What's your typical install routine for a new rig?

[Caveman]

At what point do you try the first "boot" (throw the power switch the 1st time)?

Do you add hardware components 1 by 1 (with reboots each time)?

Do you add peripherals 1 by 1 (with reboots each time)?

I'd assume that the low level drivers come 1st (via, nforce, etc) then...
vid
sound
printer, etc
?

Should the above strategy change depending on whether you're using Win XP or Win 2K???

 

[n7]

I hook up all the components except for my IDE HDDs to avoid having my Raptor boot drive show up as like F:
Many suggest hooking up just the basics, but i don't bother doing it in steps, unless i'm having issues.

For software, i install the network driver first so i can get online, & then i'll grab the Windows updates.

Next i do chipset drivers, etc, & then video card drivers & sounds card drivers.

Just my method...

 

[mechBgon]

1) unplug network cable so worms can't attack the "raw" install

2) OS

3) latest Service Pack for the OS from safe offline source (CD, USB drive). If it's Win2000, also install DirectX 9.0C from safe offline source.

4) mobo drivers

5) video drivers and other drivers

6) install & fully configure security software (including a firewall if it's Win2000. If WinXP, then Windows Firewall will do for now). If it's Win2000, also set the Restrict Anonymous setting to No Access Without Explicit Anonymous Blah-blah (Control Panel > Admin Tools > Local Security Policy > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options)

7) connect to Internet, update security software and reboot if needed. Run system through Windows Update repeatedly until it's got all Critical Updates, and enable Automatic Updates in Control Panel for full-auto or at least semi-auto mode.

8) get Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer from Microsoft.com (search for MBSA) and check your rig out with that too, it looks for more stuff than Windows Update does.

 

[Ike0069]

1) Install MB/CPU, all RAM, VC, Sound card (if needed), network card (if needed), boot HDD only, all optical drives.

2) Install (in order) OS, MB drivers, VC drivers, SC drivers, test/monitoring programs (Prime 95, temp monitoring utility, etc.)

3) Reboot, and find max stable OC.

4) Connect to the internet and download available Windows updates. Set up AV, Firewall, and security settings.

5) Then finally start installing games, preipheral item drivers, bencmarking programs, etc.

 

[Caveman]

Good info all... Thanks!

IKE: Why do you propose to only install the boot HDD here:

1) Install MB/CPU, all RAM, VC, Sound card (if needed), network card (if needed), boot HDD only, all optical drives.

When do you install the any other HDs?

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: Caveman
Good info all... Thanks!

IKE: Why do you propose to only install the boot HDD here:

1) Install MB/CPU, all RAM, VC, Sound card (if needed), network card (if needed), boot HDD only, all optical drives.

When do you install the any other HDs?

Oh, I forgot about that.
I add the other drives after get my max OC stable.

My reason is that sometimes when OC'ing, you can corrupt the HD data. Especially if you have SATA HD's and you have them connected to unlocked SATA ports mistakenly.

By having only the boot drive installed, the worse that happens is that you have to reinstall Windows. Any data you have saved on other drives is safe until you are satisfied the system is stable.