What do I need to do?

[aberdeen5]

I bought a new motherboard/CPU/and case and I need to know what to do after I install all of the hardware. Do I just install windows? or are there other things that I need to do to get it running?

 

[Mrvile]

First turn on the computer. If that boots, pop in your Windows CD and get it to boot from the CD (usually you need to change boot order in BIOS). Follow the instructions, Windows will install. Afterwards, install motherboard drivers, video drivers, sound drivers, and peripheral drivers (such as keyboard/mouse). Turn on Automatic Updates and Windows Firewall. Install an anti-virus.

Now you can hook up your internet.

Upon acquiring access to the internet, update your drivers to the latest ones. I also suggets installing Zonealarm and Adaware. Now you're ready to install everything else you need (Microsoft Office, games, etc.)

 

[aberdeen5]

Thanks

 

[aberdeen5]

One more question..can I use a Dell windows XP CD that came with my computer to reinstall it? or will it not work with a new motherboard?

 

[elcamino74ss]

not likely. those Dell XP cds are made to only work on Dell systems

 

[shud]

Well, most pre-packaged systems like that these days come with a licensed copy of a Windows CD as WELL as extra application/driver recovery CDs.

XP Pro and especially SP2 should auto-detect all your hardware.

Again, make sure that it isn't a DELL cd. The XP CD should be pretty obvious of that.