New computer out of the box crashing

[footfikinmasta]

So my buddy bought a computer off of HP's website and got it monday. After setting it up, updating windows media center and restarting he noticed that his computer runs real slugish and applications crash on a regular bases. The cpu and ram isn't being taxed while its running slugish . He called up HP and they want him to buy some spyware software to fix everything. He told me that they made him restore the OS and delete nortons.
I told him that I think his OS might be corrupt or something along the lines like that. He's having alot of trouble going through their help line and they keep telling him they will call him back. It kind of sucks when you blow $1000 on a computer, they take your money right away but can't come up with a fast solution.
Do you guys have any basic checks we can make?

Thanks

[mairving]

Remove Norton and you will probably be fine.

[footfikinmasta]

It didn't help, sorry I should have made that more clear i my first post.

[chuck4456]

Ditto. Remove anything MCAFEE as well. Get AVG for virus protection.

[telegramsam]

Go to Add & Remove Programs and start getting rid of the crapware.

Anything Sonic, all those games you don't think you'll play, trial AOL, Netzero, trial Office, all that crap. Leave behind ONLY what you know you will use. Uninstall anything Norton or Mcafee as instructed above.

go to www.download.com
Download AVG Free, Spybot S&D, Ccleaner, Adaware.
Install AVG first to get virus protected, and run all of these other programs.
Then restart and see how things go.
That's the problem with these branded systems is that you get something along the lines of a new toilet with poop already in it!!

[footfikinmasta]

thanks guys, I'll relay the message to him.

[Jimmy0]

Also take a look at the PC-de-crapifier which removes a bunch of pre-installed rubbish.

[TPM]

If he only received the machine on Monday I would just return it to the store. He should try his luck on another unit. With the new machine remove the unwanted programs.

[ktkendall]

First thing I always do is run the msconfig utility and remove everything from startup tab except virus software. I never ceases to amaze me how bgged down those type of PCs come from the mfg. I think it is a conspiracy so that in a short period of time you will think you need a new PC.

[footfikinmasta]

Originally Posted by ktkendall First thing I always do is run the msconfig utility and remove everything from startup tab except virus software. I never ceases to amaze me how bgged down those type of PCs come from the mfg. I think it is a conspiracy so that in a short period of time you will think you need a new PC.

I know. I like how they tell him over the phone how he needs to buy spyware software to fix it. THE COMPUTERS BRAND NEW! I don't even think he got to surf the internet. He ordered over the internet so thats why he can't just return it.
I told him to call them back and tell them they are taking this back and giving his money back or they ship a new one in the mail and this one goes back.

[telegramsam]

For future reference, see my post above. ALL of the scanners/utilities I listed are absolutely free and are excellent programs.

Your problem is most likely related to a program that isn't working well. Having said that, your buddy is entitled to having the problem fixed--not at his own expense.

[footfikinmasta]

Originally Posted by telegramsam For future reference, see my post above. ALL of the scanners/utilities I listed are absolutely free and are excellent programs. Your problem is most likely related to a program that isn't working well. Having said that, your buddy is entitled to having the problem fixed--not at his own expense.

Thats basically what I told him lastnight, why shoiuld you have to try and fix this, your supposed to have a warranty with it.