Order of operations for install?

[sm100378]

Hi,

This may seem like a dumb question, but its best that I find out the correct way.

I want to do a full install of XP Home and I also have a CD for my motherboard bios. Which one do I want to run first? Also, will inserting the windows CD perform a full erasing of my HD so I can start fresh, or is there another step that needs to be done?

Thanks so much,

[Kov-Ice]

What is the BIOS CD to be used for?

As far as XP, once you boot to that CD, you will be taken through all the necessary options. There are options to format and partition your drive.

[sm100378]

Originally Posted by Kov-Ice What is the BIOS CD to be used for? As far as XP, once you boot to that CD, you will be taken through all the necessary options. There are options to format and partition your drive.

It is the CD that came with my motherboard, including all the features to use it, I believe.

[Kov-Ice]

So it's more the utilities end, maybe such as NIC drivers or temp monitoring software or something?

Is it the mobo in your sig or a different model?

[codered6651]

In other words this CD is for installing your drivers and such. You would install XP first before installing the CD that came with the motherboard.

Here is a link that will help you setting up your pc http://www.tweakhound.com/xp/installxp/installorder.htm.

Good Luck!!

[sm100378]

Originally Posted by Kov-Ice So it's more the utilities end, maybe such as NIC drivers or temp monitoring software or something? Is it the mobo in your sig or a different model?

Hi,

Yes, I believe it is the "extras" for the MB. I am using the MB that is in my signature.


Thanks,

[Cricket]

You install Windows first and then install the chipset drivers from the motherboard CD and your video card drivers.

Cricket

[sm100378]

Thanks everyone!

[sm100378]

One more thing....do you recommend the "regular NTFS" or the "quick"



Thanks!

[flanzig1]

If your doing an XP reinstall due to downloaded nasties/corrupt files/too much leftover crap, then I would do a zero wipe with something like Killdisk and then a normal Windows format. About the only time I have used "quick format" is with floppies, HDs I do a regular format.

[TwoRails]

I usually do a quick format for the install process to get things going. Later, when I want a break, I do the full surface scan.

As far as the order goes, here's the steps from codered6651's link above. It's a sound strategy overall:

1. XP 2. SP2 (If you didn't make a slipstreamed CD) 3. Chipset drivers 4. Video Card Drivers. (run disk cleanup) 5. NIC/Modem Drivers and ISP software 6. Windows Update, High Priority Updates (SP2 if you didn't download ahead of time) + Windows Update, Optional hardware updates + Windows Update, Optional software updates (don't load unnecessary items) 7. Other Drivers (try to automatically update first) (run disk cleanup) 8. Backup 9. Create partitions for Docs, data, etc... 10. Major applications. Fully update each application before installing the next. 11. The rest of your apps. (run disk cleanup) 12. Anti-Virus software and update it. 13. Configure email, move My Documents to another drive 14. Cleanup System Tray, organize Start Menu, activate XP 15. Safe Mode, disk cleanup (advanced) and defragment. 16. Backup 17. Tweak it! 18. Backup