Clean Install Question?

[T]

We have a Dell 8400 loaded with all the OEM stuff and would like to perform
a clean install of XP Pro (after reformatting HD). Question is can I
complete this with the OEM CD containing XP Pro (w/Service Pack 2) or should
I purchase a retail version of XP Pro?

Thanks,

 

[Tom]

We have a Dell 8400 loaded with all the OEM stuff and would like to perform
a clean install of XP Pro (after reformatting HD). Question is can I
complete this with the OEM CD containing XP Pro (w/Service Pack 2) or should
I purchase a retail version of XP Pro?

Thanks,

Yes, you can. Don't buy a retail version, that would be costly. Dell gives the full install disk, though it is OEM, and tied to that PC only. Instead of going that route, why not simply remove the stuff you don't want.

 

[T]

Thanks for your response.

I have Norton System Works on this computer and have been told by a couple
of IT folks to get rid of it and install McAfee Virus protection only. The
reason given is Norton Syatem Works has too many things running and imbeds
itself in the registry.

Dell provided the Operating CD and another containing the device drivers
plus nseveral others containing application software: Dell Tool Systems,
Cyberlonk Power DVD,Sonic RecordNow, Dell Media Experience. We also have
Office 2003 Professional. I don't do any gaming, don't watch DVDs on this
computer. We probably only need Windows Media Player, the office suite and
the photo software.

Thanks,

We have a Dell 8400 loaded with all the OEM stuff and would like to
perform
a clean install of XP Pro (after reformatting HD). Question is can I
complete this with the OEM CD containing XP Pro (w/Service Pack 2) or
should
I purchase a retail version of XP Pro?

Thanks,

Yes, you can. Don't buy a retail version, that would be costly. Dell gives
the full install disk, though it is OEM, and tied to that PC only. Instead
of going that route, why not simply remove the stuff you don't want.

 

[Tom]

Thanks for your response.

I have Norton System Works on this computer and have been told by a couple
of IT folks to get rid of it and install McAfee Virus protection only. The
reason given is Norton Syatem Works has too many things running and imbeds
itself in the registry.

Dell provided the Operating CD and another containing the device drivers
plus nseveral others containing application software: Dell Tool Systems,
Cyberlonk Power DVD,Sonic RecordNow, Dell Media Experience. We also have
Office 2003 Professional. I don't do any gaming, don't watch DVDs on this
computer. We probably only need Windows Media Player, the office suite and
the photo software.

To be honest, McAfee is just as bad, if not worse, than anything from Symantec. Symantec has a total uninstall tool at their website you may want to consider. If you don't do gaming, and don't watch DVDs, then remove the software you don't need.

Basic security is important, by at least having a decent firewall, a good anti-virus, and an anti Adware/Spyware program remover/scanner. I have a Dell XPS Gen2, and I don't use their Media experinece, or the tool systems CD (it installs anyway), as you can extract what you need from it.

All you need are (installed first and second) are the chipset drivers, and your network card drivers. I would get the latest video card driver from the card makers support site, as well as any sound card drivers as well. If you have Creative's Audigy series, then you need to install that from the disk given to you, then update it from their site. Also check Dell's site for anything that is later in release, like BIOS flashes, etc, at their support site

Security software that is free and very good:

Adaware SE Personal: http://www.lavasoft.de/

AVG Anti-virus (free): http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Zone Alarm firewall (free): http://www.zonelabs.com

 

[T]

Thanks Tom.

Regards,

Thanks for your response.

I have Norton System Works on this computer and have been told by a couple
of IT folks to get rid of it and install McAfee Virus protection only.
The
reason given is Norton Syatem Works has too many things running and imbeds
itself in the registry.

Dell provided the Operating CD and another containing the device drivers
plus nseveral others containing application software: Dell Tool Systems,
Cyberlonk Power DVD,Sonic RecordNow, Dell Media Experience. We also have
Office 2003 Professional. I don't do any gaming, don't watch DVDs on this
computer. We probably only need Windows Media Player, the office suite
and
the photo software.

To be honest, McAfee is just as bad, if not worse, than anything from
Symantec. Symantec has a total uninstall tool at their website you may want
to consider. If you don't do gaming, and don't watch DVDs, then remove the
software you don't need.

Basic security is important, by at least having a decent firewall, a good
anti-virus, and an anti Adware/Spyware program remover/scanner. I have a
Dell XPS Gen2, and I don't use their Media experinece, or the tool systems
CD (it installs anyway), as you can extract what you need from it.

All you need are (installed first and second) are the chipset drivers, and
your network card drivers. I would get the latest video card driver from the
card makers support site, as well as any sound card drivers as well. If you
have Creative's Audigy series, then you need to install that from the disk
given to you, then update it from their site. Also check Dell's site for
anything that is later in release, like BIOS flashes, etc, at their support
site

Security software that is free and very good:

Adaware SE Personal: http://www.lavasoft.de/

AVG Anti-virus (free): http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Zone Alarm firewall (free): http://www.zonelabs.com

 

[Tom]

You're Welcome!

Thanks Tom.

Regards,



To be honest, McAfee is just as bad, if not worse, than anything from
Symantec. Symantec has a total uninstall tool at their website you may want
to consider. If you don't do gaming, and don't watch DVDs, then remove the
software you don't need.

Basic security is important, by at least having a decent firewall, a good
anti-virus, and an anti Adware/Spyware program remover/scanner. I have a
Dell XPS Gen2, and I don't use their Media experinece, or the tool systems
CD (it installs anyway), as you can extract what you need from it.

All you need are (installed first and second) are the chipset drivers, and
your network card drivers. I would get the latest video card driver from the
card makers support site, as well as any sound card drivers as well. If you
have Creative's Audigy series, then you need to install that from the disk
given to you, then update it from their site. Also check Dell's site for
anything that is later in release, like BIOS flashes, etc, at their support
site

Security software that is free and very good:

Adaware SE Personal: http://www.lavasoft.de/

AVG Anti-virus (free): http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Zone Alarm firewall (free): http://www.zonelabs.com