Clean Install Question for Savvy Dell Laptop Users...

**RoyalKooparillo** · 03-16-2009, 07:28 PM

Hi folks,

I know there are many around these forums with a greater computer know-how than I, so I hope someone can help me with this...

I recently picked up a Dell XPS Studio laptop with Vista OS and I'd like to do a clean install on it to remove bloatware. Only problem is, the most thorough walkthrough I can find (over on the NBR forum) revolves around Dell laptops that come with MediaDirect.

Now, since XPS Studio models don't come with MediaDirect, I imagine that the process would be similar, just simpler. Basically I'm curious if anyone has done this on a Dell lappy that has Vista but NOT MediaDirect. Any advice you have would be really helpful. Thanks!

**mmack66** · 03-16-2009, 07:40 PM

try notebookreview.com or notebookforums.com if you don't get an answer here. clean installs seems to be a much talked about topic.

**yboivin** · 03-17-2009, 04:56 AM

I assume you got the CD's/DVD's from Dell. If not, call customer support to get them.

Put your DVD in the DVD drive, reboot and at the Dell screen it F12 for the boot menu. Choose CD/DVD, press a key when asked to and follow instructions. The most important part is to format the drive when asked to choose the drive to install on. You may get a message that Vista is already install and asked on whether do a clean install. Answer yes for the clean install.

I haven't done this in a long time on my Dell XPS but I can try. PM me for more instructions if you need them. I'll get you through screens.

**RoyalKooparillo** · 03-17-2009, 08:36 AM

Thanks, yboivin. I'll give it a try, and if things go south I'll let you know. I think it'll be alright...having never done it before, I'm just a little nervous.

Cheers!

**mountaineer** · 03-17-2009, 09:38 AM

If you still get a bunch of programs installed after doing a clean install, you can always try the Dell Decrapifier.

**ssilcox** · 03-17-2009, 09:55 AM

Have another computer with internet access nearby. You will need at least your network card drivers to get back on the internet once Vista is reloaded. Then you can go to support.dell.com and download/reinstall the rest of your drivers.