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How Can I Install XP On My Lappy Without all that #@$!% Gateway Puts on the Disc?

post #1 of 19
5/11/06 at 3:46am
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone!

I just bought an MX6128 (don't see that model mentioned here anywhere) and I love it so far, but I'd really like to do a fresh install of XP--without all the bloatware that Gateway builds into the System Recovery CD.
I tried looking at the disc to see if I could just rip that stuff out of there but I don't recognize the file system they used.
Assuming the price of Windows XP is built into the price of new Gateway laptop, I don't see why I'm not allowed to install the OS the way I want, instead of the way GATEWAY wants - i.e. with out all that extra bloatware I don't need.

Anyone know how to do this? All responses appreciated!
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post #2 of 19
5/11/06 at 4:17am
You will need an OEM copy of whatever version you are running (i.e. Home, Pro, Media Center). You can then install from the OEM CD, using the code on the certificate of Authenticity on your machine.
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post #3 of 19
5/11/06 at 5:17am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thunder_PC
You will need an OEM copy of whatever version you are running (i.e. Home, Pro, Media Center). You can then install from the OEM CD, using the code on the certificate of Authenticity on your machine.

Hey, thanks for responding, Thunder!

Two questions: is the code printed on the latop itself, or on the cd sleeve?

And how do I get my hands on an OEM CD?

Okay, make that three questions: Do you think it is worth it to reformat and start from scratch? I've already uninstalled everything that shows up under Add and Remove that I don't want, and streamlined my machine somewhat. Will I see much advantage with a barebones XP install? At the very least I won't have that fat32 partition Gateway puts on the HD anymore ...

Thanks again for responding!
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post #4 of 19
5/11/06 at 5:39am
You should have a CoA on the bottom of the machine with the code

Either find someone that has a copy, or buy one.

You probably won't see any difference from a fresh install if you have taken off all the "bloatware" you didn't want. You may want to run a registry cleaner to make sure all the junk is gone.
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post #5 of 19
5/11/06 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cap'n Bob
Hey, thanks for responding, Thunder!

Two questions: is the code printed on the latop itself, or on the cd sleeve?

And how do I get my hands on an OEM CD?

Okay, make that three questions: Do you think it is worth it to reformat and start from scratch? I've already uninstalled everything that shows up under Add and Remove that I don't want, and streamlined my machine somewhat. Will I see much advantage with a barebones XP install? At the very least I won't have that fat32 partition Gateway puts on the HD anymore ...

Thanks again for responding!

You can have Windows convert the filesystem to ntfs at this point. It's painless enough. I'd do as Thunder recommended and run a registry cleaner, since there'll be all kinds of leftovers there, no matter how well they were uninstalled. Maybe defrag it first, then convert to ntfs. I think you can get there by R/Click on My Computer,Manage, Storage, Disk Management,etc.

As far as the OEM, I thought manufacturers were supposed to include them? Has that changed?
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post #6 of 19
5/11/06 at 4:54pm
The Gateway recovery DVD that came with my 7405GX is crap. It installs tons of MS programs and Norton Antivirus! My notebook also boots extrememly slow using this DVD. Instead i slipstreamed SP2 within an old XP pro copy and burned it on DVD. So far with a few updates to fix buggy WMV files, it works perfect. It even accepts old XP pro serials.

I dont trust reg cleaners they always seem to mess something up, like cause mouse lag or something else.

Right now im using spysweeper that detects any registry changes in the background and alerts me. There is nasty spyware out there that will delete cookies, shut down autocomplete and other stuff. Basically ruining the whole browser experience.
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post #7 of 19
5/11/06 at 5:06pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for responding, everyone.

pharlatop - no OEM disc came with my new gateway ... now I'm wondering if one was supposed to and I just didn't get it ... ?

jabba2 - I use regclean and Easy Cleaner to clean my registry and both work like a charm with zero problems. Easy Cleaner is great because you can do a lot of other things with it too, including checking your startup programs to make sure Windows isn't loading stuff you don't want (I know there are other ways to do this but this is the fastest one I've found.) It's a free program which makes it that much more attractive ... just don't use the "find duplicate files" option, because that WILL mess up your OS.

Thanks again everyone.
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post #8 of 19
5/11/06 at 5:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jabba2
The Gateway recovery DVD that came with my 7405GX is crap. It installs tons of MS programs and Norton Antivirus! My notebook also boots extrememly slow using this DVD. Instead i slipstreamed SP2 within an old XP pro copy and burned it on DVD. So far with a few updates to fix buggy WMV files, it works perfect. It even accepts old XP pro serials.

I dont trust reg cleaners they always seem to mess something up, like cause mouse lag or something else.

Right now im using spysweeper that detects any registry changes in the background and alerts me. There is nasty spyware out there that will delete cookies, shut down autocomplete and other stuff. Basically ruining the whole browser experience.

Yeah, I made the 7405gx driver package especially for people who want to do fresh installs. My personal philosophy is to wipe the drive and do a fresh install on whatever machine I work on. This way I know exactly what I'm getting and I can make my own custom Ghost restore disc set.
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post #9 of 19
5/11/06 at 6:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cap'n Bob
Hello everyone! I just bought an MX6128 (don't see that model mentioned here anywhere) and I love it so far, but I'd really like to do a fresh install of XP--without all the bloatware that Gateway builds into the System Recovery CD. I tried looking at the disc to see if I could just rip that stuff out of there but I don't recognize the file system they used. Assuming the price of Windows XP is built into the price of new Gateway laptop, I don't see why I'm not allowed to install the OS the way I want, instead of the way GATEWAY wants - i.e. with out all that extra bloatware I don't need. Anyone know how to do this? All responses appreciated!
Why don't you use what you already have form Gateway, then REMOVE all of the Bloatware? It's easy , just remove what you don't want, it's a lot cheaper than going out and buying another OS, that's a waste of Money, SAVE your Money and put what you saved into your gas tank! the price of gas isn't gonna go down anytime soon...........it's your money
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post #10 of 19
5/12/06 at 12:30am
I agree with denb45. If you think you are competent enough to install Windows, you should be able to sucessfully remove a few apps. I have an idea, send me the hundred bucks a new OS would cost, and I'll tell you how to use the 'add remove programs' applet. For an extra fifty (think XP Pro) I'll even tell you how to run CrapCleaner or RegCleaner. Or both! I'll even throw in the copy of Power DVD that comes with your machine...
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post #11 of 19
5/12/06 at 12:51am
Removing all Dell's crap via Add/Remove Programs doesn't resolve the missing 10GBs of stuff that typically exist in the second partition on their shipped puters. I just got a Dell desktop for my friend that only had 135GB available from a 160GB hard drive. Did a clean install: Got rid of their crap and reclaimed that wasted space :-)
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post #12 of 19
5/12/06 at 1:31am
Call gateway and tell them you want an OS. I recieved one with my machine (m680x). If they tell you that you need to pay 10 dollars or something, argue! If anyone has a link to a thread in a the dell forum where everyone was able to get a free os for asking that might be a big help. Let us know what happens.
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post #13 of 19
5/12/06 at 3:04pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by olyteddy
I agree with denb45. If you think you are competent enough to install Windows, you should be able to sucessfully remove a few apps. I have an idea, send me the hundred bucks a new OS would cost, and I'll tell you how to use the 'add remove programs' applet. For an extra fifty (think XP Pro) I'll even tell you how to run CrapCleaner or RegCleaner. Or both! I'll even throw in the copy of Power DVD that comes with your machine...


But I already know "how to use the 'add remove program's applet."

I'll refer you back to my third post in this thread, where I wrote: "I've already uninstalled everything that shows up under Add and Remove that I don't want, and streamlined my machine somewhat. Will I see much advantage with a barebones XP install?"

In other words, I'm not quite as ignorant as you seem to assume I am.
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post #14 of 19
5/12/06 at 3:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dellandre
Call gateway and tell them you want an OS. I recieved one with my machine (m680x). If they tell you that you need to pay 10 dollars or something, argue! If anyone has a link to a thread in a the dell forum where everyone was able to get a free os for asking that might be a big help. Let us know what happens.

That's a good idea, dellandre. I think I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the suggestion.
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post #15 of 19
5/12/06 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by denb45
Why don't you use what you already have form Gateway, then REMOVE all of the Bloatware? It's easy , just remove what you don't want, it's a lot cheaper than going out and buying another OS, that's a waste of Money, SAVE your Money and put what you saved into your gas tank! the price of gas isn't gonna go down anytime soon...........it's your money
I did go back and remove all that stuff, denb45. But I've read several XP tweak guides that offer specific suggestions for a fresh install of XP ... In other words, done right, there may be some advantages to a clean install besides bypassing all the bloatware Gateway adds on. As for buying another OS - you're completely right, that would be waste of money. I never planned on doing that: I'm more interested in A: tweaking the install disc Gateway gave me so I can have control over the instalation (no more Fat32 "recovery" partition, for instance) or B: obtaining a free OEM version, as Thunder suggested--hopefully through Gateway. Thanks for responding - and you're right about the price of gas: it's not coming down any time soon. Glad I don't drive an SUV
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post #16 of 19
5/12/06 at 4:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cap'n Bob
I did go back and remove all that stuff, denb45. But I've read several XP tweak guides that offer specific suggestions for a fresh install of XP ... In other words, done right, there may be some advantages to a clean install besides bypassing all the bloatware Gateway adds on. As for buying another OS - you're completely right, that would be waste of money. I never planned on doing that: I'm more interested in A: tweaking the install disc Gateway gave me so I can have control over the instalation (no more Fat32 "recovery" partition, for instance) or B: obtaining a free OEM version, as Thunder suggested--hopefully through Gateway. Thanks for responding - and you're right about the price of gas: it's not coming down any time soon. Glad I don't drive an SUV
Do a Factory Install with your OS CD, then DELETE that Fat 32 Partition, and reclaim all of the space, I used to have a Compaq & HP, so, it can be done without any problems at all, I've done it many times before, Delete uwanted Programs, then Defragment, then you will be all done..........Nope I don't drive an SUV........it only cost me 18 to 22 bucks to fill-up my Ford Truck SuperCab, and that last me almost 3 to 4 weeks, but thanks for asking tho...........
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post #17 of 19
5/12/06 at 8:31pm
Seem like Gateway may have different recovery CD's for different models. I picked up a MX3225 with 512mb RAM for my wife. On sale for $549 and with some Reward coupons it cost $400. With Bootit I made two extra partitions, one 40GB for image backups. Deleted the recovery partition and installed XP clean and all the drivers. Installed Office 2003 and some other software, setup for home network with other PC's. Notebook runs great. It's clean without AOL, McAfee Internet Security, Napster, and the other unwanted software they install.

Mine came with a 'Operating System Disc' , and then you make a 2 CD set of all the drivers and programs that came installed. If you try to do a clean install with the 'Operating System Disc' and don't delete the recovery partition first you can't install XP clean because it will pull all the unwanted programs off the recovery partition.
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post #18 of 19
5/12/06 at 9:50pm
Were you able to contact a rep?
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post #19 of 19
7/31/06 at 2:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Heffy
Seem like Gateway may have different recovery CD's for different models. I picked up a MX3225 with 512mb RAM for my wife. On sale for $549 and with some Reward coupons it cost $400. With Bootit I made two extra partitions, one 40GB for image backups. Deleted the recovery partition and installed XP clean and all the drivers. Installed Office 2003 and some other software, setup for home network with other PC's. Notebook runs great. It's clean without AOL, McAfee Internet Security, Napster, and the other unwanted software they install.

Mine came with a 'Operating System Disc' , and then you make a 2 CD set of all the drivers and programs that came installed. If you try to do a clean install with the 'Operating System Disc' and don't delete the recovery partition first you can't install XP clean because it will pull all the unwanted programs off the recovery partition.

Same experience here with my MX6441. I made a recovery disc, deleted the "D" drive zeroed out the entire drive and ran the Gateway Restore Disc. I thought I would get all the AOL crap back, but to my surprise I had a clean install of XP Media Center.

Thanks Gateway. One problem, though. My copy of XP would not "validate" when I went to Windows Update. But I was able to straighten that out with a little research.
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