Should I format my new Vista laptop?

[Scouzer]

It's a Dell. I plan on using the Crap Remover program, but would it still be worth it to format it? Dell apparently includes the OS discs with its laptops now.

I'm scared to format with Vista--I've never done it.

Would it be bad to wipe the restore partition while I'm at it?

 

[InlineFive]

I would reformat it to get rid of the junk. Dell's disks are wonderful compared to some other manufacturer's solutions. One disk contains the standard OS CD or DVD like you would buy off of NewEgg and other disks contain the craplets.

Vista is simple to install. Generally it's both faster and easier than Windows XP. If you can install a program, you can install Vista.

 

[loup garou]

Vista in my experience installs SO much faster than XP. I've also never used a Dell restore partition, so personally, I'd zap the partitions and reinstall.

 

[nerp]

Format, for sure. The Vista install should be smooth and if the laptop is Vista certified, all the drivers should be sorted out from the git-go. I'm sure Dell would have any other driver remnants on their webpile if need be.

 

[DnetMHZ]

I always wipe the new Dell machines we get here, even those with XP. I like to have only the software that I want on the system.
The Vista install should be pretty straight forward for you.

 

[Brazen]

I would wipe it, even the restore partition. Last I checked, the utilities on the restore partition were available on the CD.

 

[Arkaign]

Do you have a legit copy of XP? I'd go with XP unless you have 2gb of memory.

XP = faster with lower hardware
XP = better for gaming

Just make sure you locate all the drivers first 🙂

 

[Scouzer]

Wow...Vista was amazingly easy to do. That was the most painless thing I've ever done. The only hitch was the Wireless drivers did not work, neither did the ones on the Dell Drivers CD. But after some tinkering I found some on the website that worked.