W520: Lenovo Bloatware - Surgical Excision?

[elksman]

Hey Folks -

My W520 came with so much bloatware that even at 16GB, RAID0, i7 2820, it still starts slower than my X60 tablet (Core2Duo Low Voltage) with a clean windows 7 install. I had a W520 that went back to the factory due to misconfiguration, but before it did, I did a clean Windows 7 install, and it was very fast. Of course, then I lose all of the Lenovo goodies, not all of which I want to get rid of. But I will if I have to.

So: Anyone with tips on getting rid of things that are a waste of your CPU if you have, for instance, used a computer before in your entire life? Or exist solely to make money for Lenovo by selling you other bloatware? I want the leanest process list I can get - I've got plans (digital audio workstation) for that CPU.

Thanks,

Eric

[ellipse]

I usually keep only the power manager, the keyboard software (to have the on-screen messages when pressing certain keys) and the software updater. I find Windows 7 handles all the rest pretty well.

[ssd_thinkpad]

I would make a clean install with a Windows 7 CD and your license key and don't install additional lenovo software. Windows 7 Update installs everything for you - even the lenovo battery manager.

[elksman]

Great advice, folks. I hadn't realized that I could use my Windows 7 CD's (which I bought separately) and then use the License KEY from my new W520 machine to activate the installation. Thought I would have to purchase a new license, which didn't seem fair, since I was just replacing Lenovo's bloated install.

Result? New W520, i7-2820QM, 1.5TB RAID zero, mSATA 80gb SSD: ZOOM. Starts in seconds. Shuts down in seconds. Takes like 1/4th, or less, of the time than the bloatware version. Ahhhhh...

Thanks again,

Eric

[pkincy]

This I hadn't thought of.

So I can use an existing Win 7 upgrade disc to load a clean install of windows (I bought 2 on release day for my Desktop and my
T61p) and load it on my W520 and than simply use the W520 key to validate the install? I do plan on keeping the Desktop and the T61 so will need all 4 Win 7 keys.

No wonder Gates and Allen are so wealthy.

[ssd_thinkpad]

You need a usual windows 7 install dvd. With an update dvd it is possible that you first have to install xp or vista.

[tkforeverer]

what'd you end up doing. i'm on the verge of reformating with another win7 disc and using my new serial.

I could not find a "custom" factory restore. It only let me restore to the original without customizing / removing.

Thanks,
TK


ALSO, mine came with 3 partitions. Did you wipe them all?

[waynewal]

what'd you end up doing. i'm on the verge of reformating with another win7 disc and using my new serial.
I could not find a "custom" factory restore. It only let me restore to the original without customizing / removing.
Thanks,
TK
ALSO, mine came with 3 partitions. Did you wipe them all?

-----------------
Yes, I'd have the same question. I expect delivery today or tomorrow. DOn't want to start with a bloated system. Too many bad experiences with desktops...
Thanks,

Wayne

[AMATX]

So, just to make sure I have this correct:

I can do a vanilla Windows 7 Pro install(using my own Win7 disks), without -any- of the Lenovo bloatware...

Validate w/existing Lenovo key from notebook.

Then, do a Windows update and it'll pull in the Lenovo goodies with it?

Seems too easy & good to be true.

[hunterman223]

Windows Update does NOT install Lenovo software such as the Power Manager. It will find and install most of the drivers, some being outdated. Here's what I do on my T400:

1. Install OS.
2. Install video drivers.
3. Install Intel Chipset and RST (rapid storage technology) from Intel.com.
4. Install Updated Wireless Driver from Intel.com.
5. Install Lenovo Hotkey package.
6. Install Card Reader package from Lenovo.com (Windows doesn't find for some reason)
7. Optionally install IMEI, I disable it in device manager.
8. Install Power Management Driver. (This is different than the Power Manger app and is important in my book. Don't let Windows use an outdated version.)
8. Install Lenovo Power Manager from Lenovo.com.
9. Lenovo sometimes release fixes on the Download Matrix page, for T400 there is a fix for the Hard Drive password. I install this as well.
9. Let Windows handle the rest, usually finds LCD, Audio, Fingerprint Reader, Ultranav, etc.


This results in a nice clean install. The above list is in no particular order (order shouldn't matter), just the order that my tired (1:30am) mind came up with. Of course if you use other Lenovo software than install that too. Some folks like to use Lenovo System Update and install everything at once, but personally I like to let Windows handle the non-essentials and do the rest myself.

Also, sometimes someone will post a model-specific clean-install guide. It's worth googling, but for ThinkPads it's pretty standard so my list should fit with most ThinkPads.

[waynewal]

Sorry Hunter, pm'd you by mistake. Guess I already have Win7 Prof. Forgot I checked that box on the order.
Will do a boot then reinstall with the new serial number. Guess I better check & see if I have a WIn7 pro original disk first.

I just got my W520

4270CTO ThinkPad W520 - 1 Yr Depot Topseller Warranty 8/12/2011

Processor Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20GHz, 6MB L3)
Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 English
Display type 15.6" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics NVIDIA Quadro 1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory 6 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard Keyboard US English
Pointing device UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
Camera 720p Camera
Storage subsystem Internal RAID - Not Enabled
Hard drive 500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device DVD recordable multiburner
System expansion slots Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader & Smart Card Reader
Battery 9 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55++
Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 170W AC adapter
Bluetooth Bluetooth 3.0
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated mobile broadband Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language pack Language Pack US English
40Y9213 + 1YR ThinkPad Protection
41U5008 ThinkPad Bluetooth Laser Mouse

[waynewal]

OK, a little help. I do not have access to generic W7 Pro disks, but got W7 pro on the laptop.

Made the mistake (before getting into this post thread) of porting over my old laptop stuff to the W520.
I do have a generic W7 home premium, which I can use and wipe the system.

(BTW, does installing windows over the present installation also wipe the Lenovo backup partition?)

Then buy the Pro upgrade and then follow the rest of hunter's install instructions?

Thanks, sorry for all the noob stuff, have been putting systems together for a number of years, but am
bowing to the expert.
Wayne

[oredigger]

I feel stupid. Where can I find my windows 7 key on my w520? I can't find mine. Usually it's just on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop.

It always amazes me that manufacturers install software the makes their product worse. I'm streaming from pandora while I type this, and I've heard brrrrrrrrrrrrr noises as the laptop locks up for a split second... WTF! I have 4 cores...

I've already uninstalled:
Thinkvantage Autolock (completely useless)
Bing Bar
VIP Access

Overall, I'm not too impressed by the W520 as of yet. Boot time is very long, but that may be Windows 7 fault.

I keep opening the optical drive when I pick up the laptop. Is there a way to turn off that button?

I think I'm getting used to the FHD screen. The NoSquint addon helps alot. I got sick of pressing ctrl + for every website.

Hopefully a fresh install of windows will fix some things. Otherwise ebay here it comes!

[emtee3511]

"Where can I find my windows 7 key on my w520?"
Maybe under the battery?

[oredigger]

Next question, how do I get my hands on a Windows 7 installation disk?

[awolfe63]

You need a usual windows 7 install dvd. With an update dvd it is possible that you first have to install xp or vista.

I don't think so. It seems that way, but I popped a clean SSD into my W500 then did an install from a W7 Pro upgrade disk and it ran just fine. I did need to download System Updater to get all the Lenovo stuff I wanted.

[Colonel O'Neill]

@oredigger,

I nuked a lot of stuff off of the preload, and get 37 seconds to desktop on my W520.

Things I got rid of are (incomplete list):
Bing Bar
VIP Access
Auto Lock
Access Connections
Intel Identity Protection
Intel Management Engine
Intel Control Center

Do you have a platter drive or an SSD?

[oredigger]

I'm running a traditional platter HD. I think boot times are speeding up. I've read the first few days there's a lot of background stuff going on in windows.

[Colonel O'Neill]

I'm running a traditional platter HD. I think boot times are speeding up. I've read the first few days there's a lot of background stuff going on in windows.

There is a bunch of .NET binaries Windows precompiles when idle. You could force the process manually, or you can just let it sit overnight.

You should choose a good defragger for your drive. I personally use UltimateDefrag, but they do have an informative article on the whole defragmentation concept here which should help you choose a software, be it paid or free (MyDefrag is nice). This makes the most difference for hard drive speed.

[Q-Ball]

Next question, how do I get my hands on a Windows 7 installation disk?

Here's a link to the official ISO, from Digital River (when you buy Windows 7 online this is the link you get to download).

(By the way, this is legal in every way, otherwise I wouldn't be posting it, from this site here- http://www.mydigitallife.info/windows-7 ... e-premium/):

Windows 7 Professional x64 RTM:
http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net ... -65805.iso


I believe these links are somewhere on this forum itself, actually, but I can't find that thread.

[oredigger]

TY Qball, I'm doing my fresh install tonight.

Death or Glory!

[oredigger]

It's alive! Muahahaha

Installation went great.

Step1: I bought a spindle of Memorex DVD+R
Step2: Burned Lenovo Backup Media (Just in case I ever need it), and deleted partition
Step3: Burned Windows 7 Pro Install CD
Step4: Saved anything important to a USB flash drive
Step5: Installed New OS
Step6: Windows 7 Pro does not come with the wireless drivers for the 4276-39U... Downloaded them from Intel with old laptop (Could not find them on the Lenovo Site)
Step7: USB 3.0 ports do not work without drivers... Had to use eSATA+USB port to install wireless drivers.
Step8: Installed some windows updates
Step9: Installed Lenovo Optimus Video Display Drivers
Step10: More windows updates
Step11: Installed Intel Chipset drivers from Lenovo... Dunno if I needed this.
Step12: Installed USB 3.0 drivers
Step13: More windows updates
Step14: Downloaded MS Office 2010 trial, and used purchased Key. (Download for my previous purchase wasn't working for some reason)
Step15: Installed Windows 7 SP1
Step16: More windows updates

That's about it. Everything is running great

Windows Now only uses 1.09Gb of RAM at startup.

I'll install more stuff as needed.

First impressions: Windows appears to run smoother. No more popups for the volume/screen brightness/caps lock (yay!) There is only one place to adjust power settings now... woot! The touchpad works great as is(I don't think I will install the Lenovo Touchpad software).

I wish this was how my lappy came in the first place