Question Regarding OS for New Laptop

[faither]

Picked up a new Dell 8600 on ebay (paid about $120 more than I would have had I gotten in on the deal) and was wondering what to do once it arrives.

Should I reformat the HD reinstall XP SP2, or just keep it as is? I can't remember the last time I purchased a whole computer or a laptop with an OS. Does Dell bloat their install w/ crap or should I keep it as is?

Thanks!

[_=DeltaForce=_]

If you re-install, you have to install the drivers and other stuff... I would recommend Just uninstalling the crap they send you....

[DarkFury]

Honestly with most newer laptops... XP will already have most of the drivers you need.

On my Dell Inspirion 8100.... I was able to reformat it without loading any additional drivers.

Personally, I favor reformatting it. Pretty much, you'll start off on a clean slate that way and you really shouldn't have many problems with it.

[bachviet]

Reformat and install WinXP Pro instead of the WinXP Home crap. It's very easy to install the drivers from the provided Dell CD.