New Sony VAIO - Full of bloatware (as usual)

[gd]

Hello,

I've recently purchased a Sony VAIO VPCEB1Z1E laptop which, considering the specs, makes a good offer at 940 euros. However, as with all laptops, I can't stand the default Windows installation as it's filled with useless Sony apps and trial versions of software. I intend to make a clean installation of windows but I have a few questions first as things aren't as simple as they used to be:

1) What Windows media should I use? The laptop shipped with no CDs whatsoever, and the Windows licence sticker reads: Windows 7 Home Prem OA Sony Corporation. Can I get media from the manufacturer or request? Will standard DSP and/or OEM media work?

2) Since this laptop features both an i5 with integrated graphics and a Radeon HD 5000 Series discrete GPU, I assume I'm stuck with Sony supplied graphics drivers right? I can't use, say, Mobility Modder to install the official AMD Catalyst suite...?

Thanks

 

[corkyg]

Probably some of what you call "bloatware" contains the hidden partition where your restore OS is located. Why not just remove the trial software and leave thiungs alone>

 

[boomhower]

You can use any media you want, just install the version you have a key for.

For the driver, download the latest catalyst unless that sony software supports switchable graphics. Just because it has both doesn't mean you can use both. I am not away of any ATI switchable set-ups. A quick google brought up a bunch of non-english sites so I couldn't see for myself about that particular model but it most likely doesn't.

 

[gd]

corkyg: I'm surprised you're suggesting this on a hardware enthusiasts forum. I was under the impression that this is standard practice for a lot of people who like to have control over their computers.

boomhower: Here's the specs from Sony UK: http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/computing/vaio/specifications/index.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VPCEB1Z1E_B

Anyway I suppose I can use Home Premium x64 OEM media to perform a clean install, I'm only asking because I'm not very familiar with Windows Vista/7 licencing options. There seems to be a ton now, ranging from OEM/COA to Branded, DSP etc...

I'm not sure it supports switchable graphics. However Sony provide drivers for both intel and AMD video cards on their website. Funny thing is, the unit is malfunctioning already on powering it up the second time (screen corruption starting during POST), so it will be a while before I get to reinstall Windows anyway...

 

[taltamir]

clean format it...

to answer specific questions:
1. get a Windows 7 Home Prem OEM version disk from ANY manufacturer...
Actually, it is possible to convert any win7 disk to an "all versions" disk, there is a file that "locks" it into a specific configuration and you can delete it to make it an all in one disk. but it has to be an OEM disk to begin with. it does not have to be a sony OEM though, a dell OEM disk will work fine with your key.
2. I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to install said driver.
remember windows 7 natively supports multiple GPUs from different manufacturers with seperate drivers... so you can install the ATI driver (from ATI) alongside the intel drivers.

 

[tcsenter]

Oops...had a blow out there. Sorry.

Woah, chill out tcsenter. You don't have to go off the deep end, keep it civil.
AnandTech Administrator Evadman

 

[jackofalltrades]

There is a free application called pcdecrapifier it will remove all the bloat yet leave you with a fully working system. Try it before you do a clean install, that is unless you are changing your OS.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Sounds interesting -

Could I ask you to run GPU-z and post a screenie?

The HD5650's seem to come in a variety of speeds...

 

[Throckmorton]

You can download legal installation media for free. Look up how to install from a thumbdrive because that's a lot easier than a DVD
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=428068

But keep in mind there is VAIO software you need to download for certain features like extra buttons, batterycare, etc

Also, it's pretty easy to disable or install the bloatware. That's what I did when I got my Sony.

 

[beginner99]

hat would I do if i wanted to get rid of the hdd and install my separatley bought ssd?

First put the backup partition on the hdd to a dvd/memory stick and then install from there?

Can you actually use this partition to install on a new drive?

 

[Bateluer]

Ran into a similar problem with my Acer Revo. Ticks me off when an OEM doesn't include an OS disk and only a restore partition. I acquired a retail ISO for Windows 7, wiped the Revo and installed from it using the key on the sticker. It wouldn't do online activation though, so I had to use MS's automated phone system.

 

[Starky]

A clean install seems like the best thing to do.

 

[marcplante]

I also understand from a tech that was working on my wife's new Sony F series last night that you can do a system recovery and then select advanced options and opt out of the "value Pack" or something to that effect, which eliminates the bloatware. OTOH, I found my wife's computer wasn't that bad. Once I removed the Norton and did a driver update the time from login to first page served on Firefox (approximate test at best) was comperable to my clean install desktop...both running quad cores and my desktop running 4G of RAM vs 6 on the sony.