How to Remove Bundled Software From HP Computers Running Vista

Hewlett-Packard (HP) computers are bundled with various software applications that are intended to provide the user with a base of useful software. Many of these programs are commercial products that will only run on a trial basis before requiring payment. Some users find these applications to be annoying and refer to this bundled software as "bloatware" since the programs were not specifically installed by the user. Removing bloatware from an HP computer running Vista can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

Things You'll Need

• Bloatware removal software
• Computer maintenance software
• Comprehensive uninstaller software
• Windows Vista installation disc

Instructions

Remove Bundled Software Using Bloatware Removal Tool

1. Download and install the bloatware removal tool of your choice (see Resources).

2. Launch the bloatware removal tool.

3. Scan your HP computer for programs identified as bloatware.

4. Select the applications you wish to remove.

5. Click "Remove" to uninstall the programs from your HP computer.

Manually Remove Bundled Software

1. Download and install the comprehensive uninstaller of your choice (See Resources.)

2. Launch the comprehensive uninstaller program.

3. Review the list of installed programs and identify the programs bundled with your HP computer you would like to uninstall.

4. Select an application to remove.

5. Click "Uninstall" to completely remove the program from your HP computer.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for each application you wish to uninstall.

7. Download and install the computer maintenance program of your choice (See Resources).

8. Launch the computer maintenance program.

9. Scan your computer for unnecessary files and registry items.

10. Click "Clean" to remove all traces of the uninstalled applications and other unnecessary items.

Reformat Windows Vista

1. Insert the Windows Vista installation disc.

2. Restart your computer.

3. Select "Install Windows" when the Windows Vista installation wizard begins.

4. Select the hard drive on which you wish to install Windows Vista.

5. Follow the on-screen prompts to setup the bare Windows Vista installation. By reformatting Windows Vista, all bundled software will be removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to reformat Windows Vista, be sure to back up any files that you wish to keep before beginning the process. Reformatting is the surest way to remove all bundled software but it will delete all data that is currently on your computer.

References

• Notebook Review: How to Remove Bloatware
• Wired: Remove Bloatware

Resources

• PC Decrapifier
• Download: Computer Maintenance Tools
• Download: Uninstallers