New w500 with preinstalled software

[ouzoorca]

I just got my laptop and there are 12 gigs of hard drive in use and it's not in any obvious place. There are a few programs here and there I know and feel comfortable deleting but they don't add up to 12 gigs. Does any body know what is necessary and what can be gotten rid of? I want all the special laptop button to work but I'm sure there is stuff that I don't need. Is there some sort of list of what is necessary to the system and what can go. Should I reinstall windows xp and then add the things I need?

Any help is appreciated,

Thanks

[carbon_unit]

Check to see if Rescue and Recovery is making multiple backups of your computer. When that happens you lose hard drive space fast.

[tmmk]

How big is your HD and what is the total size of the local disk?

Did you remember to take into account the hidden partition that the thinkvantange button uses for system restoration?

[ouzoorca]

You must be right that there is a hidden partition for recovery. Do you guys use this. I'm contemplating reformating the drive and doing a clean install. Which brings me to other questions.

I orderd the computer with xp and it has xp, but there was a vista sticker on the palm rest area and my microsoft authenticity sticker o the bottm says vista business something also. why? 

Also, if I were to reformat and use any old xp pro cd to reinstall windows could I then use my key to active xp again?

[carbon_unit]

Before you wipe the drive make a set of recovery discs. They will be help your resale value.

Also make a copy of the SWSETUP or IBMTOOLS folder containing the drivers and app installers. They will be handy for a clean install.

You have a Vista business sticker because Microsoft will not allow anyone to sell computers with XP anymore so you have to get Vista Business or Ultimate with XP downgrade rights. Then XP can be preinstalled.

If you have recovery discs from the factory they are for Vista not XP.

[ouzoorca]

Thanks

I can make a copy of the swsetup folder. Is that all I need for the drivers and apps?

The recovery discs is a good idea as well.

What I'm wondering about the sticker though is if I can use the prodct key on the sticker to active a copy xp if i have an xp disc. Or will it only activate vista business?

[carbon_unit]

I would look around the C:\ drive for other folders in ALL CAPS and see if there is something interesting in them.

The number on the sticker will only work with Vista business OEM. You will need to contact Microsoft for a key number to install XP with.