the poor thing actually unusable.

Look to what AV or 'Registry Scan' or other things that are supposed to 'fix it'. I've seen brand new laptops that are unusable for an hour after power up, due to multiple scanning things stepping all over each other

Second, look to whatever nonsense 'toolbar' thing they have installed.

After that, look at the individual applications.

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Laptops often/usually come with a whole bunch of crap preinstalled. Often making the poor thing actually unusable.

Look to what AV or 'Registry Scan' or other things that are supposed to 'fix it'. I've seen brand new laptops that are unusable for an hour after power up, due to multiple scanning things stepping all over each other

Second, look to whatever nonsense 'toolbar' thing they have installed.

After that, look at the individual applications.
 
Solution

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator
Uninstalling programs does not affect your warranty, however there is no guide as to what you can uninstall. Your best bet is to go through the list and figure out what you don't want and then google each to see what it does. Be very careful as some programs are needed for certain laptop features to work.
 

lorensr

Honorable
Jan 17, 2013
48
1
10,535
So you recommend:

1. Create a Restore Point
2. Identify and uninstall programs Google says are not necessary.
3. Run Windows Update

Is that the correct way to proceed with a new laptop? TIA for your help.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


No.
1. Use whatever function the manufacturer give you for creating a DVD Factory Reset. Do that. Stash that DVD away somewhere.
2. Create a Restore Point
3. Look at what things are installed. Choose wisely. Don't depend on what you might find from some google search
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Assuming Windows 10 (or 8/8.1), I personally create a backup of the factory reset as per the laptop manufacturer's instructions. The I create a bootable USB of the accurate version of the OS and clean install the OS with the official ISO's from MS.

Removes all bloatware etc, as it's the 'base' OS. The OS will also activate automatically too, so no need to re-enter the product key (again, assuming W10 or W8/8.1)