How can I remove free trial software on a new pc

[ZOOYUKA]

I am trying to clean up a new pc that I bought. What is the best way to remove the clutter that comes preinstalled?

 

[mechBgon]

If possible, I like to just do a fresh install of the OS, then add the stuff I actually want. Otherwise, assuming a Windows system here, you can uninstall stuff via the usual method (Control Panel > Programs, on Vista, or Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs on WinXP).

 

[ZOOYUKA]

Can I do a fresh install from the recovery disks?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: ZOOYUKA
Can I do a fresh install from the recovery disks?

Maybe. Are they system-reimaging discs that put the system into the configuration it's in right now (with the unwanted stuff installed), or did they give you an actual Windows disc that's just Windows and nothing extra?

 

[ShawnD1]

Originally posted by: ZOOYUKA
Can I do a fresh install from the recovery disks?

No. The recovery disks include the garbage. Easiest thing is to just remove it through the program list. After that's done, try running Spybot.

 

[Rottie]

or try Decrapifier

 

[Sam25]

Originally posted by: ShawnD1
No. The recovery disks include the garbage. Easiest thing is to just remove it through the program list. After that's done, try running Spybot.

Yup, removing from the program list is the much better option here.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: ZOOYUKA
I am trying to clean up a new pc that I bought. What is the best way to remove the clutter that comes preinstalled?

Use the uninstaller via Add/Remove Programs in WinXP or Programs and Features in Vista and W7. If for some reason the uninstaller fails or errors out, some companies offer a stand-alone uninstall or cleanup utility for their programs that you can download from the respective website. e.g. Symantec maintains a Norton Removal Tool (SymNRT.exe) for almost all Norton products that works great. Nero has a Cleaner/Remover, so on and so forth. Not all of them offer such a utility, but its worth checking on the support site.

If the application used Microsoft's Windows Installer API, you may be able to remove it using the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility. As mentioned earlier, PC Decrapifier can be useful.

 

[VinylxScratches]

If you have a retail version of Vista, you can get ABR for Vista and backup your license key, then install Vista from a retail disc and inject your license back into the OS.

 

[Quiksilver]

PC Decrapifier.