Problem with bloatware

[chewyourfood]

Hi

Firstly, sorry if this is posted in the wrong forum, but I'm new here. Anyways:

I recently purchased a new Win 7 laptop (HP Envy 14 Spectre), purchased from Amazon. It is equipped with the Sandybridge i5 processor, not the Ivybridge one. I've had if for about a week and I've noticed that my hard drive can only support 30 or so more GB of memory. I really want/need to get rid of that 60 GB of whatever it is that is taking up my computer's space. I suspect that it is mainly bloatware, but am kind of skeptical that bloatware could manage to occupy 60 freaking GB of space. But I'll go ahead and list all the programs that came with my laptop. Hopefully you guys can help me identify which ones I can safely delete.

Adiobe AIR

Power2Go

Windows Live Essentials 2011

Adobe Community Help

HP CoolSense

Windows Live Mesh ActiveX Control for Remote Connection

HP Setup

HP Support Assistant

Intel Digital Logo

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.17

Microsoft Silverlight

HP Launch Box

Adobe Reader X (10.1.0) MUI

HP Proximity Sensor Utility

HP On Screen Display

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU]

HP Documentation

Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client Profile

Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Extended

Intel® Rapid Start Technology

Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6

CyberLink YouCam

Renesas Electronics USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver

VIP Access SDK (1.1.0.1)

Intel® Rapid Storage Technology

Intel® Management Engine Components

HP MovieStore

Realtek PCIE Card Reader

IDT Audio

Intel® HD Graphics Driver

Intel® Control Center

Intel® Smart COnnect Technology 1.0

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.4148

Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software for Bluetooth® Technology

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.4148

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64)

Intel® WiDi

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable

Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.17

Intel® Identity Protection Technology 1.1.2.0

Microsoft SkyDrive

Visual Studio 2008 x64 Redistributables

Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64)

Synaptics Pointing Device Driver

NFC Driver

Cyberlink PowereDVD

Realtek Ethernet Controller Driver

HP Software Framework

Intel® PROSet/Wireless for Bluetooth® + High Speed

HP Quick Launch

HP Touch to Share

HP Power Manager

Intel ® PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software

Now that I've typed it all out, maybe all this bloatware IS taking up 60 GB of memory. But if you guys know what is actually causing the memory problem, what else can I do to free up some space?

Edit: Actually, at the bottom of the programs list it says all these programs only take up about 6GB. Regardless, please still help me identify bloatware and tell me what exactly it is that's taking up so much space? And I was also wondering: If I have a 128 GB SSD, why does it say: "31.4GB free of 99.7GB" and not "31.4GB free of 128GB"

[Belatucadrus]

I'd hesitate to describe much of the stuff on your list as bloatware, indeed remove much of it and you'll significantly impare the machines function .

That said have a look at Windirstat to identify what's taking up the drive space & PCDecrapifier to help you identify and remove genuine bloat items.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Really, the first thing to run on a new OEM PC is PCDecrapifier, as Belatucadrus recommended, then post the list again.

Question: what do you need the SQL server for?

[chewyourfood]

Thanks for the help! I will use the PC Decrapifier seeing as both of you are suggesting it. And I honestly don't know what the SQL Server is for mainly because I don't know what program it's used in accordance with.

[andsome]

One of the penalties of buying commercial computers. I am on my third, all built to order and with only what I want on them. It is possible to have lap tops built to order as a Google search will reveal. I always ask for the operating system only, and two hard drives. PLUS an installation disc.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

I had a look at http://shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/static/page-envy14-spectre and according that it should have Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements installed; I don't see that on your list.

I still don't see why you have Microsoft SQL Server installed; are there any programs that require it? Maybe you should call HP Support and ask them. Also about the lack of Photoshop.

[chewyourfood]

I did have those already installed; I just left them out of the list because I knew already they weren't bloatware. I think I will just keep Microsoft SQL Server installed... I don't think it will take up that much space anyways?

[-pops-]

Photoshop Elements = 2.59GB in my computers.

I don't have Premiere Elements but it is stated: "4GB of available hard-disk space to install applications; additional 5GB to install content" on the website.

You consider these not to be bloatware?

Adobe has a reputation for forcing oversize programs on to computers. Adobe reader is an example - there are numerous programs which act as pdf readers that are only a small fraction of the size of the Adobe product.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

I have Microsoft SQL Server (2008) installed, and it takes up a total of almost 200 MB.

I also have Photoshop (CS6, x64) installed, and it takes up a total of 500+ MB.

Bloatware? I don't know; it does what it is supposed to do, and that's enough for me.

It is correct that Adobe Reader's 137 MB is a bit much for a PDF viewer, but I rather have this than a program that installs spyware on my system (like Foxit Reader).

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

P.S. what do you have Adobe AIR for? It takes up 40MB. Do you have Adobe Application Manager (120MB)? It may be required for that.