[LordOpie]

Got a new PC with only a recovery CD. I thought I could customize the install, but it's loading everything all over again after the format... even AOL. :mumble: :mumble: :mumble:

Can I somehow force the recovery CD to go into customize mode?

 

[binary visions]

Generally, no. Recovery CDs are essentially install "images" that reload whatever was OEM on your computer.

I assume you did not get a simple OS CD with the computer? If that's the case, you're stuck. However, if you have a valid Windows XP CD Key, you'd be perfectly justified in making a copy of a friend's Windows XP CD. Just make sure you're getting the right version - either Pro or Home - and use your own CD key with it.

It's possible the OEM key will only work with the OEM Windows version, though. You CAN call Microsoft and obtain another key - just tell them you lost yours, and they'll note down your name and address and issue you a new one. Don't go giving the new one out, though, since it's got your name attached to it.

That's all if you want to do it legally, of course.

 

[LordOpie]

thanks bro!

I went ahead and started uninstalling all the junk I don't want. Is that enough?

 

[JRB]

I think you will find that AOL will be in places you can't imagine. Outside of that, you should be fine. I am sure there are places on the Internet that will tell you what keys to edit to smoke AOL though. Enough people hate it enough that I am sure it is there. The info that is.

 

[binary visions]

thanks bro!

I went ahead and started uninstalling all the junk I don't want. Is that enough?

Yep.

When you're finished uninstalling everything, I recommend using a disk and registry cleaning utility such as the ones included in TuneUp Utilities 2006 (www.tune-up.com). That will wipe most of the residual garbage off your drive and out of your registry.

You can also take a quick glance at your Program Files directory to see if there are any obvious directories that you don't need (e.g. you uninstalled America Online, but there's still an America Online directory in there - often the uninstaller won't wipe out the whole directory or all the files inside).

 

[LordOpie]

I think you will find that AOL will be in places you can't imagine. Outside of that, you should be fine. I am sure there are places on the Internet that will tell you what keys to edit to smoke AOL though. Enough people hate it enough that I am sure it is there. The info that is.

I'm in marketing, I understand the need to promote your product, but I was offended that I actually had to say no to trying the AOL trial *before* I could finish the initial boot-up. :mumble: :mumble:

 

[LordOpie]

Yep.

When you're finished uninstalling everything, I recommend using a disk and registry cleaning utility such as the ones included in TuneUp Utilities 2006 (www.tune-up.com). That will wipe most of the residual garbage off your drive and out of your registry.

ah, that's what I forgot, the registry.

What do you think about this utility: http://mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

 

[binary visions]

ah, that's what I forgot, the registry.

What do you think about this utility: http://mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

Looks fine, there's not much you can screw up with a utility of that sort. TuneUp does, however, come with a startup manager very similar to that so you probably won't need the extra program at all.