[gobuckskb9]

Alright eveybody,

I have an HP pavilion 9500t series notebook, I bought it in June. 2.GB Ram, 2.2ghz intel core 2 duo processor, intel graphics accelerator series video card, 450 GB harddrive...blah blah blah, it's still taking a while to do stuff. Start up time is around 2 mintues, when it should be about a minute, and sometimes it just doesn't obey commands, and when it does, it takes ridiculous amounts of time.

I've created my system restore cd's and I began to start cleaning up the crap. But I can't find where to go to uninstal some of the stupid crap like the shortcut to aol, etc etc... There is a bunch of extra crap and I can't just go to add/remove programs and get rid of it. How can i get it out of there? I've tried CCleaner.

Also, what "startup" crap do I need to ditch. File names would be helpful. I just see a bunch of letters, and I can't tell what I need to keep.

[AuroraDizon]

Sometimes programs leave shortcut links and other files around the computer after you uninstall you just manually delete them. You can also run a search and use an to add a wildcard. For example aol. or just aol as part of the file name in the correct box and root out folders from there. On CCleaner tools > start up you can go and look at whats on start up, google it you'll usually come up with an answer on what something is. If you get any results ask someone here or look directly at what folder location it is and remember its only start up so it may not be needed (always double check lol.) When your looking it up type in the information under the program list

(top of CCleaner says key - program - file location)



Good luck, getting bloatware off your computer can be a pain just don't remove anything that may be important

[mphenterprises]

Hi Gobuck. In addition to what Aurora mentioned, you could try a third party application like Add/Remove Pro. This application shows much more detail than the default Windows Add/Remove utility. You can use this application to see what programs were not fully uninstalled from your computer.



Also, I do this and I know it helps me:

- Open My Computer

- Navigate to C:/Program Files folder

- Right Click anywhere within this folder and "Arrange Icons By" then select "Modified."

This will sort the program folder in chronological order with the programs you uninstalled at the bottom. You should be able to determine which program file folders you can delete by the name of the folder and the fact that the folder will be empty.

[rgreen4]

gobucksb9 - on program you haven't mentioned that I consider bloatware that will definitely slow down a machine is Norton's Internet Security. While protecting the PC is important, Symantec takes the hydra approach with tenticles into everything. My machine was much more responsive after getting rid of NIC. This is one that is best removed by it's own removal tool. If you need the shortcut to the tool, post back and I will list it. I know the previous two responders will agree that a layered approach is best, with one anti-virus (I use AVG, others use Avast) and several anti-spyware apps. I use a paid program on my XP machines Webroot's Spysweeper and a free on Superantispyware. I use the built in Window's Defender along with SAS on my Vista machines.

When you get it stripped down to the basics, you'll be amazed at how responsive the machine is. That would be a good time to clone the HD, so you would then always have that as a starting point.

[gobuckskb9]

ok, so I should take Norton off my computer?

I just feel like i'll lose so much if I do that.

Also, my system told me that I can only create one set of recovery cd's, is that true?

[mphenterprises]

rgreen4 said:

>I know the previous two responders will agree that a layered approach is best, with one anti-virus (I use AVG, others use Avast) and several anti-spyware apps.


Very much agreed. If I may take it a step further. Norton is a resource hog, there is no doubting that. I have found that one can have several anti-virus and several anti-spyware installed at the same time...as long as only one of each is actively scanning your computer.

[rgreen4]

Yes, you can only burn only one copy of recovery disks. However, you can order a set from HP. You will have to contact them through the support & trouble shooting button on the website, and follow it on through and when ordering. Go to HP.com, click on Software & Downloads, then enter the product no (dv9500t) click on the >> at the side. Then select Windows Vista. Then toward the bottom of the list find operating system and click on CD Recovery Disc Set. You will then have to select destination country and then you will be asked your serial no. (I couldn't go any further).

Hope this helps. When ordered with a machine they cost $19 for the set. I don't think they are much more this way, but you will probably have to pay for shipping. I think this is a good idea, as it give you a definite second emergency set.

[mphenterprises]

As an indirect sidenote...RGreen, this piece of information just saved one of my clients some serious money. Thanks for the information. I am sure others will get use out of that last post.

[gobuckskb9]

to go along with mphenterprises, and to add a little extra: all of you guys are my heros, I don't know what I would do without your knowledge. I am finally removing Norton from my computer, and I hope that your client has gained from my waste of money.

[mphenterprises]

Hi Gobuck. It is never a waste of money. Consider it a learning experience. You can now express yourself with conviction if someone asks you about Norton.


My client's situation is in relation to the Recovery CD. I was under the impression that one had to be the original owner of the computer for a manufacturer to provide Recovery CD(s). Not only does RGreen's information help my client financially, it makes me look that much better as a business. :-)

[gobuckskb9]

Oh, I see.

Well they could burn their own recovery DVD's like I did, which I believe is what he was saying. But yes, you are right, it was a learning experience, and I can in face express my sincere feelings about Norton.

Another question for everyone, replacing Norton antivirus...

with AVG antivirus, and Superantispyware.

anything else??

[AuroraDizon]

I wrote something about free security programs here. Hope it helps :-)

[rgreen4]

Having been burned my Murphy's law many times, I like to double back up. I don't have two sets of key to the vehicle, I have three. I don't like to skimp by with one backup OS set, I have two. Although I have one recovery set, I also clone after I have the machine set up so I don't have to go through the set up again, especially the network setup.

My point was that if you burn the recovery discs, Murphy could alway put a glitch in the recovery DVD's. But by spending a small amount of money now when the discs are readily available, then that may save a delay later when you really need them.

I'm very pleased that my information saved my friends client some money and made my friend look good, that is what this forum is all about.

[gobuckskb9]

That is all good stuff, did I see that superantispyware doesn't work on Vista?

I will be downloading and installing some of your recommended programs in the near future, thank you.

[rgreen4]

I am currently running Superantispyware on two Vista machines. The only difference between XP and Vista, is that at startup, Vista does not yet recognize the signature of Superantispyware and you have to "approve" the running on every system boot. This might be more complex if running on a limited account vs an account with administrator rights because then you would possibly then have to enter an administrator password to continue.

A small annoyance. Of course if you get real annoyed like some have, you can turn UAC off, but then that defeats one line of the defence.