PCW preloaded software - how to get rid of it?

Doublespresso

I'm one of the lucky ones who got one of the recent £289 Packard Bell laptops.

I am trying to remove the preloaded software that's on it (e.g. Norton, AOL, etc) but I don't know how... I checked the "add/remove" folder in Control Panel and these programs are not even listed. I looked in the "Programs" folder and there is no "uninstall" option..

Can anyone help?

BTW I didn't get any discs with the laptop, the box had a seal on when I opened it.. is it possible that they ship them with no backup discs (hence the cheap prices)?

Many thanks in advance.

DVB_3

Those preloaded installations usually are a waste of space. Why don't you reinstall it from scratch? You should be able to get hold of an XP CD, and the laptop should have the certificate of authenticity sticked somewhere. If not, this link should help you with (re)activation.

http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ProductActivation.htm

Paul_Varjak

DVB's tip is a good one but it will mean you have no pre-installed software left, so make sure that is want you want to do!

Another method may be to rename folders in which the unwanted software is found and run your system normally for a few days. If there is no problem then delete the renamed folders.

DVB_3

Paul_Varjak wrote:

make sure that is want you want to do!

Agreed , if the software is needed than reinstallation is of no use.

There is another method, but it's not for faint-hearted, as it might lead to complications. However, if the software is still needed, but selectively (i.e. some bits are required, some not), it is possible to get hold of the full retail (or upgrade) version of the same software, install it on top of the existing one in upgrade mode, and than use uninstall (which would now be in place) to get rid of it completely. This way the integrity of the registry is preserved, but you are effectively at a mercy of the software publisher, as this method would only work properly if the upgrade procedure is properly implemented (i.e. no junk/redundant/unnecessary keys left in the registry). If the upgrade procedure is not well implemented, however, the method will partially work, but you might end up with a message(s) about inability to load a particular module(s) at every reboot, which would have to be taken care of manually (as I said - not for the faint-hearted).

Paul_Varjak

DVB wrote:

Agreed , if the software is needed than reinstallation is of no use.

There is another method, but it's not for faint-hearted, as it might lead to complications. However, if the software is still needed, but selectively (i.e. some bits are required, some not), it is possible to get hold of the full retail (or upgrade) version of the same software, install it on top of the existing one in upgrade mode, and than use uninstall (which would now be in place) to get rid of it completely. This way the integrity of the registry is preserved, but you are effectively at a mercy of the software publisher, as this method would only work properly if the upgrade procedure is properly implemented (i.e. no junk/redundant/unnecessary keys left in the registry). If the upgrade procedure is not well implemented, however, the method will partially work, but you might end up with a message(s) about inability to load a particular module(s) at every reboot, which would have to be taken care of manually (as I said - not for the faint-hearted).

I did consider that as a possibility if Doublespresso had original disks but wasn't sure if it would have worked anyway. So thanks for clarifying that!

But as he does not have the original disks it means getting hold of the full retail software of the programs he doesn't want! Surely better to follow your first suggestion and then get the full retail versions of those programs he does want and install those. He would then have backup copies.

Incidentally, as he does not have a Windows XP Cd either, is it possible to copy a Windows CD to keep as a backup copy?

DVB_3

By "getting" I actually meant downloading. Some of the software (like AOL) can be downloaded as a full version from the corresponding web site. In terms of Norton, etc - reputable software dealers offer trial versions for download, which should work just fine in this case. Such offerings would obviously depend on the software publisher. For instance, here is the link for various Norton products http://nct.digitalriver.com/0001/

Windows CD - almost every software license agreement that comes from a reputable dealer allows you to make a single backup copy of the software you own. In this case the laptop was bought new, with the certificate of authenticity attached. The legality of the license is not in question, so I think that the copy can (and probably should) be made for backup (and operational, as there is no original) purposes. This whole practice of not supplying original disks to make the user dependent on the recovery procedure (with recovery stuff probably stored somewhere on the hdd on some sort of a hidden partition) is simply appalling. Obviously, it simplifies and unifies support queries for the Packard Bell (and others), but at a cost of enormous hassle for the end-user. Some companies may even refuse to honour a support agreement unless they're dealing with the factory-installed instance of software.

Doublespresso

Thank you for the advice.

Just to clarify, I do not need any of the preinstalled software at all, (they are all on a limited free trial - e.g Norton is 90 days free) and I already have a full 1 year AV software, which I do not want to istall (yet) in case it conflicts with the pre-installed one.

I think a fresh install would be best but as I do not have the backup discs, I am worried in case I get stuck, hence my original request to uninstall the unwanted elements.

I totally agree with DVB about not supplying discs to the benefit of their support teams at the expense of the end user.... it's disgraceful!

BTW anyone knows whether a fresh install of Windows would invalidate any warranty with PCW/Packad Bell?

debs626

try here

there are proggys to help with the removal of NAV and the purple skin

http://support.packardbell.com/uk/mypc/?PibItemNr=platform_Lynx_K8&PibLinkGroup=2000#show

And if your doing a fresh install then all your drivers are there too.

Doublespresso

debs626 wrote:

try here

there are proggys to help with the removal of NAV and the purple skin

http://support.packardbell.com/uk/mypc/?PibItemNr=platform_Lynx_K8&PibLinkGroup=2000#show

And if your doing a fresh install then all your drivers are there too.

Thanks for that... I've never done a fresh install, is there a step by step guide? Do I first dowload all the drivers or after?
Besides, as they didn't supply the Dsics, where can I get a Windows XP Disc (I have the license numbers stuck at the bottom of the Laptop)


BTW isn't that Purple Skin... welll.... YUK!

debs626

I have my own copy of windows xp, came with Dell pc but I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction .......... PM me

all u need to do is insert your windows xp disk and boot from cd. Thats an option in the bios (hit f2 as pc is starting) completely reformat the hard drive deleting all partitions then the rest is childs play, just sit back with your coffee. After installed take out the cd and set the bios to boot from HDD and reboot. When prompted insert the disk that has all your drivers on ( the drivers that you have downloaded from packard bell). There u go ...................... thats how I have formatted hard drives in the past

Yep totally agree with the Purple Skin ........ and I'm a woman :-)

DVB_3

Which version of Windows have you got the license for - Home or Pro?