Bought Lenovo laptop - what pre-installed software isn't required.

[Technique]

I know - "whatever you wont use".

Thing is, i don't know what some of this stuff does. Never heard of it. Doesn't mean it's useless though.

Just wondering what some of this stuff is & whether it's needed or helpful.

[willard27]

Oh my God, you have a ton of crap you don't need. I just start listing, I'll probably miss something. If it was me I would reformat the hard drive and reinstall OS, but they probably didn't give you actual disk. don't need CCcleaner, corel, evernote, google, jasc, mozilla, norton, sugarsync, superantispyware, adobe Air, Java

[ashpowell]

Personally, I'd do a fresh install, always do.

But this is what I'd remove:

All Corel stuff

Create Recovery Media

evernote

Google Toolbar

Jasc PSP9

All Lenovo stuff

Message Center Plus

Norton Internet Security - Install MSE

On Screen Display

Power Manager

SugarSync Manager

Super Antispyware

System Update

VIP Access

Windows Live Mesh

Again - Those are my choices on what I wouldn't use/want

With all new computers/laptops though, I do a fresh install, then run updates and install drivers, then the apps I want

[Detection]

To make it easy, pre-installed software is 99% all crap

Personally I would wipe and install a nice clean OS

An example, I bought my laptop, it came pre-installed with Vista basic, it also came pre-installed with such a load of crapware that it was completely unusable, when I say completely, it took minutes to open anything

I wiped and installed Win 7 pre-release and it was like a different laptop, it actually worked, my advice, wipe it

[Technique]

I always prefer a clean install

But the problem is - How do i do a clean install when they didn't provide a Win7 disc (& i'm not interested in Windows 8 before anyone mentions it).

SuperAntiSpyware - i installed that. Does nobody here use an AntiSpyware program? How do you deal with when you do online banking & such?

Jasc - use this program to resize photos without distorting the image.

Java - seriously? What about when you open websites & it states "you must have Java installed to view this site"? How do you get around it?

Don't think i'm challenging the suggestions as i'm not - those are the 3 that stood out to me as ... why? (More the AS & Java). Then the clean install - it'd be preferred, but i have no disc. Well i do, but it's installed on my PC - so the key is tied to my PC.

[ashpowell]

I always prefer a clean install

But the problem is - How do i do a clean install when they didn't provide a Win7 disc (& i'm not interested in Windows 8 before anyone mentions it).

SuperAntiSpyware - i installed that. Does nobody here use an AntiSpyware program? How do you deal with when you do online banking & such?

Jasc - use this program to resize photos without distorting the image.

Java - seriously? What about when you open websites & it states "you must have Java installed to view this site"? How do you get around it?

Don't think i'm challenging the suggestions as i'm not - those are the 3 that stood out to me as ... why? (More the AS & Java). Then the clean install - it'd be preferred, but i have no disc. Well i do, but it's installed on my PC - so the key is tied to my PC.

Java you do need.

Jasc, if its something you use thats fine too

Super Anti Spyware, I only mentioned it as I never heard of it before, and I know a lot actually are spyware themselves. I use malwarebytes, if you know it's legit then thats fine.

You can legally download Windows 7 SP1 here - English x86: X17-59463.iso and English x64: X17-59465.iso & use the key on the bottom of your laptop.

[Karl L.]

While most of the preinstalled software is indeed useless, I would leave the Lenovo utilities. The ThinkVantage and ThinkPad utilities generally provide useful services; removing them will make some things not work, such as advanced power management and on-screen display for system hotkeys like brightness and volume. That said, if this were my machine I would remove the following:

Adobe Shockwave Player

Corel Burn

Corel DVD MovieFactory

Corel WinDVD

Create Recovery Media

Evernote

Google Chrome

Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer

Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9

Lenovo Registration

Message Center Plus

Norton Internet Security

SugarSync Manager

SUPERAntiSpyware

VIP Access

Windows Live Essentials

Windows Live Mesh

Since you may have installed some of that software yourself - I'm fairly sure that Lenovo would not preinstall such an archaic version of Paint Shop Pro - you may choose to leave some of the software in my list installed. I did not mark any of the runtimes for removal because they are often used by other software and are generally useful to have installed. Some of the Lenovo utilities, for example, rely on the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime.

[sc302 Veteran]

if you like superantispyware that is fine, I use it to clean computers myself.

most use mse, avira, avast, or pay programs like kaspersky or eset.

[Karl L.]

I agree with ashpowell; it would probably be best to download the 64-bit Windows 7 SP1 ISO from DigitalRiver (an official distribution source) and reinstall Windows. However, you can activate Windows the same way Lenovo did (without using the product key underneath your battery) as I noted in this thread. Also, I recommend that you install ThinkVantage System Update immediately after you reinstall Windows, and use it to install the latest drivers, and optionally system utilities, directly from Lenovo. It is one of the best support services provided by Lenovo for their computers in my opinion.

[GreenMartian]

Super Anti Spyware, I only mentioned it as I never heard of it before, and I know a lot actually are spyware themselves. I use malwarebytes, if you know it's legit then thats fine.

Both Super and Malwarebytes are probably two of the better anti-malware out there. I usually install both when a family member asks me to "look at their computers to see why it's so slow". One usually catches stuff the other one misses.

Norton Internet Security - Install MSE

If it's the latest NIS, and it's licensed, leave it be for now. They're actually not too bad these days.

MSE hasn't been doing so well lately. http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/home-user/windows-7/sepoct-2012/

[Technique]

Regards the downloads - x86 & x64? I've heard of 32bit & 64bit, but 84bit? I haven't heard of this. Mine is 64bit however.

I've also heard of retail & OEM versions. I don't actually know what version of Win7 i have installed in my laptop. I do however know it's "Windows 7 Pro OA for Lenovo Singamore" which it states under the battery.

Also the model is 2481-2TG if it makes much difference.

I would prefer a clean install but xorangekiller makes a good point about the Lenovo Utilities (i wonder if these can be downloaded/installed after a clean install?)

Also, regarding your link xorangekiller, thanks, but i don't actually understand it. I'm very novice at this. It sounds like a good idea - not having to manually activate, but i don't understand how you're doing it, even with your link.

So would i be looking for OEM/retail download & are the above links OEM/retail? I assume i'll be requiring the x64 rather than x86.

[wrack]

Bought one for my wife and first thing I did after seeing a similar list, formatted it, got all the drivers installed and then only the programs I needed. Couldn't have been much better.

[ashpowell]

If it's the latest NIS, and it's licensed, leave it be for now. They're actually not too bad these days.

MSE hasn't been doing so well lately. http://www.av-test.o...-7/sepoct-2012/

I thought it may be the trial you get sometimes with new computers.

Hmm maybe not the #1 choice to recommend to people from now on then I guess!

Regards the downloads - x86 & x64? I've heard of 32bit & 64bit, but 84bit? I haven't heard of this. Mine is 64bit however.

x86 is 32bit.

Heres the full list of downloads, I gave you the Ultimate by mistake, you'll probably need Home Premium

http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

[GreenMartian]

Regards the downloads - x86 & x64?

x86 is 32-bit.

(i wonder if these can be downloaded/installed after a clean install?)

Yes. http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/default.page - type in your model number in the "machine information" box. Download the LAN or Wireless driver (depending on your connection) to a USB, in case windows doesn't detect them after the clean install.

[The Teej]

x86 is 32-bit.

This isn't a dig at you, but I do think for the sake of education, this should be clarified.

32-bit and 64-bit are both x86; x86 being the abbreviation for the Intel 8086 instruction set for CPUs (basically, a "langauge" that the CPU understands). Pretty much every Windows desktop and laptop on the planet (bar ones running Windows RT) uses an x86 CPU, regardless of whether it's 32bit or 64bit. 64bit simply allows for extra memory to be installed on a system (this is a gross and almost insulting simplification of 32bit vs. 64bit, but for the sake of brevity and ocassion, I'll leave it at that :laugh: )

The "more official" abbreviation for 32/64bit is x86-32 and x86-64 respectively, but these are an absolutely pain to type out everytime. So, for the sake of simplicity, people colloquially refer to 32-bit systems as x86, and 64-bit systems as x64.

[Karl L.]

Regards the downloads - x86 & x64? I've heard of 32bit & 64bit, but 84bit? I haven't heard of this. Mine is 64bit however.

I can definitely understand your confusion at the 32-bit and 64-bit naming conventions. Here's how it works: Intel and AMD processors use Intel's x86 instruction set. As Intel has evolved its instruction set, it has created various revisions which are (almost) all backwards-compatible. For example, i386 is the 32-bit instruction set that debuted with the Intel 8086 processor, i686 is the 32-bit instruction set that debuted with the Intel Pentium Pro processor, and AMD64 (or x86-64) is the 64-bit instruction set that debuted with the AMD Athlon 64 processor. Code compiled for the i386 instruction set can be run on processors that support the i386, i686, or AMD64 instruction set, while code compiled for the i686 instruction set can be run on processors that support the i686 or AMD64 instruction set, but not i386. Since 32-bit Intel processors are by far the most prevalent processors using the x86 architecture, x86 is commonly used to refer to the i686 instruction set architecture. However, since 64-bit programs cannot be run on any 32-bit x86 processor, x86-64 needs to be differentiated. For convenience it is commonly abbreviated x64.

I've also heard of retail & OEM versions. I don't actually know what version of Win7 i have installed in my laptop. I do however know it's "Windows 7 Pro OA for Lenovo Singamore" which it states under the battery.

Since your laptop came from a major system manufacturer, it shipped with an OEM version of Windows. (OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.)

Also the model is 2481-2TG if it makes much difference.

I would prefer a clean install but xorangekiller makes a good point about the Lenovo Utilities (i wonder if these can be downloaded/installed after a clean install?)

The ThinkVantage System Update utility that I mentioned earlier can download and install any of the Lenovo utilities that you choose, even after a clean install. You can also download the packages and install them independently from the driver downloads page for your machine on Lenovo's website if you choose.

Also, regarding your link xorangekiller, thanks, but i don't actually understand it. I'm very novice at this. It sounds like a good idea - not having to manually activate, but i don't understand how you're doing it, even with your link.

Fortunately if you use the utility I attached to the aforementioned post, you don't really have to completely understand how it works. Simply follow my instructions to download it and run it. If you would like a simpler explanation of how my utility works, let me know and I would be happy to explain it again.

I can understand how some people might be worried about the "don't understand it, just run it" advice. I admit, that sounds a little suspicious. Most of the utility is implemented in Batch scripts, which anyone can open with Notepad and view, and I would be happy to provide the source code for anything else in the package that I wrote. Basically, everything in the utility can be accomplished using utilities included in Windows since this is an official Microsoft procedure; I merely automated it.

So would i be looking for OEM/retail download & are the above links OEM/retail? I assume i'll be requiring the x64 rather than x86.

The ISO that you will be downloading (whether it be the one that ashpowell linked to or another official Windows 7 installation disc) will accept both OEM and Retail product keys. Microsoft used to have separate discs for each key type for Windows XP and earlier, but starting with Windows Vista any installation disc may be used with any product key, provided it is for the right edition of Windows. Similarly, starting with Windows Vista product keys may be used with either the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows so long as the edition is the same. For example, you may use your Windows 7 Home Premium product key to activate either Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit or Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.

I definitely recommend installing the 64-bit version of Windows. So long as your processor supports x86-64, I see no good reason for installing 32-bit Windows in 2012. The security enhancements alone make 64-bit Windows superior, not to mention the other advantages.

[goretsky Supervisor]

Hello,

Congratulations on your new ThinkPad L530 (2481-2TG):

i5-3210M(2.50GHz),4GB RAM,500GB 7200rpm HD,15.6in 1600x900 LCD,Intel HD Graphics,CDRW/DVDRW,802.11bg wireless,Bluetooth,1Gb Ethernet,UltraNav,Secure Chip,Fingerprint reader,Camera,6c Li-Ion,Win7 Pro 64

That looks like a nice machine!

First off, do not uninstall anything. At all.

The first thing you want to do on that computer is to run the Create Recovery Media program, and use it to create the recovery media (either a set of DVD?R discs or a USB flash drive) to restore the hard disk drive to its original configuration if a problem ever occurs with the system (or, if you replace the hard disk drive, decide to sell/donate it, etc.).

If you want, you can then test the recovery media by booting from it and performing a wipe and reload of the hard disk drive. This will probably taken an hour or two and you don't have to do it, however, it might be a good idea to do so before you start using the computer so you can verify that the recovery media works. If it doesn't, you can then contact Lenovo and ask them to either send you a set of Recovery DVDs, which they should be willing to do for free (or, failing that, return the computer, which you should still be able to do since it is brand new).

You can order a set of Recovery DVDs from Lenovo/IBM Service if you don't want to do this. It cost about $55 with shipping, handling and taxes the last few times I did this in the US.

The following programs on the computer are neither from Lenovo, Microsoft, or one of the other device driver manufacturers and could be removed (explanation of color coding, below):

• Adobe AIR - can be removed unless you plan on running Adobe AIR apps
  
• Adobe Flash Player 11 ActiveX - can be removed if you're not going to use Flash in Internet Explorer; otherwise, recommend keeping installed an updated
  
• Adobe Flash Player 11 Plugin - can be removed if you're not going to use Flash in other web browsers; otherwise, recommend keeping installed an updated
  
• Adobe Reader XI - can be removed if you don't need a PDF reader, otherwise, keep it updated or replace with Foxit PDF Reader, Nitro PDF Reader, Sumatra PDF Reader, etc.
  
• Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6 - can be removed if you're not going to use Shockwave; otherwise, recommend keeping installed an updated
  
• CCleaner - I am assuming you installed this
  
• Corel Burn.Now Lenovo Edition - used to create audio CD's and DVD's; can be removed if you are not going to use or have another program that does this
  
• Corel DVD MovieFactory Lenovo Edition - used to create and play DVDs (and maybe Blu-ray discs, depending upon version); can be removed if you are not going to use or have another program that does this
  
• Corel WinDVD - used to play DVDs (and maybe Blu-ray discs, depending upon version); can be removed if you are not going to use or have another program that does this
  
• Evernote v. 4.2.3 - note-taking app, can be removed if you are not going to use or have another program that does this
  
• Google Chrome - web browser, can be removed if you are not going to use
  
• Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer - Google search plugin for Internet Explorer, can be removed if you are not going to use this
  
• Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8 - image editing/creation software, can be removed if you are not going to use or have another program that does this
  
• Java 7 Update 9 - used to run Java programs in web browser or on PC, recommend uninstalling unless you specifically need to run Java apps
  
• Mozilla Firefox 17.0.1 (x86 en-us) - I am assuming you installed this
  
• Mozilla Maintenance Service - I am assuming you installed this
  
• Norton Internet Security - antimalware software, can be removed if you have a different program you are going to use
  
• SugarSync Manager - cloud-based file sync/backup software; can be removed if you are not going to use, or have a different program that does this
  
• SUPERANtiSpyware - I am assuming you installed this
  
• VIP Access - two-factor authentication software, can be removed if you are not going to use, or have a different program that does this
  

I have, somewhat subjectively, color-coded the software based on my risk assessment of how vulnerable they make your computer to exploitation as follows:

Red

- Program is actively targeted and exploited in the wild

and

vendor can take over 30 days to patch.

Orange

- Program is actively targeted and exploited in the wild,

but

vendor responds promptly (hours to days) to patch;

or

program may be potentially disclose browsing habits or other personally-identifiable information.

Green

- Program does

not

a constitute a significant security risk.

Gray

- Installed by you(?)

The majority of the remaining software are device drivers which are used to manage the computer's hardware and Microsoft patches that were preloaded and I would recommend leaving them in place for the time being. They are likely not consuming a huge amount of disk space, utilizing large amounts of RAM or taking up processor time. I would recommend keeping these in place because they are going to let you make use of all of the computer's hardware, plus those various patches might be required by other software on the computer.

Ultimately, of course, the decision about what to keep and what not to keep is up to you, and based on what you want to use the computer for.

If you do choose to do a clean install of the operating system, you will still be able to use the ThinkVantage System Update to re-load the device drivers and ThinkPad/ThinkVantage specific software. However, third-party licensed software like the Corel and JASC software, plus the Dolby Advanced Audio, will be gone unless you reload the operating system via the recovery media. That might not seem like a big deal now, but maybe one day you'll want to watch a DVD.

Also, here are some documents you may find of use:

• ThinkPad L530 User Guides download page
  
• ThinkPad L530 Hardware Maintenance Manual - the bible for repairing and upgrading your ThinkPad
  
• ThinkPad L530 Laptop Specs
  
• ThinkPad L530 Data Sheet - PDF file
  

Lastly, a couple of additional resources you might find of interest:

• Lenovo's Official Support Forums
  
• ThinkPads.Com Open Forum (not Lenovo)
  
• ThinkPad User's mailing list (not Lenovo)
  
• Blog post on how to secure a new PC - Somewhat novice level, but might be useful to look at.
  
• Tips on optimizing a PC - More intermediate level, written for Windows XP, but applicable to newer versions of Windows as well.
  

Enjoy your new ThinkPad!

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

[pes2013]

I always prefer a clean install

But the problem is - How do i do a clean install when they didn't provide a Win7 disc (& i'm not interested in Windows 8 before anyone mentions it).

Like many mentioned, you should do a clean install.

Also like most said, you can legally download a ISO with the edition that you have on your laptop and reinstall it using the key that is on a sticker somewhere on your laptop (probably the bottom)

After, for additional functions (although not required and I wouldn't install them) you can download all of Lenovo's website and install them.

[Technique]

Thanks a lot for the replies.

goretsky - thanks for taking the time man. Appreciated.

Need to get that recovery media sorted - should've done that first really. Then i'll have a think about which road i want to go down.

[tnt118]

I can't say this would apply to you, but I recently had a devil of a time trying to do a clean install of Windows on a new Lenovo IdeaPad. Some of the drivers would not install, some said they were not for my version of the hardware (I did verify I had the correct ones from the website). The worst was one that needed "higher permissions" to run, but only opened up as a blank box with placeholder text. Only after I manually killed the process once would it load up correctly (there was some other trick it needed that I've since forgotten).

Long story short, I found it easier to go back to a factory image and customize from there -- the first time in my life I've done that. I can't say my experience is indicative of all Lenovo laptops, but I'm just sayin'...

Definitely do create the recovery media, as that part is really well done. If your model has One Touch Recovery, do be aware that making any changes to any partitions will likely prevent it from working.

[xendrome]

OP, was this a new system or used. Just curious....

[Technique]

OP, was this a new system or used. Just curious....

New. Bought it a couple week ago from ebuyer.com

It's not for anything intensive. The wife & i will be getting our own place next year, so rather than tuck away in a spare room for a while, i bought the laptop for web browsing/document writing so we can still be in the same room.

[ndoggfromhell]

Just got two Lenovo PC's with Windows 7 Pro on them. Used a Genuine Windows install DVD and wiped both machines. Too much junk software, would have taken longer to unload it all versus a clean fresh install.

[Technique]

For those of you saying do a clean install -

would any of you install ANY of the Lenovo software shown in post #1, or would you ONLY install the drivers for the hardware & leave it at that?

[Technique]

I downloaded the .iso linked

Just tried burning it to DVD & got the attached error message. Any idea why?

[Detection]

For those of you saying do a clean install -

would any of you install ANY of the Lenovo software shown in post #1, or would you ONLY install the drivers for the hardware & leave it at that?

None of it, only things I would install would be things like mouse software and buttons software