Need help de-turding the new laptop.

[JoLLyRoGer]

Long story short, bought a new laptop for the wife and as is the trend these days, it came sans installation CDs and loaded to the hilt with garbage from Toshiba. So much so that this brand spankin new machine actually lags doing mundane tasks (reading a PDF, etc.)

It's not top of the line, but it's not crap either. 4GB of ram and a Core i3 @1.80 Ghz ought to run pretty smooth for day-to-day stuff yes?

I'm not a big fan of Windows 8 to start with (whoever wrote Classic Shell should receive a nomination for the Nobel Prize) but seeing as how I'm stuck with it, it would be nice to be able to format the drive and do a clean install of just the OS.

No Norton, No Toshiba Drive Monitor, no Netflix, or iCookbook, or Whatever stupid games, Facebook integration and all that crap.

Just the OS.. Let me install it clean from media. I'll add in what I want later.Can I have that please? How do I get it? Do I mail Bill $10.00 for a CD? Can I download an image from Microsoft? How does this work in the new Cloud-ified Media-less Millennium?

Thanks,
-JR

 

[Pardus]

The system restore cd from toshiba should give you options to reinstall windows 8 with or without the pre-installed apps.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

there is no system restore CD. there is no media it came with period

 

[Bubbaleone]

This is only a suggestion but it comes from having syspreped many unattended builds for image deployments: Having just purchased a new Toshiba Windows 8 laptop that didn't include media; I'd certainly not want to have to purchase a license for Windows 8 just so I can download the ISO and do a fresh install simply to get rid of bloatware. Already losing my time and money; now I'm faced with having to figure out which drivers to download and install in order to restore certain very useful features like the Fn key or the value added package that provides a number of important utilities, etc., and then there's all those Windows updates....

If I was going to sysprep a Toshiba laptop build; I'd first check out this complete list of Toshiba Laptop Utilities and Features, compare what's on that list to the bloatware actually installed on my machine, then decide what I want to keep, or think might be useful for my needs, and uninstall everything else. After that I'd test it for a few hours doing common tasks and fine-tuning what else needs to get trashed, or perhaps reinstalled. When I was satisfied with the results; I'd sysprep it and done.

I realize you're not talking about a production environment but for your purposes the scenario still applies. The only difference is that instead of running sysprep you're going to either use a good third-party utility to create a bootable clone for backup, or the native Backup and Restore utility to create a system restore image. In the event of virus attack or other unforseen maladies you'll be able to quickly restore your custom setup.

The advantages of this method are; retaining a valid OEM license and activation, not having to download and install a bunch of drivers and Windows updates, having the machine setup the way you like much quicker than a new installation, and retaining the hidden Toshiba Factory Restore partition so that if you ever wanted to sell the laptop you can simply restore it to factory original condition (with all the bloatware) for the buyer.


.

 

[ViRGE]

Just the OS.. Let me install it clean from media. I'll add in what I want later.Can I have that please?

So you can order recovery media directly from Toshiba. However I have no idea if it's clean media or not; you may just have to bite the bullet and try it.

https://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/serviceUnitVerification.jsp?orderType=SFF

If it's not clean, then Toshiba won't be of any help. Your only real option would be to hit up your contacts for a Win8 installation disc, which should recognize the key in your laptop's BIOS and neatly install itself.

 

[Pardus]

there is no system restore CD. there is no media it came with period

Creating Recovery Media for Windows 8

Creating system recovery media using the Toshiba Recovery Media Creator utility

The PC Decrapifier Wipes Unwanted Junk

 

[MichaelD]

Are there Windows 8 downloadable .iso's like they have for W7 on Digitalriver? Talking about this: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

When the HD in my HP laptop died, I downloaded the W7 Home iso from there, and used my license key from the sticker on the bottom of the laptop. Instant new laptop and no crapware.

 

[cboath]

Can you not get your CD Key out of the registry and use a demo/trial version of 8 and enter your CD Key to activate it?

 

[Ketchup]

I have not done this with Windows 8, but you should be able to download a trial version of Windows 8 (same version it came with, BTW) by doing a fresh install without entering the key. When you enter the key on the laptop, (after installation) it will tell you to 'contact Microsoft,' and they will in turn give you an activation code.

Again, this has worked on past versions, I don't know that it will on 8, but worth a try if I were in your shoes.

Also (again based on past experience), Toshiba allows you to make recovery media (CD or DVD) to re-install the OS. BUT, the program they use will not complete until ALL software has been re-installed, not just the OS.

Hope this info is at least a little helpful. Good luck.

 

[ViRGE]

Are there Windows 8 downloadable .iso's like they have for W7 on Digitalriver? Talking about this: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

Nope.

I have not done this with Windows 8, but you should be able to download a trial version of Windows 8 (same version it came with, BTW) by doing a fresh install without entering the key.

There is no trial version of Windows 8 Core or Windows 8 Pro. The only trial version is for Windows 8 Enterprise, which won't do home users any good (since it uses its own media).

 

[Ketchup]

Nope. There is no trial version of Windows 8 Core or Windows 8 Pro. The only trial version is for Windows 8 Enterprise, which won't do home users any good (since it uses its own media).

So JoLLyRoGer it sounds like it is time to clean up all the crap you can, or buy a copy of 7 to replace it.

In the past, I have had pretty good luck just uninstalling apps I don't need and cleaning out the registry.

I will say that I have spent some time with Windows 8, and I would not look forward to that process. But like anything, I am sure we will get used to it.

 

[Mushkins]

If Toshiba is like most other OEMs, if you order reinstall media from them, it comes as multiple disks. One with strictly Windows 8 on it, one with "Drivers and Utilities", and one with "Applications" or whatever on it. Some companies try to bundle the crapware in with the drivers and utilities, but i've never explicitly seen it in a Windows reinstall DVD.

At least in the US, they legally have to provide you with a single restoration medium at no cost. Most OEMs these days skirt that by giving you the shitty recovery partition that essentially does a repair install and comes prepacked with bloatware, but they still have to offer you a way to get the physical disks. As far as I know they cannot legally alter the Windows installation media to prepackage bloatware with it, so if you're willing to shell out a couple bucks for the CDs and wait a week or two, contact Toshiba support and get your disks. Before you wipe it clean, download the appropriate drivers from the Toshiba support site and toss them on a USB, and just throw away the driver/bloatware disk they send.

 

[MadScientist]

Just uninstall the bloatware. No need to do a fresh install and take a chance of totally screwing it up.

 

[C1]

That's pretty much the way I handle new purchases too. The important thing is to first document your machine. One of the things I usually do is to expand the line items in device manager and do a screen print to get a handle on installed devices and the drivers.

You are going to want to go thru the OS anyways to tailor it for performance (most likely). That task involves turning lots of stuff off as well as tailoring startup.

You can leave applications installed if your not pressed for drive space, but just make sure that they are not involved in start up plus ensure that their updaters are disabled (eg, also not running in the background looking at date-times, internet connectivity and going out checking for update notifications, etc). (Since you dont have media disk, then be conservative with what you uninstall as getting the application back at a later date may not be convenient.)

Eventually the system settles down

Probably the most problematic area I encounter with people's installations is the AV solution. Often these AV installs turn out to be the resource consumption problem. The problem often is that these applications somehow (probably via the networks) fully enable their automation and thus end up constantly running/scanning in the background.

Hence, I prefer to use sandboxing (eg, Centurions Drive Shield or Smart Restart) type solutions.

 

[MadScientist]

That's pretty much the way I handle new purchases too. The important thing is to first document your machine. One of the things I usually do is to expand the line items in device manager and do a screen print to get a handle on installed devices and the drivers.

You are going to want to go thru the OS anyways to tailor it for performance (most likely). That task involves turning lots of stuff off as well as tailoring startup.

You can leave applications installed if your not pressed for drive space, but just make sure that they are not involved in start up plus ensure that their updaters are disabled (eg, also not running in the background looking at date-times, internet connectivity and going out checking for update notifications, etc). (Since you dont have media disk, then be conservative with what you uninstall as getting the application back at a later date may not be convenient.)

Eventually the system settles down

Probably the most problematic area I encounter with people's installations is the AV solution. Often these AV installs turn out to be the resource consumption problem. The problem often is that these applications somehow (probably via the networks) fully enable their automation and thus end up constantly running/scanning in the background.

Hence, I prefer to use sandboxing (eg, Centurions Drive Shield or Smart Restart) type solutions.

This.

 

[MadScientist]

I picked up this Toshiba laptop for my sister-in-law yesterday from Office Depot on sale for $289.99. http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/253222/Toshiba-Satellite-C855D-S5340-Laptop-Computer/ I used a $75. off Staples coupon and a OD free laptop sleeve coupon. That brought the price down to $214.99 + tax. She only uses it for email, internet and Skype, so for her it's adequate.

Started to debloat it today.

OP,
Don't know if your laptop has the same program, but there's a Desktop Assist icon on the desktop. If you click on it there's a Recovery Media Creator tab. If you open it another window pops up where you can burn 3 recovery DVDs. This will probably also put all the Toshiba bloatware back on though.

 

[blankslate]

Creating Recovery Media for Windows 8

Creating system recovery media using the Toshiba Recovery Media Creator utility

The PC Decrapifier Wipes Unwanted Junk

PC decrapifier is a good step to take to while you're getting the items you need for a clean install.

 

[Gintaras]

If Toshiba is like most other OEMs, if you order reinstall media from them, it comes as multiple disks. One with strictly Windows 8 on it, one with "Drivers and Utilities", and one with "Applications" or whatever on it. Some companies try to bundle the crapware in with the drivers and utilities, but i've never explicitly seen it in a Windows reinstall DVD.

At least in the US, they legally have to provide you with a single restoration medium at no cost. Most OEMs these days skirt that by giving you the shitty recovery partition that essentially does a repair install and comes prepacked with bloatware, but they still have to offer you a way to get the physical disks. As far as I know they cannot legally alter the Windows installation media to prepackage bloatware with it, so if you're willing to shell out a couple bucks for the CDs and wait a week or two, contact Toshiba support and get your disks. Before you wipe it clean, download the appropriate drivers from the Toshiba support site and toss them on a USB, and just throw away the driver/bloatware disk they send.

Well, Lenovo asked me "legaly" $59.99 for Recovery discs...I told them: GFY...

Good thing is, Lenovo left Win8 key in bios and any Win8 dvd does the job, better job than Lenovo shitty recovery discs would do - install Win8 clean...no asking for the key(since it's in bios)I don't get those 6 partitions Lenovo gave me...no any MS Office shortcut to buy Office and all other crapware...that came preinstalled...

I think...it might help OP too....

 

[Gintaras]

Long story short, bought a new laptop for the wife and as is the trend these days, it came sans installation CDs and loaded to the hilt with garbage from Toshiba. So much so that this brand spankin new machine actually lags doing mundane tasks (reading a PDF, etc.)

It's not top of the line, but it's not crap either. 4GB of ram and a Core i3 @1.80 Ghz ought to run pretty smooth for day-to-day stuff yes?

I'm not a big fan of Windows 8 to start with (whoever wrote Classic Shell should receive a nomination for the Nobel Prize) but seeing as how I'm stuck with it, it would be nice to be able to format the drive and do a clean install of just the OS.

No Norton, No Toshiba Drive Monitor, no Netflix, or iCookbook, or Whatever stupid games, Facebook integration and all that crap.

Just the OS.. Let me install it clean from media. I'll add in what I want later.Can I have that please? How do I get it? Do I mail Bill $10.00 for a CD? Can I download an image from Microsoft? How does this work in the new Cloud-ified Media-less Millennium?

Thanks,
-JR

If it came with Win8 preinstalled, you may have Win8 key in bios(does it say in BIOS anything about Win8? 1st screen - computer info?)...
If you have Win8 key in BIOS, you can get any retail Win8 CD(same version) from anyone...you won't do any harm to those, who'll lend Win8 since key will be used that in bios and with that key(not borrowed Win8 DVD key) Win8 will be activated...

That's all you need - Win8 legal retai/oem dvd...

I did same think on my Lenovo...Lenovo wanted me to charge another $59.99 for what I've already paid - OS, they don't ship recovery discswith computer or give and option to crerate recovery media on 1st boot like it was before...

I told Lenovo: GFY...

And I have HDD partitioned way I l.ike and no preinstalled crapware...

Win8 with Classic Shell = like Win XP or so...no those tablet or kiddie stuff/iphone or scam store buttons....

 

[tcsenter]

Programs and Features (formerly add/remove programs)