I've read online that Dell preinstalls unnecessary software on all pc's and that it's a good idea to reformat or start from scratch by reinstalling windows upon arrival. Any advice? If so, where can I get information on the correct way to reinstall? I ordered the laptop with XP Media.

Contrary to popular belief, reformatting/reinstalling Windows is retardedly easy. It's 98% automated.

You put in the disc and it pretty much takes care of the rest except for time zone, network preferences and user accounts.

If I recall, Dell stopped sending a hard copy of the software with new machines. You'd have to have your own XP copy to reinstall.

that's what i thought, everything except for partitioning right? i was looking at this link earlier...

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/wi ... _clean.asp

thought it was an ok step by step. i just don't want all the bullshit burning software and other software xtras when i already have nero 7 and other better programs than dells preloaded software. i could just uninstall what i don't want...what do you think. reformat?

i got XP Media as well with my new PC, i just uninstalled about 2 gig worth of programs, runs fine.