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Clean install of Vista from Recovery CDs?

Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 11:59 pm
by odgnut
I'm getting my T60 with Windows Vista Business Pre-installed in a few days and from what I've read you can create your own Recovery CDs.

Question: Can you choose a clean install from the Recovery CDs so that it doesn't install all the crapware that is pre-loaded?

I know that I can just uninstall the programs I don't want, but a lot of uninstalls still leave a bunch of residual files that aren't needed.

Anyways...I'm excited about my new laptop. Been using an Thinkpad A31p from 5 years ago that still works perfectly...but felt it was time to upgrade to Core 2 Duo and Vista.

Any reply appreciated.

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 12:13 am
by BillMorrow
last time i looked you CAN NOT install a clean OS..
the crapware comes with the OS..

also, i would suggest that you run speed disk or a similar utility since the preload leaves the HDD files scattered and not optomized..

welcome to the thinkpad owners community..

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 1:28 am
by dandrop
Actually, not exactly 'clean' but you can remove a lot of bloatware. I did this in vista premium.

1. I suggest you burn your recovery disks, your recovery media etc.
2. Restart your computer, hit Thinkvantage button before windows loads.
3. Rescue and recovery will boot.
4. Choose restore to factory state defaults. When asked, choose customize setup. This will give you the option to load only the prorams you want. I removed a bunch of stuff like google desktop, picasa etc.

Hope this helps.

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 1:36 am
by bontistic
Dandrop,

Would you have an idea of what this customized setup is called? Can't seem to find it here.

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 3:16 am
by efrant

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 3:21 am
by bontistic

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 3:45 am
by dandrop
bontistic wrote:Dandrop,

Would you have an idea of what this customized setup is called? Can't seem to find it here.
The one that i used is built in with the latest rescue and recovery utility. I did not have to download any additional software. I guess newer units that came preloaded with the newest version of R&R has the Base Software type ability.

Be careful with BSA. I've read somewhere that BSA does not work well with vista.

Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 10:57 am
by odgnut
Thanks for the responses guys. On a side note...anyone try out
the PC Decrapafier?

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/

Wonder if it works any better than just manually uninstalling each app one at a time?