New Computer (need to clean it up)

[Diesel Freak]

My Step Mom just bought a new Compaq. With it came a ton of useless extra programs already installed (AOL, a bunch of Yahoo crap, etc. etc. ) I can only assume that these companies paid Compaq to do this... . effectively lowering the price of the computer. The OS is Windows XP (eXtra Programs)



Is there another way to find all the useless crap on the hard drive and delete it besides doing a manual search for all the crap and deleting them individually?



I could not believe all the crap that was in it... it is almost like a bunch of pre-loaded Viruses.



It has an AMD processor. . I had to give her a hard time about that one considering who ultimately pays my salary.

 

[illflem]

Go to the control panel, click add/remove programs and click the program you don't want. Some programs will be instantly gone others will go though an uninstall program and may require a few more clicks.

 

[TPCDrafting]

What Bill said, remove the programs using the uninstall. Merely deleting the folders from the hard drive will create problems. Parts of those programs are installed in your registry and if not removed properly, the computer will get confused wondering where the missing files were. Pretty soon, you'll have to just pick it up off the desk and throw it. If removing the programs doesn't work, you might format the drive and start over. I format mine around once a year anyway just to keep things in order.

 

[LSMITH]

Uninstall does not get all the AOL and Yahoo crap, you have to dig it out yourself to get it clean. That stuff will attempt to reload and install on it's own. Search the HD and delete manually.

 

[KennyM]

It has an AMD processor. . I had to give her a hard time about that one considering who ultimately pays my salary.



Doesn't AMD also have contracts with your company, or do they use Ebara. Out here in MD just about all of our newer burn boxes are BOC Edwards. Can't say the same for the pumps.

 

[illflem]

LS is right about the AOL crap, I had to get a new computer to finally get rid of it. Do the add/remove steps I mentioned then use windows explorer or the find menu on the start menu to search out and delete what's left. After it's deleted empty the recycle can, that AOL stuff can jump back out of it.

 

[Diesel Freak]

I may just wipe the hard drive and install Windows 98... ... what do you guys think..... whay about linux OS how different is it from Windows from the users point of view?



BOC is everywhere... . but currently Intel is footing the bill to keep me on site.

 

[Eventer]

Diesel Freak,



A couple of ideas on your delimma.



I purchased a Gateway last year and just like the Compaq it came loaded with useles junk (AOL, Windows XP, Microsoft software). I put the recovery CD in then reformatted the HD. At least with the Gateway, I had a separate applications disk that gave me the option to install or not install software. I was able to get rid of MS Works, AOL and a bunch of other crap that just takes up space on the HD.



If you want to upgrade from Windows XP and stay in a Windows world, you can use Windows 98 (or 98SE - with USB support) or Windows 2000. Win 2K is like XP only without all the MS advertising and the foo-foo GUI. Either one will work. Don't even consider WinME, worst OS ever put out by MS, if that is possible.



As for Linux, my OS of choice is Red Hat Linux 8. 0. However, I am a techie and like the challenge. I am not sure your mother would be ready for that, yet.



As for other (non-MS) software check out OpenOffice.org for an Office replacement and mozilla.org for an IE and e-mail replacement. I use both and am generally satisfied with them. BTW, replacing Outlook with something (anything) else will dramatically reduce the chance of a viral infection. I use mozilla mail with good results. If you decide to use Linux the Ximian's Evolution is a good Outlook replacement that functions very similarly to Outlook.



I just built a computer to run my Linux OS and decided to purchase an AMD capable motherboard and an AMD Athlon XP 2000+. Other than it runs hotter than I would like, but still within spec, I like the processor.

 

[Koa Man]

Microsoft will no longer provide support for Windows 98 effective June 2003.

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by Koa Man

Microsoft will no longer provide support for Windows 98 effective June 2003.

Does that include 98SE?

 

[Philip]

Does that include 98SE

Yes it does from what I have heard.



Then in June of 2004 support for ME and windows 2000 stops.

 

[illflem]

By support you just mean updates right?

Or does MS have some self destruct program built in?

 

[Philip]

Updates and securities are the type of support that is being stopped.

MS have some self destruct program built in

If uncle Bill could get by with it he would. LOL