Would like to reformat the laptop

u can always disable the services and the start-ups running by these apps, with eventually just removing the software from add/remove programmes

cheers ...

Personally I always reformat my machines, and they usually run much, much better.

To answer your first question - It depends on what machine you have, and whether it has a Recovery partition, or HP gave you a bunch of CDs for WinXP, drivers, etc.. Ultimately it will work correctly, but you don't want to start until you have everything ready since there is no going back. (well, you could and should do a Ghost / Acronis backup before starting ..)

1: It's better to WIPE the (OS) partition clean, do a fresh install. You can "un-install" stuff, but there is always el-crap-ola left over. (Select the FULL format option in the XP installer, instead of "quick"...) Also a good idea to run any tests from the BIOS that check memory, and the hard drive for errors before you begin... 2: Before doing so you need to download the latest SP's from HP... and make a backup DVD of the C:\\SwSetup folder that contains SP's and other software pre-installed on the machine. Note that it's BEST to use the SP's downloaded from HP as they "may" be "newer" than the SP's in the C:\\SwSetup folder (TIP... MAKE TWO of those C:SwSetup folder DVD's... and check them to make sure they burned correctly - Also a GOOD idea to make another copy or two of the HP Recovery Discs, and any "other" type of recovery discs you make (Arconis/Ghost and store them in a safe place) 3: You also need to make your HP "recovery" discs... In case you find for some reason you can't do the re-install. 4: Find a copy of Ghost, Arconis... Very useful programs to back up your hard drive to. Really with Arconis after confirming your FRESH install works, it's best to "nuke" the HP recovery partition... As Arconis can be used to make your own recovery partition. (Best to delete the recovery partition first, then install the OS, drivers, then use Arconis to create your "own" recovery partition... Or just backup to dvd, external hard drive... deleting the recovery partition to gain more disc space.) Good thing about Arconis /Ghost is you can make as MANY backups of your hd, you OS, your apps, your DATA as you want at ANY time.... Unlike the HP "recovery" disc tool that only allows (1) backup copy to be made.... Not to mention that "recovery" parttiton /disc(s) but the unit back to "as-shipped" condition... with NONE of YOUR apps or DATA.. 5: Tip 5, make a DATA partition... so when the OS goes DOWN you will be able to "restore" your OS, your apps without (as much) fear of your data being overwritten. 6: Make regular backups of your DATA...

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HP/Compaq Reinstallation Guides


http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=73377



Here's the QuickPlay thread:

http://www.notebookforums.com/thread141817.html


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Most ALL the mfg's put a bunch of el-crap-ola on their machines.... Business grade machines usually NOT having extra el-crap-ola on them.... Consumer grade machines having all kinds of promo, bloatware on them.... With the mfg getting paid I bet for each one shipped with xyz promo program, or each person that signs up for the full version of xyz program. In some cases it may be that they install a bunch of stuff, just so it "looks" like it has something on it!!! Most consumers looking at two machines, all things being equal picking the machine with all the extra "stuff" on it!!! On the re-format... Don't be afraid... It's EASY... and your machine will be allot "cleaner" afterwards. The registry for example will be allot cleaner, and less files will be left here and there after un-installing stuff. * * * * * * PS: Please post the system specs of your system, the model number in the BODY of your posts instead of in your "sig" when asking questions. Why?, well there are allot of things /tips, procedures which are "model" specific. Plus it helps others help YOU better.... and lets search engines "see" the problem being talked about, the fix, and the model number tying everything together. (This is VERY important when someone with a problem is "doing a search" because most boards strip out "sigs", and for sure don't "see" system spec's /model number info if that info is in a "pic". (Some people put there system specs in a "pic") Another thing which occurs, is some GOOD info will be posted, and the person buys a new laptop and changes their "sig"..... On some boards when you change your "sig" it changes the sig in ALL your posts...Posting the info in the BODY of your post as TEXT lets the search engines "see" it.Model number /specs+Problem+suggestions=FIX