WTF?! 77 processes running?!!!!

[TBSN]

Um, I just noticed this. 77 processes running.

I got this computer from my school, and they've put all kinds of crap on it that I don't need. (Novell Services for their network, Groupwise email that is always running in the background...)

The problem is, I don't own the copy of Windows XP. I own the computer, but they won't give me the installation CD. I can bring the computer with me, with the installation, but I can't have the actual copy... Doesn't make much sense. So since I only have a week left I thought I'd have them reinstall it now...

Since I'm leaving this school (with the Lenovo) I can get rid of everything I don't need, and I was thinking that a fresh install would be the best bet to have a clean installation. I'm thinking of having them do it, and just asking them not to install the extra programs and give it to me like a brand new computer from Lenovo...

...But does Lenovo usually come with a bloated installation anyway?

 

[Markbnj]

Probably yes, although the specific package of wasteware will depend on who they have alliances with at any given time.

 

[TBSN]

Well in that case, I guess I'll just install it myself. Is it alright to use one copy of Windows (the one I have for my desktop) on two machines, or will it freak out when I try to activate it?

 

[n7]

Alright?

No, not legally.

You could trim down that bloat easily by:
Add/Remove Programs
Run > msconfig
Run > services.msc
Hijackthis

And various other methods.

 

[toadeater]

Originally posted by: n7
Alright?

No, not legally.

Doesn't he qualify for the Student Edition?

 

[nerp]

The laptop doesn't have a CD key on the bottom you can use to install a fresh copy with no bloat?

If not, you can try the "decrapifier" program to weed out the bloat.

 

[InlineFive]

Fresh install is the only clear cut route.

 

[degibson]

Originally posted by: InlineFive
Fresh install is the only clear cut route.

While I agree with this entirely, there is something to be said for keeping software warranties intact and software installs legit.

If you have the patience, do the following to clear up the bloat:

1) 'Uninstall' every bloat process that is explicitly uninstallable
2) Run > msconfig (n7 FTW)
3) Delete the crap from the Startup folder in the start menu (some oldies don't show up in msconfig fos some reason)

 

[Mattster]

Also check out Thinkpads forum. They have some well documented methods of making a WinXP install disc from the preload that is on the system.....

My .02

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: TBSN
...But does Lenovo usually come with a bloated installation anyway?

For the record, they all do. My mom just got a new Compaq desktop. Loads of crapware and even freaking embedded tool and search bars in IE.

 

[Markbnj]

The box should have a little string attached to the lid that formats C: when you open it. Consumer PCs are sooo bad, and it's largely because there is sooo little money in them that they have to partner up with everyone they can find for $.03 per install just to make it worth selling them.

 

[TBSN]

I think I'm going to try to have the school re-install windows before the semester is over. If they won't do it, I'll delete something very important and say- look, my computer no work!

 

[aceO07]

Thinkpads have a program thinkvantage (or something similarly named) that can help you download Thinkpad drivers and other misc programs so you don't need to worry about those things. The hardest part for you is reinstalling windows.

 

[George P Burdell]

Time to bring EPIC WIN to this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=188992

 

[stlcardinals]

When booting up the laptop, push the blue ThinkVantage Button.

This should get you into the system restore feature.

If you can get into this you don't have to worry about having your school reload the os.

Just choose "Restore my Hard drive to original Factory state" and it will re-image the hard drive just like it came from Lenovo.