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Donna 
I'll be fresh installing Vista on my XPS 420 today (it's 1AM here, July 6 and since I'm not sleepy... I'll be doing this after blogging this). I don't have problem with my current system (current system: Vista Home Premium SP1 is the OS when I received the desktop which I upgraded to Vista Ultimate SP1 then installed SP2 updated via MU when it was made available) but I just want to have new OS with SP on it (slipstream).
I don't have eye candy on my system other than the Dell Dock. I like the Dell Dock so all of my frequently use program is organized in this dock:
I understand that I can take advantage of Windows Search 4.0 in Vista or let Windows store frequently use programs in the Start Menu but like I said, it's nice to have something like the above (it's free for Dell users and it's from Stardock.com) where I don't have to type or do the usual way. Dell Dock does not use too much space, memory anyway and it is not causing any delay in loading Windows. Last but not the least, it can be move anywhere like the taskbar on Windows where you can place it on top, side or bottom.
This Dell XPS 420 that I got last January 2009 can run 64-bit edition of Windows but I am not going to use x64 because of one reason: Not all my favorite applications will run in 64-bit of Windows. One of them is Windows SteadyState (my favorite!).
I've downloaded necessary drivers from Dell website earlier today (see below for my rant on their new driver download manager) even though I have the Dell Resource DVD. I don't want to dig the drivers using the Dell Resource DVD. I like it when Windows native driver is added first and if Dell have newer and better driver... only then I will install theirs.
Few notes for me after plunging the slipstreamed Vista SP2 is to (in short my To do's)
Rant on Dell Driver Download Manager:
Few days ago, Dell released Dell Download Manager (see their blog entry here on July 1). The download using the Dell Download Manager is quite fast. However, it's a PITA because when I opted to use the browser instead of Dell Download Manager, the download will not finish. It just stay to 99% and it never finished downloading. The issue with Dell Download Manager is when you want to store or save the file in separate folder, you have to wait until the current download is done/finished. If you don't wait, all your downloads will go to one folder. I hope Dell will provide "option" in their download manager to allow us to choose where to download the newly clicked download link. Also, I hope Dell will honor the choice of people. If they want to use the browser to download instead of Dell Download Manager, let them have their downloads! Hanging us to 99% wasted my time!
I don't have eye candy on my system other than the Dell Dock. I like the Dell Dock so all of my frequently use program is organized in this dock:
I understand that I can take advantage of Windows Search 4.0 in Vista or let Windows store frequently use programs in the Start Menu but like I said, it's nice to have something like the above (it's free for Dell users and it's from Stardock.com) where I don't have to type or do the usual way. Dell Dock does not use too much space, memory anyway and it is not causing any delay in loading Windows. Last but not the least, it can be move anywhere like the taskbar on Windows where you can place it on top, side or bottom.
This Dell XPS 420 that I got last January 2009 can run 64-bit edition of Windows but I am not going to use x64 because of one reason: Not all my favorite applications will run in 64-bit of Windows. One of them is Windows SteadyState (my favorite!).
I've downloaded necessary drivers from Dell website earlier today (see below for my rant on their new driver download manager) even though I have the Dell Resource DVD. I don't want to dig the drivers using the Dell Resource DVD. I like it when Windows native driver is added first and if Dell have newer and better driver... only then I will install theirs.
Few notes for me after plunging the slipstreamed Vista SP2 is to (in short my To do's)
- Keep Windows Update setting as "turn off" as I always check for updates every day anyway.
- After installing slipstreamed Vista SP2... install all other updates (the security updates only), clean-up, defrag, activate Windows and then capture Drive C using ImageX so when Windows 7 is released to MSDN subscribers this month, I have this Vista SP2 as based-system (with no third party app yet) if I want to try upgrading from Vista to Windows7.
- Do not download the normal installer of Adobe Reader. Get the standard installer of Adobe Reader that does not include Adobe AIR and Acrobat.com from their FTP server then download the patch manually or use the built-in updater to patch Adobe Reader (current patch is v9.1.2)
- Do not install Firefox 3.5 because it has bugs and some extension have problem with it. Wait for patch 3.5.1 which they plan to release this month and wait for any upgrade by FF extension developers and Mozilla.
- Do not install Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Writer using the suite installer but get the standalone installer of Live Messenger and Live Writer from MS MVP Jonathan Kay's blog. I like it when the installer is standalone (no add-ons). Luckily, Yahoo Messenger have standalone installer so CoUdos to you Yahoo Messenger Team for continuing to provide standalone installer of Yahoo! Messenger.
- EULAlyzer will be installed before anything else so I get all the copy EULA of the software that I will install.
- Do not (ever!) install Roxio Creator Premier 10 (OEM - Dell which is pre-installed on my PC) because it hijacks the Autoplay/Autorun in Windows. No matter how I change the bloody setting to not to disable it, it simply don't go away. Changing the registry keys and all type of reg hacks already will not bloody stop Roxio in preventing me to use Autoplay and Autorun. Yeah, there's security issue in using that but it's my personal choice to have it enable. Uninstalling using any of their uninstaller or using Revo did not help because there are so many stuff and services that Roxio has injected on the machine. What a crapplication that Dell is providing to their customers!
- Do not install Dell Support Center and GoToAssist (Dell Connect), I don't like it.
Rant on Dell Driver Download Manager:
Few days ago, Dell released Dell Download Manager (see their blog entry here on July 1). The download using the Dell Download Manager is quite fast. However, it's a PITA because when I opted to use the browser instead of Dell Download Manager, the download will not finish. It just stay to 99% and it never finished downloading. The issue with Dell Download Manager is when you want to store or save the file in separate folder, you have to wait until the current download is done/finished. If you don't wait, all your downloads will go to one folder. I hope Dell will provide "option" in their download manager to allow us to choose where to download the newly clicked download link. Also, I hope Dell will honor the choice of people. If they want to use the browser to download instead of Dell Download Manager, let them have their downloads! Hanging us to 99% wasted my time!
UPDATE: After few hours of blogging the above... I'm done to installing Vista SP2 (slipstreamed!)
There's few missing drivers:
I installed the missing drivers and I'm good to proceed with all others (apps and my backups)
My installed system updates after installing Vista SP2 (slipstreamed) is few so the HD is neat
Manual check for updates using WU, offered the Update Client software which of course, I have to install to continue using the service:
Then WU offers the following:
Going to hide those unneeded updates (language pack, ultimate extras, powershell, group policy preference and .net 3.5) and continue playing....
Edit/Update: July 7, 2009 @1:45AM - I'm done with above stuff. My fave applications are installed again. Happy to have a single edition of OS/Service Pack only (slipstreamed Vista SP2) without unnecessary add-ons and of course, unnecessary apps and services installed by Dell (factory). I still have the Recovery Drive by Dell (just in case...). I don't need the space anyway so I'll keep it but I made a backup of it using ImageX, if ever I want to claim this recovery drive:
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Aleqa
10 July 2009 - 01:52 AM
Hi Donna.
I've delayed installing IE8 & SP2 on my Dell XPS420 (purchased 1/08) running factory installed oem Vista Home Premium 32bit SP1. I wanted to wait it out a bit to see if there would be any problems for early adopters. Seems safe to install them now. My last windows update was KB955430 installed on 6/4/09, and since then I have not installed any updates (there are 10 updates waiting in que including IE8). Would you please anwser a few questions for me?
1. Which one should I install first: IE8 or SP2?
2. When should I install the remaing windows updates (before, after, inbetween IE8/SP2)?
3. Should I use windows update or download the stand alone versions?
4. Should I install Silverlight, and if yes before or after IE8/SP2?
Any advice you give would be greatly appreciated.
I've delayed installing IE8 & SP2 on my Dell XPS420 (purchased 1/08) running factory installed oem Vista Home Premium 32bit SP1. I wanted to wait it out a bit to see if there would be any problems for early adopters. Seems safe to install them now. My last windows update was KB955430 installed on 6/4/09, and since then I have not installed any updates (there are 10 updates waiting in que including IE8). Would you please anwser a few questions for me?
1. Which one should I install first: IE8 or SP2?
2. When should I install the remaing windows updates (before, after, inbetween IE8/SP2)?
3. Should I use windows update or download the stand alone versions?
4. Should I install Silverlight, and if yes before or after IE8/SP2?
Any advice you give would be greatly appreciated.
Donna
10 July 2009 - 02:38 AM
Hi Alega,
I'd like to suggest to first install SP2 before IE8.
Also, you might want to temporary hide all other updates so you are presented with Vista SP2 update (if it's not there in the listyet). Vista SP2 is not offered if there is "important" or "critical" updates in the list which means hiding them temporarily allows you to see SP2 for Vista. The reason I'm suggesting to hide all other updates (except SP2 for Vista) is because most of those updates are included in SP2.
When you're done installing SP2, proceed to unhiding/restoring the updates then go ahead by installing any security updates except updates for IE7 (that is if you will install IE8 but if you will not install IE8 yet, continue to install the updates for IE7).
It's best to use Windows Update application in Vista to install any updates especially if you have stable and fast connection.
If you need to view any content or you have programs that requires Silverlight or you want to try Silverlight, only then you should install it
Note: I suggest to create a restore point yourself or make a full backup prior installing anything. Also, temporary disable the protection by your McAfee and other real-time protection to prevent any conflict. Enable them again when you're done installing the large SP2 update.
Regards,
Donna
I'd like to suggest to first install SP2 before IE8.
Also, you might want to temporary hide all other updates so you are presented with Vista SP2 update (if it's not there in the listyet). Vista SP2 is not offered if there is "important" or "critical" updates in the list which means hiding them temporarily allows you to see SP2 for Vista. The reason I'm suggesting to hide all other updates (except SP2 for Vista) is because most of those updates are included in SP2.
When you're done installing SP2, proceed to unhiding/restoring the updates then go ahead by installing any security updates except updates for IE7 (that is if you will install IE8 but if you will not install IE8 yet, continue to install the updates for IE7).
It's best to use Windows Update application in Vista to install any updates especially if you have stable and fast connection.
If you need to view any content or you have programs that requires Silverlight or you want to try Silverlight, only then you should install it
Note: I suggest to create a restore point yourself or make a full backup prior installing anything. Also, temporary disable the protection by your McAfee and other real-time protection to prevent any conflict. Enable them again when you're done installing the large SP2 update.
Regards,
Donna
Aleqa
10 July 2009 - 06:51 PM
Hi Donna.
Thanks so much for your prompt and comprehensive response. It was of great help to me.
So I'll proceed with installing SP2 via Windows Update first.
Is there anything else I could do to insure a smooth and successful install of SP2 (besides disabling McAfee & creating a restore point)?
Such as running sfc/ scannow, diskcheck, full defrag...etc, or to delete contents of the prefetch folder?
Can I turn on Windows firewall & configure it for both in/out bound traffic to protect my PC during the online SP2 update?
Also since my McAfee lisence has expired, can I completely uninstall McAfee (most likely getting Avira free + Outpost firewall free later) before installing SP2?
Thanks again,
Aleqa.
Thanks so much for your prompt and comprehensive response. It was of great help to me.
So I'll proceed with installing SP2 via Windows Update first.
Is there anything else I could do to insure a smooth and successful install of SP2 (besides disabling McAfee & creating a restore point)?
Such as running sfc/ scannow, diskcheck, full defrag...etc, or to delete contents of the prefetch folder?
Can I turn on Windows firewall & configure it for both in/out bound traffic to protect my PC during the online SP2 update?
Also since my McAfee lisence has expired, can I completely uninstall McAfee (most likely getting Avira free + Outpost firewall free later) before installing SP2?
Thanks again,
Aleqa.
Donna
11 July 2009 - 05:06 AM
Hi Alega,
Glad to help
Now that you mention about the status of McAfee, I will need to suggest this:
1. Download the setup files of AntiVir and Outpost free editions
2. Download the MCPR.exe to remove the expired McAfee product using McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe)
3. Reboot and make sure McAfee is gone.
4. Clean up the system from temporary files (e.g. using CCleaner free but choose the slim installer, no toolbar)
5. Backup or create your own restore points
6. No need to defrag and no need to run the System File Checker prior installing SP2. You can defrag later when SP2 installation is successful.
Yes, you can turn on Windows Firewall since it is not third party and it is part of the system that you are upgrading.
After installing SP2 and all is fine... proceed to unhide what hid in Windows Update. Install all other security updates. Next, install AntiVir first before Outpost.
Regards,
Donna
Glad to help
Now that you mention about the status of McAfee, I will need to suggest this:
1. Download the setup files of AntiVir and Outpost free editions
2. Download the MCPR.exe to remove the expired McAfee product using McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe)
3. Reboot and make sure McAfee is gone.
4. Clean up the system from temporary files (e.g. using CCleaner free but choose the slim installer, no toolbar)
5. Backup or create your own restore points
6. No need to defrag and no need to run the System File Checker prior installing SP2. You can defrag later when SP2 installation is successful.
Yes, you can turn on Windows Firewall since it is not third party and it is part of the system that you are upgrading.
After installing SP2 and all is fine... proceed to unhide what hid in Windows Update. Install all other security updates. Next, install AntiVir first before Outpost.
Regards,
Donna
Aleqa
21 July 2009 - 02:20 PM
Hi Donna,
Thank you for your kind help.
Successfully installed SP2 last night following your advice (installed without a hitch in like 30mins total). Installed all the hidden updates and now all that's left is IE8. In your first response you hinted at waiting to upgrade to IE8. Does MS have an improved version in the pipeline or do you recommend upgrading now?
Also, in what capacity should I use CCleaner after the McAfee uninstall? This would be my first time using CCleaner and don't know if I should also use the registry cleaner to mop up the McAfee leftovers.
Thanks,
Aleqa.
Thank you for your kind help.
Successfully installed SP2 last night following your advice (installed without a hitch in like 30mins total). Installed all the hidden updates and now all that's left is IE8. In your first response you hinted at waiting to upgrade to IE8. Does MS have an improved version in the pipeline or do you recommend upgrading now?
Also, in what capacity should I use CCleaner after the McAfee uninstall? This would be my first time using CCleaner and don't know if I should also use the registry cleaner to mop up the McAfee leftovers.
Thanks,
Aleqa.
Donna
21 July 2009 - 03:05 PM
Great work, Aleqa!
You can upgrade to IE8 now. It's the final code. Please review only the known issues with IE8 before you'll install it.
You don't need to run the registry cleaner option in CCleaner. It is not required to clean-up the registry unless you are comfortable to use it. If you want the registry cleaning, it will offer to create a backup of the current registry state.
When you hit "Run Cleaner", it will only clean-up for temporary files. It will not clean/fix the registry of Windows. You will need to click the "Registry" option to use this feature. Again, it's not required to run the "registry" option in CCleaner.
Kindly review though the "Cookies" option in CCleaner (CCleaner>Options>Cookies) so you can configure it to keep the cookies that you want to keep and delete only the tracking cookies or other cookies that you don't need to be remembered.
Before allowing CCleaner to clean the system, configure CCleaner (CCleaner>Options>Settings) to use "Secure Deletion" using 3 passes only. Next, click "Advanced" (CCleaner>Options>Advanced) to uncheck the box before "only delete files in Windows Temp folder older than 48 hours". Put a a check in the box before "Save all settings in INI file".
Congrats in having Vista SP2 without issue
You can upgrade to IE8 now. It's the final code. Please review only the known issues with IE8 before you'll install it.
You don't need to run the registry cleaner option in CCleaner. It is not required to clean-up the registry unless you are comfortable to use it. If you want the registry cleaning, it will offer to create a backup of the current registry state.
When you hit "Run Cleaner", it will only clean-up for temporary files. It will not clean/fix the registry of Windows. You will need to click the "Registry" option to use this feature. Again, it's not required to run the "registry" option in CCleaner.
Kindly review though the "Cookies" option in CCleaner (CCleaner>Options>Cookies) so you can configure it to keep the cookies that you want to keep and delete only the tracking cookies or other cookies that you don't need to be remembered.
Before allowing CCleaner to clean the system, configure CCleaner (CCleaner>Options>Settings) to use "Secure Deletion" using 3 passes only. Next, click "Advanced" (CCleaner>Options>Advanced) to uncheck the box before "only delete files in Windows Temp folder older than 48 hours". Put a a check in the box before "Save all settings in INI file".
Congrats in having Vista SP2 without issue
Hardhead
14 September 2009 - 08:18 AM
Donna, coming real soon you will not be able to use the standalone installer of Live Messenger and Live Writer from MS MVP Jonathan Kay's blog that you have in above post. MS will not support it. I read it somewhere but can't find the MS blog where I seen it at.
Donna
19 September 2009 - 12:55 AM
Tim, Jonathan is updating the said page http://messengergeek.spaces.live.com/blog/...!3332.entry all the time. He updated it again so people can download the standalone installer that has security fix. But if you have the link about what you wrote, please share Thanks!
Thanks!
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