These days the recovery options for a pre-built computer are always (or nearly so) limited to hidden recovery partitions, which restore the computer to it's original state. An original state that includes the bloatware.
So, yes, you can format, but at that point you need a fresh, clean OS to install. You can use a Linux distribution, buy a new copy of Windows, or get the PC manufacturer to include a Windows disk for you. They don't like to do that, but generally will when asked / paid a small fee.

New PC: to build or not to build
02/05/2011 04:16:46 PM
- 1078 Views
The advantages of building your own computer seem to be smaller these days.
02/05/2011 05:19:09 PM
- 854 Views
I take satisfaction in tinkering with computers...
02/05/2011 06:40:12 PM
- 1182 Views
Also, one of the big savings for building your own computer...
02/05/2011 07:27:37 PM
- 849 Views
yah that's part of the problem. I don't have a desktop right now. Not even a case
02/05/2011 07:37:45 PM
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It's not hard at all anymore. Link for Lorraine, too
02/05/2011 09:32:48 PM
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I always buy Intel. Papa works there
02/05/2011 09:39:00 PM
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Huh, small world. What site?
02/05/2011 10:36:55 PM
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I have no idea what the name of his site is. Probably not that one
03/05/2011 01:50:38 AM
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I don't know about you...
02/05/2011 08:21:41 PM
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Just get a pre-made and add a few components (ie: graphics card) to make you feel like you built it. *NM*
02/05/2011 08:53:07 PM
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Build it.
03/05/2011 02:54:12 PM
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Warranty/Troubleshooting
03/05/2011 04:14:47 PM
- 859 Views
How?
03/05/2011 05:04:27 PM
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Re: How?
03/05/2011 06:47:56 PM
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Wow, I never heard about that.
03/05/2011 07:10:07 PM
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Nah, it was years ago. The one you gave me advice for was the replacement of the replacement, hah
03/05/2011 07:41:24 PM
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Yeah, I meant the power supply of the problem machine.
03/05/2011 08:10:04 PM
- 855 Views
Ah. yeah, it was one of the pieces that got replaced. It was probably at least partially responsible *NM*
03/05/2011 08:12:50 PM
- 469 Views
I like how you seem to think I'd buy a Dell
03/05/2011 04:17:58 PM
- 843 Views
If you like tinkering, then build one. Quality control is all on you, but it's "yours" then.
03/05/2011 03:00:21 PM
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#1 reason to build your own: no pre-loaded bloatware. *NM*
03/05/2011 04:52:45 PM
- 457 Views
Or just format when you get it. *NM*
03/05/2011 06:48:47 PM
- 437 Views
With a pre-built you can't often do that.
03/05/2011 07:19:28 PM
- 851 Views
for the record, sometimes stores will remove the bloatware for you
03/05/2011 07:28:58 PM
- 770 Views
Do prebuilts come without OS discs these days? That's bullshit. *NM*
03/05/2011 07:43:39 PM
- 453 Views
Yah, they don't.
03/05/2011 07:47:36 PM
- 804 Views
Well, it's understandable, just annoying.
03/05/2011 08:05:00 PM
- 795 Views
You really should just stop using Dell as your example
03/05/2011 10:51:10 PM
- 791 Views

Oh, hush.
04/05/2011 12:50:15 AM
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YOU SHALL NOT MALIGN THE HP!!!
04/05/2011 10:16:50 AM
- 811 Views
Re: YOU SHALL NOT MALIGN THE HP!!!
04/05/2011 04:55:49 PM
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My anecdotal evidence has HP failures being rare but spectacular.
04/05/2011 08:19:52 PM
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I had a Compaq laptop (built after HP had bought Compaq).
04/05/2011 09:13:54 PM
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Huh. I have a Compaq too. It shipped with bad RAM, but once I fixed that it's worked like a charm.
05/05/2011 12:43:48 AM
- 792 Views