Initial Compuer boot-up questions...

[cmp1223]

building a MSI Neo2/A64 3000/BFG 6800 OC tomorrow

1) I will need the WinXP boot disks correct? I assume this becasue it is a clean install with a harvested optical drive, no driver floppy. I will need the boot disks to initialize the CD-ROM and istall WinXPpro from the CD, correct? Also, does anyone know if these boot disks also initialize a DVD-ROM?

2) I heard the recommended order after OS install is:
WinXP Pro SP2
Directx 9c (included in SP2 though)
Chipset drivers (Nforce 3 5.10)
Video card drivers
Other drivers; CDROM, ect

Also, im considering updating the BIOS, but it might not be needed.


3) Is there any chance the BIOS is preset to performance or overclock mode and will deliver improper voltages to the CPU or memory upon boot-up? I doubt it, but i want to avoid frying my system!

Any other tips or suggestions for BIOS/OS setup are welcome

4) DO i need to clean the CPU before HSF installation? I will try not to touch it, but i know any skin oil will fry it.

PS- after it get it running, i plan to use blackviper's tweak guide, install FireFox, ZoneAlarm, MS BaseLine Security analyzer, and then HL2!

 

[JonnyBlaze]

you just boot from the cd. no need for boot disks.

JB

 

[cmp1223]

OK, i guess the CD-ROM is a bootable device.

 

[mechBgon]

Check the recommended memory voltage at the manufacturer's site, and do manually set the motherboard to use that memory voltage, is my suggestion.

You might look at the ongoing prevention suggestions here, if it were me I would enable DEP for all software like I showed there, and turn off System Restore for the long haul so malware can't hide in SR. And of course you should get some antivirus software and spend the time to configure it thoroughly

Enjoy your new system!

 

[cmp1223]

Thanks, what about the driver install order?