Building a new system questions

[aman74]

-Should I install my modem before I post and install the OS? (XP)

-After the OS is installed, should I do the MS updates first or the MB drivers?

-Even though my board is really new, the BIOS is an older version.
Should I flash it before doing the OS install?
Can you flash it without a HD being hooked up, I'm waiting for mine?
Should I even mess with flashing it, I hear you can really screw things up, but it sounds really easy.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Mavtech]

-Yes, install all peripherals before installing the OS

-I don't think the Bios updates will affect the OS install.

You can mess up the bios if it gets interupted or is the wrong flash. I would say go ahead and do the install and then update the bios and then the MS updates.

 

[sniperruff]

i suggest:
1) plug in the essentials (optical drives, HD, floppy etc) first
2) install OS
3) after OS installed, install mother board drivers first (for example, the VIA 4in1 driver or sound driver)
4) after OS boots nicely, install video card driver
5) power off and plug in PCI devices one at a time. install drivers separately, REMEMBER TO RESTART EACH TIME AS IT TELLS YOU TO DO SO

about flashing the BIOS, only do as necessary (CPU support, etc). if it is not essential, save the trouble

play it safe and good luck.

 

[Mavtech]

I disagree with installing the OS without the devices installed and then one at a time. That is unless you are troubleshooting because of a possible bad device or a troubled install. Windows XP will most likely have all drivers except maybe some legacy devices. Thats my opinion.

 

[aman74]

"3) after OS installed, install mother board drivers first (for example, the VIA 4in1 driver or sound driver)"

I've heard to do the XP updates before installing any extra devices or even MB drivers, any opinions?

Thanks to all so far!

 

[Corporate Thug]

1. yes
2. order doesnt really matter
3. just install the OS then flash cuz most mobo manufacterers have a program that lets you flash from windows which takes away the risk

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: Livedistortion
"3) after OS installed, install mother board drivers first (for example, the VIA 4in1 driver or sound driver)"

I've heard to do the XP updates before installing any extra devices or even MB drivers, any opinions?

Thanks to all so far!

i think you're talking about service packs right? i prefer to install them after i have installed all the hardwares

again, that is my preference, and it served me well.

 

[aman74]

Sevice Pack one is on my disk, I assume it loads automatically. I was referring to any of those "crucial updates" on the MS site.

Here's the order I was thinking:

Install OS

Install MB Drivers (INF file first)

Video card drivers

Update XP

Install Modem

Sound good???

Thanks

 

[aman74]

Where in Windows can yuo go to update the BIOS?

 

[Anonemous]

Originally posted by: Livedistortion
Where in Windows can yuo go to update the BIOS?

The Bios flash program is usually provided by the motherboard manufacturer. Check their websites for the flashing utilities. What motherboard are you using? In my case I had an Asus A7n8x deluxe so I looked on Asus.com and found the utility to flash from windows along with the bios update.

Hope that helps!