With Windows XP, you simply need the license code from the sticker on the machine and a "plain Jane" MS installation disk borrowed from someone else. (You have to match your license type with the appropriate disk, Home or Pro.)
The last time I bought a Dell, for $10 I could and did add to the order just such a disk. This was in addition to the crapware-laden "recovery" disk that came with it by default.
I haven't done a Windows 7 installation (nor Vista), so I'm not aware of whether this still applies. And the last time I helped someone shop / potentially place a Dell order, I didn't find an option to receive a such a "plain Jane" MS installation disk.
If some variation of the above still applies, my recommendation would be to use another machine to download the machine-specific drivers from the vendor's web site -- assuming they are available. Then, when the machine arrives, do a fresh install from an MS install disk, first thing. Well, maybe turn the machine on first and use it trivially for a day or three to make sure it doesn't have a physical defect. But don't start customizing it in a way you'll regret losing, until you've reinstalled.
As you describe, such a reinstallation can take a miserably "compromised" machine and turn it into a delight to use (if Windows is your thing).
Oh, also have your anti-malware suite ready to install, post Windows reinstallation, BEFORE you plug the thing into a network connection. (Yes, I recommend using one, especially for most/normal people.)
(As for all the "free" programs that come amidst the bloat: TANSTAAFL. You're better off just installing what you need, picking what you really want and/or, where they are the best or your demand is marginal, free programs.)
The last time I bought a Dell, for $10 I could and did add to the order just such a disk. This was in addition to the crapware-laden "recovery" disk that came with it by default.
I haven't done a Windows 7 installation (nor Vista), so I'm not aware of whether this still applies. And the last time I helped someone shop / potentially place a Dell order, I didn't find an option to receive a such a "plain Jane" MS installation disk.
If some variation of the above still applies, my recommendation would be to use another machine to download the machine-specific drivers from the vendor's web site -- assuming they are available. Then, when the machine arrives, do a fresh install from an MS install disk, first thing. Well, maybe turn the machine on first and use it trivially for a day or three to make sure it doesn't have a physical defect. But don't start customizing it in a way you'll regret losing, until you've reinstalled.
As you describe, such a reinstallation can take a miserably "compromised" machine and turn it into a delight to use (if Windows is your thing).
Oh, also have your anti-malware suite ready to install, post Windows reinstallation, BEFORE you plug the thing into a network connection. (Yes, I recommend using one, especially for most/normal people.)
(As for all the "free" programs that come amidst the bloat: TANSTAAFL. You're better off just installing what you need, picking what you really want and/or, where they are the best or your demand is marginal, free programs.)