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We recently got a couple of cheap laptops for our kids and their homework


G+_Michael Rawson
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We recently got a couple of cheap laptops for our kids and their homework. As you'd expect they've come laden with bloatware. PC Decrapifyer looks like a good one stop shop for easily removing the junk. From what I've read it sounds like it works quickly. Experience doesn't agree! The initial analysis phase has been running for more than half an hour. Although these are budget machines that still doesn't seem right. No difference running it as admin either. Any ideas what might be getting in the way? Anti virus perhaps? The laptops are running Windows 8.1, Office 2013 and Kaspersky IS15. #pcdecrapifyer

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Paul Thurrott has written a series of articles in how to have a fresh install of Windows because of all the crapware that is on them: https://www.thurrott.com/tag/clean-pc

Something like this is I think what you need: https://www.thurrott.com/uncategorized/1146/clean-pc-walkthrough-windows-8-1-ultrabook2-1

The start from scratch approach is probably best when you first get a PC, especially as uninstallers aren't as throrough as they should be.

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Michael Rawson

Try running the cleanup programs in "Safe Mode". Some of the programs you're trying to uninstall might be running in the background.

Also don't try uninstalling Internet Explorer, Windows won't let you.

Unless you've purchased Kaspersky, I'd get rid of it and use Windows Security Essentials and set up guest accounts for the kids.

None of these programs will protect from viruses and malware if you're kids are downloading "free" games or clicking on links in emails.

The only thing left to do, is to keep you're fingers crossed!

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Like was mentioned, second hand from mom and pop shop or just snag one from them. There's a local m&p store I bought my dell laptop from. It's a 11z so a few years old but for $200 with no issues I couldn't complain. It does what I need for school plus I switched to a ssd and added more ram so that was a cheap upgrade. Spent about $350 for everything and its faster than most $350 laptopsbthat are being sold new and it came with an OEM copy of windows so nothing extra.

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Michael Rawson  "Yeah I did give Chromebooks serious thought at the time. Having talked to other parents at the school, though, it's easier to stick with Microsoft for now."

If spending your weekend cleaning your kids computer is "easier to stick with Microsoft" then, you have more time than me.

 

Being a father, I know you would rather spend your spare time with your kids than working on their lap tops.

Do yourself a favor and get them good Chromebooks and life will be simple again. They just work!

 

If you need a Windows machine, keep one of the Laptops for that special occasion.

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