XP New Installation w/ new components

[proffalken]

Good morning, all,

XP NuB preparing to install on a new system:
P4 1.6a
P4B533V Asus MB
Gainward GF4-4400
SB Audigy
Two existing HDs that I'll wipe during the XP install
US Robotics modem
Canon FB620U scanner
HP1120 printer

Never used or installed XP before and I've got a question on the Product Activation Issue
Typically, when I start from scratch, I'll install Windows on the system without the video, sound card, modem, and peripherals, get it working, then install each component one-by-one in order to isolate any problems with the system.

Can I do the same with XP without having to worry about contacting MS first? At what point in the install does XP want to activate with MS? Does it give me the time and number of reboots to add components 1 by 1 or should I install XP with all cards, etc already in place?

Also, (since I've got your attention), when I prepare to install XP, should I boot into Win98SE (current OS) and run the install and drive reformat routines from there, or should I just boot into DOS and do same?

Thanks in advance,

Der Perfesser

 

[KlutZ]

I just plug everything in and boot with the cd in. Let windows figure it out.

 

[proffalken]

bump


Can I install components (vid, sound card, modem) one by one while doing a fresh install with XP? Does the OS installation give you a certain number of reboots (like Office 2000) before you have to go to the web to "register" the OS?

Der Perfesser

 

[bozo1]

You have 30 days to activate.

 

[proffalken]

<You have 30 days to activate.>

All I needed to know before I started. Thanks!

Der Perfesser

 

[kursplat]

just as a side bar here but like klutz said

just plug everything in and boot with the cd in. Let windows figure it out.

xp ,from what i've seen is very good at detecting and installing hardware.i wouldn't even worry about it