Removing preinstalled software

Hope the the title is better
I have a Compaq. It has Money 2005, Compaq Organize preinstalled. Should I remove them?
I have already removed Wild Tangent and Weather Bug.
Found Broadjump on there as well I do know how IT got there. I removed it.

Thank you

Kelly

 

Unless you have limited space, why bother? One of the problems with removing software is that most software has a tendency to leave behind files. Generally these do not create any problems but some are linked with other programs that you use regularly and your removal of the other programs could affect them. Then there is the question of whether or not you want to chance cleaning out your registry (and frankly, I don't trust these registry cleaner programs). Personally, I'd leave the unused programs alone.

 

I helped a person to setup a new HP Pavilion a year ago and that machine had so much software installed that it slowed her unit down quite a bit.

Her's had 512mb of RAM and over 2 gig of processor power and mine ran much faster than her's...I only have 384mb of RAM (shared) and a 1.73 gig processor. Course my machine is custom built too.

What would be the difference in uninstalling pre-installed software, vs. uninstalling programs that you installed yourself?

Or are you just referring to uninstalling any software altogether?

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Welcome to the board BTY Kelly.

 

kellyinkc--If you do not want Money, sure, uninstall it. But do it correctly-- using Control Panel|Add/Remove.

 

Hello James,

There's a difference between software installed and not running and installed and running.

If installed, the overhead is the disk space. What you're refering to is running software where the overhead is RAM and system resources.

I don't think it makes any difference if the pre installed stuff is removed or not, as long as its not runnng - auto starting at bootup.

One consideration though may be that there is a chance that stuff just sitting there may cause a conflict with wanted software installed in the future - reg entries, .dll files, etc. But you have weigh that against the points the other James makes.

Regards - Charles

 

Hi
I would also like to point out that when removing some software in add/remove you will get a window asking if you want to remove other files.

Unless you know exactly what these other files belong to or are being used by other programs, you need to select "No" or "No to all ".

I have seen this with Quicken and other programs being removed.

Geri

 

Hi Geri,

Yes, that is a potential problem.

Can be gotten around though. When presented with the removal question and before answering, go into the appropriate folder and back the file(s) up, then allow deletion. Back up to removable media (floppy - cd, external HD) or another user temp folder, etc.

Regards - Charles

 

There is a great little utility that might be well advised for all to investigate. Originally written as RegCleaner, this is now a part of JV16 PowerTools but can still be found as a stand alone. This can be used in conjunction with the removal of programs (after using add/remove in the control panel). What it does is to clean remaining or left-over registry entries associated with the software you just removed. Its very safe for entry level users but the one rule is - don't use it to remove anything unless you are 100% sure you have uninstalled the software.

I have to go along with the school of thought that its best to get rid of all the unwanted junk software that comes loaded on most branded computers. Almost as bad as the garbage software are the 30 day and three month trial versions of decent software - one thinks they are getting a great deal only to discover it is actually a clever way to diguise a trip to the cleaners.

 

Hi Rock,

Still one of my favorites after all these years

Available here: http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/

Didn't go to the paid version.

Regards - Charles

 

There's a newer version of RegSeeker out now...

http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm