Lots of new PCs come crammed with software trials and freebies that are more bloatware than useful. But should you wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows to get rid of them? Probably not, and here's why.
QUESTION My Acer Aspire 8943G laptop came preinstalled with several 'bloatware' applications that I neither want nor need. Windows 7 discs are not provided, but the HDD is partitioned to create a recovery disc – I would also like to remove this partition. I have a desktop PC on which I have installed a retail version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit. Is it possible – and permissible – to use the Windows retail disc I used on that PC to make a clean installation of Windows on my laptop using the key on the sticker affixed to the Acer? Peter Pemberton
HELPROOM ANSWER The extra programs some manufacturers add to their PCs can be annoying and often time-consuming to remove. However, you should only go ahead and wipe the hard drive clean if you have a Windows 7 licence. You can't simply use another manufacturer's key. They are often locked into the brand of hardware on which they're installed.
Your best course of action is to manually remove the 'bloatware' and install your own programs. If you must wipe the entire drive, you should first purchase a Windows 7 disc online for around £75.
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Comments
Pee Kay said: So long as you have your license there is absolutely no harm in wiping out you HD the partition on which the OS is INSTALLED and reinstall the OS from any media you may have Win 7 installs as per the valid KEY you feed This way you can choose to install or not install vendors bloatware However please be aware the vendor provided media includes drivers which are specific to their equipment which you may or may not find elsewhere immediately