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Poll: Do you keep Laptop software installed?

T

TheKid

Member
I'm thinking of getting a Gateway Laptop in the next few months. The one I'm looking at comes with WinME. I have my own copy of W2K and was wondering how many people format the HD and install what they want on there. From what I've seen, Companies send a recovery disk with the computer that will install to factory specs. If you do format, where can you get the drivers for various compenents such as the video and sound cards. Thanks for the help,


G
 
First thing I usually do on laptops (I've had two so far, both Dells) in format and install the stuff I want. I like to customize my installs and drop programs in similar directories (Internet Apps, Multimedia, etc) just for organization's sake, and no OEM in the world does that. By formatting, it just gives me the flexability to make things the way I want them. You're right, most OEMs just send a recovery disk, but if you're like me, then you have copies of every major OS sitting around your house and all you need is the OEM code included with computer to make the reinstall "legal". That is, assuming you want the same OS.

For drivers, the major OEMs have them available for download on their website.
 
Yeah go for it..

I have the Compaq 1800XL series that came with win98se and a restore disc. I installed win2000 and everything was working except my dvd player. Come to find out, the software wasn't compatable with win2000, so hunted around and found a free dvd software player, and everything works better, than before. Thow out that restore disc and install win2000, go for the clean install....
 
First thing to do with a new laptop is to nuke the crap that comes with it (especially if it's Windows ME) and do a fresh Win2k install. Then set it up the way YOU want it, not the way that was easiest for the manufacturer!
 
I agree, Nuke the Bastard.... just make sure everything on it is win2k compatable, some systems (the dell Inspiron 3800 comes to mind) are not fully win2k compatable. Check With the Manufacturer before buying so you know beforehand.


CrackRabbit
 
I have a Dell I8000, first thing I did was nuke Windows ME and installed 2000 Pro. Dell has the drivers for Win 2000, ME and Linux available online. Do it and get rid of the unnecessary crap (especially ME).
 
I formatted my laptop that came witn 98se and put 2k on as soon as I got it. 2k is absolutely great on laptops.
 
Win2k works wonderfully on my ThinkPad 600e and my brother's Dell Latitude CPi.

I just use driver provided by Win2k for video, sound, modem, and network card. All work very well.
 
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