My reasons on why I don't want to reformat a new Dell computer

Search the Dell forums for keywords “Reformat” and you’ll find a lot of advice to “reformat a new Dell computer”. They have valid reasons to decide to reformat and one of it is to have a system that does not have bloatware which makes Windows boot-time slow. Manually uninstalling the unwanted applications and cleaning up the registry for remnants should do it but some advanced users prefer to reformat because that will completely erase the data. I have no problem with reformatting the hard-drive in a new Dell computer because I fully understand their reasons. However, to me… reformatting is the last resort or will be done only after the computer has gone thru my own testing or usage for 30-days because of below reason:

I want to make sure that the new computer does not have any hardware problem that is unacceptable in a new purchase. Reformatting and re-installing everything will use some of my time. I rather use that time to test all the functions and features in the notebook especially the hardware for any issue. If ever I will find a major issue, I will simply ask Dell to fix or replace the computer with new one. I don’t install all of my favorite programs in a new computer because most of the time, you’ll never know on day 1 if the computer (desktop or notebook) that you received is error-free. I don’t like spending so much time in installing applications unless I know that the notebook or desktop is “ready” (no major hardware issue) and “for keeps” (I’m loving it and I’ll not return). Dell has the 30-days Total Satisfaction policy. I want a computer that does not have hardware issue while I’m using it for 30 days. What am I saying is If I will reformat and install a fresh Windows XP then suddenly… a major issue occurs in its hardware i.e. the motherboard dies or the notebook overheats (unacceptable GPU and CPU temp) etc., then the time spent in reformatting and reinstalling is wasted.

The above is my personal method only. I do understand why others require reformatting done as soon as possible. Everyone has different method and different needs. I’m in “no-rush” as I want to know whether the notebook that I purchased from Dell is hardware error-free and if it satisfy me before that 30-days becomes invalid.

I blogged yesterday… the M1210 is for keeps – which means I like it and it is unlikely that I’ll be returning for a refund. I like it. I found no hardware issue on 6 days of using it but the sound card failed on day 7. The sound card is integrated with the motherboard and the notebook is very new so such hardware issue in a new purchase is unacceptable to me. Good thing I didn’t spend time in reformatting and installing a fresh Windows XP because this notebook is going back to Dell after I receive the new M1210 as free replacement!

BTW, my to-do with a new notebook will always be the same:

• Create a backup of the hard-drive in a Dell computer without installing or purchasing backup software. I simply use ghost.exe from bootcd.zip (see the simple guide “Dell Notebook Restore Utility Guide” - PDF viewer is required to view that guide) to at least have a souvenir LOL of the factory hard-drive and use it in case of emergency. I will be using that trick too later on when I’m done customizing and configuring Windows.
• Run the extensive Dell Diagnostic Utility once a week to make sure that no hardware issue in my Dell notebook that requires replacement if damage.
• Test… use… test… use… the hardware, the features and functions in a Dell notebook before finalizing it. Doing that before 30-days Total Satisfaction policy ends!

The above is another of my personal this and that ;-)