Dell (and other) add-ons

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  1. Posts : 16
    Windows 10
       #1

    Dell (and other) add-ons


    Hello Everybody;

    I recently received an email from Dell about my Desktop XPS 8700 having an issue with my hard drive. They said it was failing and three days later I got a package by Purolator with a new 2 Terabyte drive and a USB stick.

    When I get it installed and the original Windows 8.1 installed again, I can just go ahead an upgrade to Windows 10 again. However, my question is, when I'm done, can I delete all things "Dell" from my computer. By that I mean all of their software that gives updates about the machine and other stuff that I really don't want. What I'd like to do is simply turn it into a computer that would be the same as if I'd built it myself.

    Do I really need all of this hand holding and babysitting from Dell? I'm tired of them and their software and emails and intrusions and, and, and I think you get the idea.

    I'd appreciate your thoughts and comments on the matter, so thank you for any help you can offer.

    All the best

    Bud
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,579
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    I think you already have the answer to whether you need all the handholding or not.

    You could start manually uninstalling Dell stuff, BUT, that early in the game, why not:

    To get rid of the Dell stuff, just do the upgrade to Win10, make sure THAT is activated (you may already be from prior upgrade on that machine but just confirm), and then do a clean install, wiping out all existing partitions as part of the clean install. Confirm activation. There will be no Dell stuff to see.

    However, then go to Device Manager and see if there are unknown devices. You may find it necessary then to download some drivers from Dell to have those unknown devices cleared.

    I just did that last weekend with a Dell laptop (identical to my own system spec) that my son just purchased. I made 3 full disk images - 1 out-of-the-box before it even booted (first booted to a Macrium Reflect Rescue CD), 1 after the Win10 upgrade was confirmed activated, and 1 after the Win10 clean install was completed, unknown devices cleared, and all outstanding Windows Updates installed.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 16
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Oh Boy!! I must have sounded smarter than I really am here.

    First of all I should have mentioned that I will not be upgrading to Windows 10 again. I've tried it for about a month now and just don't like it one little bit. I'll be staying with Windows 8.1.

    Secondly, I have no idea how to do a clean install. Is this something that you could easily explain to me? While I'm not very technically savvy about computers, I'm not a "Windows For Dummies" candidate either so if it's not too much trouble I'll be listening intently. If it's too much bother I'd also understand.

    Many thank for your really quick reply Word Man, that was very much appreciated.

    All the best

    Bud



    Word Man said:
    I think you already have the answer to whether you need all the handholding or not.

    To get rid of the Dell stuff, just do the upgrade to Win10, make sure THAT is activated (you may already be from prior upgrade on that machine but just confirm), and then do a clean install, wiping out all existing partitions as part of the clean install. There will be no Dell stuff.

    However, then go to Device Manager and see if there are unknown devices. You may find it necessary then to download some drivers from Dell to have those unknown devices cleared.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,579
    Windows 10 Pro
       #4

    Matchlock said:
    Oh Boy!! I must have sounded smarter than I really am here.

    First of all I should have mentioedn that I will not be upgrading to Windows 10. I've tried it for about a month now and just don't like it one little bit. I'll be syaing with Windows 8.1.

    Secondly, I have no idea how to do a clean install. Is this something that you could explain to me easily? While I'm not very technically savvy, I'm not a Windows For Dummies" candidate either so if it's not too much trouble I'll be listening intently. If it's too much bother I'd also understand.

    Many thank for your really quick reply Word Man, that was very much appreciated.

    All the best

    Bud
    Aha, OK. Sorry, I just assumed too much. Then you can manually get rid of the Dell stuff or, again, do a clean install of Win 8.1 - this is where I'm not well versed to tell you where to get clean media (non-Dell) for Win 8.1, assuming you can.

    Perhaps another forum member can point you straight there. Otherwise, if it can be done, I would imagine admin Brink has a tutorial for that over at eightforums.com.

    Again, before doing any of this, you should definitely be making full disk images for restore in case anything go wrong. I reckon you already, in effect, have the first image (with Dell stuff) on the USB key they sent you.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,546
    Windows 10 Pro x64 RS 10586.586
       #5

    Hi!

    For clean install read this tutorial:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...n-install.html
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,579
    Windows 10 Pro
       #6

    Cluster Head said:
    Hi!

    For clean install read this tutorial:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...n-install.html
    OP doesn't want Win 10.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,546
    Windows 10 Pro x64 RS 10586.586
       #7

    Word Man said:
    OP doesn't want Win 10.
    Secondly, I have no idea how to do a clean install. Is this something that you could easily explain to me?
    Maybe I misunderstood?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,579
    Windows 10 Pro
       #8

    Cluster Head said:
    Maybe I misunderstood?
    As did I based on OP's 1st post. But see post # 3 starting with "First of all...."
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 16
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Yes, thanks I do have 8.1 on the USB Device they sent me and I'll do a manual delete of all the Dell junk/software.

    I have had nothing but custom built machines for over 25 years and this is the first, and LAST Dell computer I'll ever own. As far as I'm concerned, it just isn't the best equipment out there.

    Thanks again, and I appreciate the help Word Man.

    All the best

    Bud



    Word Man said:
    Aha, OK. Sorry, I just assumed too much. Then you can manually get rid of the Dell stuff or, again, do a clean install of Win 8.1 - this is where I'm not well versed to tell you where to get clean media (non-Dell) for Win 8.1, assuming you can.

    Perhaps another forum member can point you straight there. Otherwise, if it can be done, I would imagine admin Brink has a tutorial for that over at eightforums.com.

    Again, before doing any of this, you should definitely be making full disk images for restore in case anything go wrong. I reckon you already, in effect, have the first image (with Dell stuff) on the USB key they sent you.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,579
    Windows 10 Pro
       #10

    Matchlock said:
    Yes, thanks I do have 8.1 on the USB Device they sent me and I'll do a manual delete of all the Dell junk/software.

    I have had nothing but custom built machines for over 25 years and this is the first, and LAST Dell computer I'll ever own. As far as I'm concerned, it just isn't the best equipment out there.

    Thanks again, and I appreciate the help Word Man.

    All the best

    Bud
    You're quite welcome, Bud - glad I could help a little.
      My Computer


 

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