The Very First Boot

[CaptainJackSwallows]

So, after you install your OS, which drivers do you usually install first? The motherboard? The video? Windows updates? And should you use the drivers on the CD or install the latest ones from the internets?

I'm getting a 8800GTX and I already have an X-Fi. How are these in Vista 64? They seem to be causing problems because of driver instability and whatnot. I've read a bit here and I see mixed results. Besides these 2 parts, I'm pretty sure the rest of my pc will be ready to take on vista 64 ez peezy lemon squeezy...i hope

 

[Cutthroat]

With Vista x64 you should use the latest drivers you can find on the internet, and don't trust anything that came on the CD. Your 8800GTX will be fine in Vista, the X-Fi will likely work OK, but it is crippled in Vista due to the way sound is handled in Vista.

You'll likely hear all types of recommendations on install order, but here is my preference. First you'll likely find that Windows already has a driver installed for most if not all of your hardware, but if you need a critical driver I would install it first. Then I install Windows updates, then the newest drivers I can find, and finally Antivirus.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Like Cutthroat says, it doesn't really matter that much what order you choose. Unlike him, though, I prefer to install the motherboard/chipset drivers first, then expansion cards.

 

[ForumMaster]

for windows xp atleast, the recommended install order really should be like this:
chipset/mobo drivers
sound/usb drivers
video card drivers
anti-virus
windows update

for vista, many of those drivers may already exist.

 

[CaptainJackSwallows]

thanks for the replies guys. so i went to check creatives website for drivers for my x-fi extremegamer fatal1ty card. no drivers! apparently they only have vista drivers for the other ones like the x-fi elite and stuff. do you think that theyll work with the extremegamer fatal1ty? i guess i'm gonna find out next week....

 

[Cutthroat]

Download and run the Vista Upgrade Advisor to check on the compatibility of your current hardware and software.

 

[CaptainJackSwallows]

hrmm this is odd. so the vista upgrade advisor says it has no info about my x-fi. when i go thru the drivers section on creatives site, they say there aren't any drivers currently available for vista. but, when i look at the cards requirements on creatives site, it shows the hardware i need to use it in vista...well whatever, i will find out when i get vista next week. if it doesn't work i will be pissed for maybe 1 or 2 days and then i will have to wait a year for drivers from creative. blagh