How-To: Get Rid of Bloatware on Your New Laptop
How-To: Get Rid of Bloatware on Your New Laptop
Posted 04/15/2009 at 11:30am
| by Alex Castle
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Let’s set the scene: It’s a beautiful April day, and you’ve just come home after a trip to your local Best Buy, a spring in your step and a smile on your lips. What’s got you so excited? Why, it’s new laptop day! You’ve scrimped and saved and finally, finally, you’re able to afford that new notebook you’ve been pining after.
Breathless, you tear your new computer out of its packaging, plug it in and turn it on, right there on the kitchen table. Windows loads for a minute, then pops up the first time setup. You make an account, and there you are; gazing at the desktop. You feel a sense of proud ownership: that’s your recycle bin; that’s your browser; those are your network places. That’s your Google desktop search bar, your link to ask.com and your 30 day free trial of America Online.
Wait, what? What is all this crap?
When you buy a brand new laptop from an OEM, they’ve already installed an OS for you. And, while they were at it, they’ve tossed in a few extra “features” that they (have been paid) to think you would like. These range from the useful to the vaguely harmless to the downright obnoxious. In any case, your laptop would be better off without them, and in this article we’re going to show you how to make your new notebook as pristine as freshly driven snow in just two steps. Then, we’ll show you how to back up your disk so that you can restore your notebook to a clean state whenever you want, even if you can’t start Windows.
Decrapify Your Laptop
The first step’s an easy one: download and run PC Decrapifier. PC Decrapifier maintains a list of crapware commonly installed on OEM machines, and uninstalls them for you en masse.
The decrapification (did we mention that “decrapify” is one our favorite verbs?) process is very simple. Just use the internet or a USB thumb drive to get the executable onto the laptop, then give it a run. When you’re asked, indicate that you’re running PC Decrapifier on a new computer.
The program will perform a quick scan, then return a list of programs that it identifies as junk. In our test with a thoroughly gunked up Toshiba laptop, PC Decrapifier did an admirable job of finding all of the obvious junk programs, like trial versions of bad software, and spam shortcuts with names like “Get 15 Free Photo Prints.” By default, PC Decrapifier will mark all of these for deletion, so unless you’ve got a hankering for some dubious free photo prints, just click the Next button.
Now PC Decrapifier will display a list other programs that it has detected on your system. This includes all the programs that are not necessarily junk, but which you may not want on your system, anyway. For instance, on our test laptop, this list included Picasa, Napster and Google Desktop. We could have left these intact, but because we like starting with a totally clean slate, we decided to go down the list and pick out all the programs that we could identify as being non-vital, and selected them for deletion. You don’t have to worry about getting absolutely everything, because in the next step we’ll run a targeted uninstaller to clean up whatever we missed.
These programs don’t uninstall as quickly as those on the first batch did, and you’ll find yourself having to manage the uninstall dialogues for all of them. Still, in a couple of minutes you should be done, and you’ll be ready to move onto the next step.
Use Revo Uninstaller to Remove Stubborn Programs
Revo Uninstaller is a freeware program which is very, very good at uninstalling programs. As nice as PC Decrapifier is, it sometimes programs, so Revo is a big help. For instance, after we ran the Decrapifier in the previous step, Google Desktop had managed to hold on and was still left on our system. We admire the programs tenacity, but it still had to go, so we fired up Revo.
Revo Uninstaller’s default screen is a list of programs installed on the computer. To get rid of Google Desktop, we just select it from the list and select Uninstall. The program gives you a list of uninstall options, ranging from basic (just runs the program’s built-in uninstaller) to the advanced (runs the uninstaller, deletes any remaining program data on the hard drive, scours the registry for left-behind keys, burns sage and recites Bible verses, etc).
For us, the “safe” removal option was enough. After clicking it, the Google Desktop uninstaller runs, then gives you the option to delete unneeded registry keys and left-over data. When it finishes, there’s not a trace left on the system.
One of our favorite features of Revo is the “Hunter” mode. When you enable this mode by clicking the radar icon at the top of the main window, Revo disappears, leaving only a small square “crosshairs” icon on the screen. At any time you can click and hold on the icon to turn your cursor into a crosshair, then drag and release the mouse button on a program to open an uninstal dialogue.
We used this feature to remove a pesky toolbar from our brand new Toshiba laptop. Toolbars are a perfect use for hunter mode, because it’s not always easy to tell what the the program underlying the toolbar is called.
Next up, we'll discuss how to create a backup image to save your laptop's clean state.
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CatherineMcClarey
November 19, 2011 at 10:02pm
I have the same question as Pafletch. I might try the steps described anyway when I receive my new laptop. (BTW, Laptop Magazine had a similar article in its archives, but from 2008, so the Maximum PC article is more recent. On the other hand, Laptop Magazine did have a more general article (in their September 2011 issue) on the first 7 steps one should take with a new laptop - but none of them had to do with removing bloatware.) I've printed the Maximum PC article out for ready reference once I get my new laptop. (It beats paying Best Buy $100 extra for their "Geek Squad Optimization" -- which mainly seems to consist of things like making sure the machine works, installing antivirus software, and removing the bloatware -- all of which can be done by reasonably intelligent computer buyers themselves.)
niccy4513
December 25, 2010 at 8:35pm
I got this laptop on a lightning deal from Amazon. I paid $399 for it. It arrived in perfect condition. It has an quasi-industrial feel to it. The surface is textured - it eliminates fingerprints all over the outside. The machine runs as expected. There are not a bunch of ads or free software junk on it either. Monitor has nice brightness and minimal glare. Nice machine for the price.See Here: <a href="http://wpstore.co.cc/shop.php?c=1&n=565108&i=B0047ZHB88&x=Toshiba_Satellite_C655_S5118_156_Inch_Laptop_Black" rel="external">Toshiba Satellite Laptop</a>
Greethn
December 09, 2010 at 4:22am
That is true because it is not legal to distribute Windows, but I think your pretty safe if you kill the upload as soon as the download is done. ICANN Accredited
all4four
December 08, 2010 at 7:46pm
I appreciate this forum thread, I on Black Friday was dismayed to find a Best Buy Flag on my New Toshiba M645-S4070.
This was easily removed 1st by removing best buy app from remove programs via control panel, this still left Best Buy Shortcut Flag removed by right click and delete.
Next Spam attack was when trying to add clear service where I was a preexisting customer, I would get a clear wimax to connect option in Intel WiMax Connection Manager, a please view important message link would appear at Clears chat to establish new service link. When you click on view message the Best Buy sign up for Clear Application window then appears.
I found this greatly annoying, however once you establish Clear or other WiMax Provider service this goes away.
I am making a safe assumption in saying the following; 1) best buy has provided the wimax mac id of my laptop to clear and its in thier data base on thier servers and this causes best buy purchased pc's to redirect to this best buy window.
This I did not LIKE 1 BIT, Especially since it took Clear from Black Friday to the evening of the following thursday to add wimax service to my pre-existing account with home modem andd voip phone, I can not ever remember experiencing such ineptitude in providing service in all my life. It took over 20 phone calls to get the laptop added to my account.................................PHEW.
Sarcasm: The difficulty of performing a given task is directly proportional to a persons (in this instance a group of persons ) capabiltiy for confusion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok now Best Buy hits below belt yesterday My toshiba service station software reports 2 important updates available 1) for the BIOS and 2) the Intel Proset Wimax 6250 connection manager and driver.
Well I perform this and much to my dismay WTF!!!!!!!!!! there now appears in my wimax connection manager window a yellow BEST BUY banner.
This leads me to the following conclusion and that is that best buy and toshiba have partnered up to modify the wimax connection manager to include thier logo and if you install this update this will occur.
Well being somewhat PC adept I remove the Intel wimax connection manager and I go to Intels Download Homepage and Download the latest Wimax 6250 driver and software, NO DICE after removal reboot reinstall STILL FRIGGING THERE!
I now call Toshiba they feign stupidity that they have not modded this driver to include Best Buys add and have no way to remove.
I call Best Buy and store general manager smugly/proudly /assinely states that they own a 51%+ or greater controlling interest in Clear and are partnered with Toshiba and there add will display come hell or high water and he defiantly tells me I can return laptop but there banner will stay no matter what!
I call Clear and talk to a level 2 support person, he states a co-worker having same exact problem and that he does not know how to update connection manager and to remove this spammed driver/software.
Well its probably a losing battle but I simply did a system restore to before the toshiba service station driver update and now the banner thank God is Gone, I will of course have to be ever vigilant to not install ''toshiba wimax or other updates via Toshiba Service Station.
I would very much appreciate that some one who is a software programmer might give me greater insight into what is allowing the best buy logo to continue to appear after I have updated to the latest intel generic wimax 6250 connection manager software and driver update. I presume the toshiba driver/software mods the registry?????????????????????????????????????????
lorettathompson at live dot com
cheehard
December 28, 2009 at 1:29am
First, get your laptop into exactly the state you want it to restore
to. Make sure you have every driver you need installed on your laptop,
as well as the current Windows service pack. AC Compressor...You can also include any
apps you’re absolutely sure you’ll want when you restore your notebook.
Don’t go crazy here, there’s no point in cluttering up your laptop
before you restore it, and the more applications you have on your disk,
the larger the restore image is going to be. Once you’ve got things the
way you like, we’ll create the image.
pal.tech11
April 15, 2010 at 4:10am
some how they are good in this business but i need a laptop that i can use in sports gambling and it can foretell and perdict some detilas of every match for me, is there any possibility for me?
fda153
March 06, 2010 at 3:01am
ok i agree with you. but i didn't get the results as i was expecting. actually i have not much knowledge of comoutersi am running a limo company named by bergen county taxi and limo and there is very senstive data in my laotop which i don't want to lose. so plz tell me the right way
hjf774
December 24, 2009 at 9:11pm
I thought Win7 had a built in disk image utility that would do the same thing that Acronis did?
nsk chaos
April 19, 2009 at 7:52pm
yay! my iMesh woes are solved!!! thx to Revo =) once again MPC save my sanity
thecliogeek
April 16, 2009 at 5:06pm
I have told people for years that the big companies have done this to make an extra buck; HP is very famous fo rthis because they even do it on desktops too. These companies do this to eek out another couple bucks hoping you will click on links so they can "get credit for the referral". I sell new computers WITHOUT this stuff, you're best bet is to get to know a local geek with a shop and have him build and load a system for you. And yes...technically it is illegal to "download a copy", so don't get caught. :)
nekollx
April 16, 2009 at 5:15pm
while 'downloading a copy' may be illeagle in the technical sense its unenforcable if you have a valid key as it is legal to borrow a friends CD (MS has even sugested this a couple times) and use your own key
winmaster
April 16, 2009 at 4:37pm
I'll have to try Revo uninstaller sometime. One thing that buggs me is that apps often leave behind files and registry keys after they have been uninstalled.
Also, I hope Murphy comes to the rescue and offers a free alternative to the backup software. I really hate paying for software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Comb0Breaker
April 16, 2009 at 9:43am
This is why Apple can sell you a Shiny product, with less features, charge you more money, and you can feel it's easy to use. Although it is nice to boot a new system with out a dozen little things loading and asking for your attention.
Devo85x
April 15, 2009 at 3:49pm
I just do it the easy (if not quick) way and do a fresh install of an OS, then (if its mine) install linux through WUBI (if the main OS was windows)
XoRn
April 15, 2009 at 2:52pm
I just picked up a new lappy for the fiancee last Friday. Since I've pretty much avoided Vista like the plague I had no idea how to get rid of most of the crap that came pre-installed. Great article MPC.
-XoRn
thegamepro
April 15, 2009 at 1:28pm
If you had a retail copy of the OS it uses, then you can simply install that with the OEM's Key on the non-recovery partition. Or, if you are a super hardcore user, you could format the harddrive completly with the OS installer and then install the fresh copy with the OEM's key. But that trick will work only if you have a retail disc.
Best Buy also has a service where they charge an additional $30 to remove the crapware for you on the new laptop you just bought. It feels like you've paid twice for laptop.
Pentium 0
April 15, 2009 at 12:55pm
Its legal to just burn a Vista disc off a torrent or something and use you own key to just start clean right?
AntiHero
April 15, 2009 at 1:06pm
Yes it is (Because not all companies are as good as dell for providing an OEM disc), it's what i do on my Acer. However note that sometimes companies don't provide all drivers for download. (Like acer...) so they leave you lacking some of your features, or you have to hunt for them, if you really want it. Usually it's petty little things like fingerprint scanners, which is bullshit to a normal user, since if you get a cut on your finger, then if you can't use other fingers, you're up the creek. Mine registers all 10 digits of mine, but still, it's childsplay, a way to feel like James Bond. On a note, i love PC Decrapifier, been using it for a while. (except the VD and people trying to kill you.)
I don't like Microsoft, I associate with it.
thegamepro
April 15, 2009 at 1:00pm
Technically not because when you download a torrent you are also uploading it to other people (who might be pirating it) as well.
winmaster
April 16, 2009 at 4:39pm
That is true because it is not legal to distribute Windows, but I think your pretty safe if you kill the upload as soon as the download is done.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Nuxes
April 15, 2009 at 11:20am
My dad just bought a new Compaq laptop last week, and I spend four hours getting rid of all the crap that came with it. The HP tools took about 15 min each to uninstall.
mlee19
April 15, 2009 at 11:02am
Or if you really want to clean out everything, start from scratch and reformatt with a fresh install of which ever OS you choose.
killerxx7
April 15, 2009 at 10:47am
cool i realy needed a app like decrapifier thank team nice artical :)
jtimberman
April 15, 2009 at 10:19am
I think it's ironic that this article suggests installing new applications in order to remove other applications.
winmaster
April 16, 2009 at 4:40pm
That is kind of ironic, but it is probably the best option if a Windows reinstall is inconvienent.
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The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Havok
April 15, 2009 at 5:21pm
I would rather have one USEFUL app running than someting like 15-20 USELESS apps CONSTANTLY running. My Toshiba has an add or remove programs list that is about 30-45 programs long, on a "clean" boot. My desktop which has a barren copy of windows XP home has only about 10ish programs installed.
OMGWTFBBQ
nekollx
April 15, 2009 at 11:31am
sort of like installing a virus/root key to remove other virus and malware (Combot Fix in the malware guide sets off Windows Denfeders suspesious activity alark and Esat Nod 32's Virus watcher)
bland
April 15, 2009 at 9:50am
I agree Acronis is a great company with a great software, but us computer people are very frugal when it comes to buying asoftware and would search to no end for a free solution. Also $50 for a program you will likely only use once for a backup is expensive enough, when you just scrimped and saved to finally get your new laptop.
I wish I had a example, but I don't have time to search and find a decent one to recomend, but I imagine there's a whole bunch of them that would work well enough to get the task done.
roninnder
April 15, 2009 at 11:47am
Macrium Reflect is freeware and it does everything that Acronis does here. I can't imagine spending $50 for this software unless you require some kind of customer support to guide you through its use.
neo1piv14
April 15, 2009 at 9:39am
Probably one of the most useful guides/tools I've seen besides the malware removal guide. Articles like this really go a long way for helping users.
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