Loading a fresh system, driver order?

[DashK]

Well I just built my system, and windows is loading now (I'm on my other PC). My question is what is the best way to load the drivers? My motherboard is an Asus A7V266, videocard is a geforce 3, so I need to load the Via 4-1 drivers, DirectX 8 and the Detonator XP drivers. What is the best order in doing this?

I was thinking Via 4-1 first, then DirectX 8 then the Detonators, but I am unsure, please share your view with me, thank's

 

[AreEss64]

From NUMEROUS reinstalls and builds, here's the absolute BEST order that I have found...

When Windows FIRST starts, make SURE you have the VIA 4in1 drivers unzipped somewhere. I usually use C:\Drivers\VIA\4in1v(insert number here)

If Windows DOESN'T ask you about any of the items covered by the VIA 4in1 (which is normal, it seems), just cancel everything else. Go into CP, remove all the 'errored' devices that you cancelled on, but not the unknown devices - they'll redetect. Run the VIA 4in1 setup program, install everything (normal install), reboot, and install as prompted by Windows.

If Windows DOES ask you about devices covered in the VIA 4in1 drivers, here's what you do;
Point it to C:\Drivers\VIA\4in1v437\INF\WIN98SE - THIS PART IS CRITICAL. POINT IT TO THE INF DIRECTORY, NOT WIN9X.
Then install drivers as prompted by Windows. But ALWAYS get the VIA 4in1 in first. I've had some SERIOUS problems with getting drivers to work right if you don't get the VIA 4in1 in first, I presume because of the IRQ steering. (Let's not discuss the Intel EtherExpress/Pro 100B+ fiasco, ok?)

 

[DashK]

Hey thank's. Do I need to check everything to be installed at the 4-1 install screen? I've read that the IDE drivers standard in windows actually run faster than the one in the 4-1, I'm running 98se.

 

[AreEss64]

I check everything - up to you if you want to or not.

That's never been my experience - Eiterra outruns it's drives badly, Windows drivers or VIA drivers, so I'm definitely the wrong person to ask about that. MUST. REPLACE. SLOW. DRIVES!

 

[btvillarin]

VIA 4-in-1 drivers first - always. v4.37 is the most current version you can get here: http://www.viaarena.com/?PageID=2 You can just check everything. Then, install the Detonator 21.83 drivers from this page: http://www.nvidia.com/view.asp?PAGE=pg_20010907943252 There's been problems with the 23.11 drivers, so I suggest to install these.