Pimp My Pavilion.

September 5, 2008 10:48 AM

What to do with a new laptop to make it run as well as possible? What unnecessary MS or HP bloatware should I remove? What should I install? (I'm talking utilities or system accessories, not functional programs like Firefox or an office suite, etc.) Or something in the hardware?

Besides the basic internet and home office stuff, the main function will be to manipulate RAW and JPG images in Photoshop. No big gaming or anything, I'd just like it to start up fast and process images quickly. And I'm planning to leave Vista installed for now, so wipe it out and install Linux is not helpful advice.

Here's the specs:

* HP Pavilion GA341UA dv9548us Core 2 Duo T5450

* Operating system: Window's Vista Premium

* Microprocessor: 1.66 GHz Intel Centrino Duo processor technology featuring Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5450

* Microprocessor cache: L2 Cache 2MB

* Memory: 2045 MB DDR2 system memory (2 Dimm)

* Hard drive: 200 GB (5400 RPM) dual HDD-120 GB and 80 GB SATA

* Video graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS

* Video memory: up to 1023 MB total, 256 MB dedicated

* Optical drive: LightScribe Super Multi 8x DVD+/-R/RW with double layer support

* Display: 17 inches WXGA+ HD BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)

* Fax/Modem: high speed 56k modem

* Network: Integrated 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet LAN

* Wireless connectivity: Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN

* Multimedia: HP Imprint Finish, HP Pavilion WebCam with Integrated Microphone and Integrated Fingerprint Reader

* Sound: Altec Lansing

* Keyboard: 101-key compatible; 2 quick launch buttons for HP quick play menu and DVD; and pointing device touch pad with on/off button and scroll pad

* PC Card Slots 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot

* External ports: 5-in-1 Digital Media Reader for SD cards, Multimedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro or xD Picture cards

posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

Don't let the guy's nickname phase you, Black Viper's Vista service guide is a great resource to de-bloat Vista.
posted by porpoise at 10:57 AM on September 5, 2008

I've never used it, but I have seen PC Decrapifier recommended in similar past threads. It's free.
posted by owtytrof at 11:01 AM on September 5, 2008

My recommendation: go to the manufacturer's website, grab the drivers to get all the hardware working and throw them on a thumb drive. Blow away and reinstall the OS and add the drivers. It's much easier than trying to get rid of all the preinstalled crap.
posted by JaredSeth at 11:07 AM on September 5, 2008

I actually have used PC Decrapifier (mentioned above) and found it very user-friendly and low-impact on the rest of my computer.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:51 AM on September 5, 2008

If you have a OS installation CD, reformat and reinstall. Only way to get rid of all the crapware manufacturers leave on retail boxes. Beyond that, you should be fine.
posted by Precision at 1:42 PM on September 5, 2008

Remove anything made by symantec- no matter how hard to tries to tell you it's necessary etc- remove it.

Replace virus protection with avast home
posted by mattoxic at 5:53 PM on September 5, 2008

Another option for a free anti-virus program is AVG Free.

I'm also going to suggest the reformatting/reinstalling option, but make sure you get all of the drivers for your laptop first. Laptops need lots of drivers, and they usually suck without them.
posted by tomcochrane at 8:40 PM on September 5, 2008

Reinstall windows, find the CD online if you have to, since you should have the legit key.
posted by Sonic_Molson at 9:50 PM on September 5, 2008

HP tends to ship their laptops with Driver CDs. At least they ship their business laptops with them. If you have a Driver CD then go ahead and wipe it. You'll see a vast improvement to your system's speed once you remove all that crap.
posted by nokry56 at 10:50 AM on September 8, 2008