The Internet is literally littered with hundreds of guides covering the enigma that is commonly known as Windows XP. Oddly, however, there exists a profound lack of information regarding the post installation phase of Windows XP. There are more than enough guides detailing the relatively simple concept of installing XP, and there are more than enough guides on how to tweak and tune your Windows Operating System. There aren’t, however, very many detailed guides explaining what someone is to do after installing Windows XP. For many computer technicians, the post installation process has become a nearly robotic routine — each has their own personal approach. But, for those out there who are treading into unknown waters by installing Windows XP for the first time, the post-installation phase is one of great ambiguity, distraction, and complication. It is my intention to shed some light on the issue. While conveying the importance of why you are to perform each step, I will outline and fully explain what one is to do immediately after installing Windows XP.
The post-installation proceedings are truly a personal endeavor: determined, for the most part, on practicality. At this point, I would like to establish that these steps are also ordered on a basis of convenience, and that they are not the only order that can or may be followed.
After much investigation and consultation of computer technicians and enthusiasts, I have developed the following outline of the Windows XP post-installation process. Following this post-installation guide should not only ensure the successful stability and security of your newly installed Operating System, but also provide you with the opportunity to customize your new Windows XP installation to suit your needs.
- Install drivers
- Run Windows Update
- Customize, tweak, and tune XP according to your tastes
- Install software and utilities
- Install Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, and Firewall software
- Proceed Using Windows XP
Continue reading for a more detailed explanation of each step.
Installing Drivers
For those of you who have never had to deal with drivers before, I will briefly describe their purpose. Drivers, for the most part, function as a piece of software that controls and communicates with a device, or component of your computer. There are video card drivers, drivers specific to the motherboard, drivers for your peripherals, and more. While Windows XP contains default drivers for many devices, such as your keyboard, it is always advisable to use not only the drivers provided by the hardware’s manufacturer, but also the most recent driver version available. This will ensure the greatest hardware stability and functionality possible.
**Note that if you have installed XP on a prebuilt (Dell, HP, etc.), you will either have to visit their respective website or use the CDs that came the computer when purchased to obtain the required drivers. Many of the drivers may have already been included in the proprietary XP installation CD which you should have used to install the operating system and will not need to be installed — skip down to the section on checking your device manager first.
After a fresh install of XP, the first thing you have to do is install the drivers. Start off by putting in the motherboard CD and following its specific instructions for installing the drivers. At this time, opt out of installing any additional utility software that might also be on the motherboard CD, such as trial Antivirus software (you can add this later if you choose). Make sure to install any and all pertinent drivers, such as those for the Ethernet and USB ports.
After installing the drivers from the motherboard CD, remove the CD and restart your computer. If your computer has an NVIDIA or ATI video card, you will want to visit their respective website and download the latest driver package available for your specific video card.
ATI: http://ati.amd.com/support/driver.html
NVIDIA: http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp
When connecting to the Internet to download these drivers, take special care in ONLY visiting the necessary sites and not browsing around. Your computer, at this stage, is rather unprotected from spyware and viruses. Later, I will explain how one typically goes about "securing" their computer for general web browsing.
After you’ve download the latest video card driver, locate the file and double click on it. This will initiate the driver installation process and guide you through the installation. Once complete, restart your computer and allow XP to load again.
If any of your other hardware components came with a driver CD, you essentially have two choices. One, you can install the drivers that are included on the CD, or two, you can visit the hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver available. I would personally recommend the latter, as this will ensure greater stability, functionality, and efficiency.
Checking the Device Manager
Before moving on any further, it is time to open the device manager to verify that all the required drivers have been installed and are running correctly. Right click on MY COMPUTER > click on PROPERTIES > open the HARDWARE tab > and finally click on DEVICE MANAGER.
A yellow exclamation mark denotes that the drivers for the device have yet to be installed successfully (assuming there are no physical defects regarding the hardware or conflicts between hardware — if installing the drivers doesn’t help, visit the PC Mechanic Forums for more specific instructions). It will be necessary to install the drivers for the devices with yellow exclamation marks. If the components are motherboard related, install the drivers off of the motherboard CD. Follow these steps (which apply to any instance in which a driver needs to be installed off of a CD):
- Insert CD
- Right Click on the device that needs a driver
- Click on PROPERTIES
- Click on the DRIVER tab
- Click on UPDATE DRIVER
- Select "No, do not connect" and press NEXT
- Select "Install from a specific location" and click NEXT
- Check "Search removable media" and click NEXT
- If a driver is found, proceed with allowing Windows to install it
Otherwise, retrieve the required drivers off of the manufacturer’s website and follow their specific instructions (they are there for a reason, and you should follow them).
For more on drivers, updating drivers, and downloading drivers, take a look at this: http://www.pcmech.com/show/optimize/327/1/
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