I'm trying to find a stripped down windows computer that doesn't come

[WCGreen]

with 3,000 programs that I will never use.

I tried to get all the crap off of one of my other computers and it just caused problems.

Is there anyway to get all that crap that I don't need?

Or is there a lap top out there that I can buy that is just Windows and nothing else....

[hobbit709]

1. On a brand new machine, it's highly unlikely that it only has Windows.

Download and run PC Decrapifier on any new machine out of the box. It will remove all the "trial offers" and other garbage.
http://pcdecrapifier.com/
another good program for removing stuff is Revo Uninstaller
http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html
I never had any problems with the free version.

[WCGreen]

2. Thank you....

[canetoad]

3. Just about every laptop available

is loaded with proprietary software above and beyond the operating system. As hobbit said, PC decrapifier and Revo do a great job of cleaning them out. Just make sure you don't delete essential drivers!

Another option is to buy a no-name computer - either by purchasing a box, monitor, input devices seperately or as a system. Then you purchase your operating system either as an OEM which comes with many new computers, or off the shelf.

When you order your computer, specify that you don't want them to install anything. When you pick it up, make sure that all driver discs are included (motherboard, graphics, network, etc). Then install the operating system yourself followed by the drivers. This way you have absolute control of what is loaded on your machine and it's a good learning experience.

[WCGreen]

4. Thanks. I think I might go that route....

[struggle4progress]

5. Does it have to be Windows?

If you don't really need Windows, why not buy a box without an OS and put one of the debian-based linux distros on it: Mint or Ubuntu or Debian or Crunchbang

http://www.linuxmint.com/
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.debian.org/
http://crunchbanglinux.org/

[WCGreen]

7. Most of my tax programs that I need are written for the Windows platform

I also need Excel and Word just to make my clients happy...

[steve2470]

6. An easy suggestion for you: free edtion of Revo Uninstaller

http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html

It's easy to use and removes most software on your computer if you wish. The other unwanted software in Windows, you have to go to the Programs section in Control Panel.

eta: oops, I see hobbit already rec'd this.

[trud]

8. control panel

Add and remove programs. Always has worked for me. I set aside a few hours to decrapify and customize any new laptop I buy. I've created a document to help me (probably no use to you since it is custom.)

[hobbit709]

9. That uninstalls programs but leaves way too much crap behind.

Especially with garbage like Norton.
Revo uninstaller gets rid of all traces.

[ManiacJoe]

12. That problem belongs to the individual uninstall script.

Some software makers get it right, some don't.

[Occulus]

10. You should also buy an OEM copy of Windows.

It's just the operating system, clean and with no additional software. Backup everything you want to keep, boot from the disc, and follow instructions.

OEM copies are usually cheaper, too. Just make sure you get the full version and not the upgrade.

If you're looking for a whole computer, don't buy one off the shelf. Go to a shop or a website like TigerDirect or NewEgg and get a "barebones" PC. You'll need to buy the OS, too, but you'll end up with a computer that's wholly yours and doesn't have extraneous crap on it. You can use the OEM copy when you get a new PC, too- unlike when you buy a PC off the shelf, you'll actually have the disc the OS is on.

Everyone should have a clean disc copy of their OS. It's just Best Practice.

[steve2470]

11. link to buy OEM versions of Windows 7:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006816%20600021084&IsNodeId=1&name=OEM