Formatting question

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Just_Ice

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Or should I say questions...

So I will be formatting my PC for the first time tomorrow for the first time (About time!). So I have backed up my docs, address book, and program set ups.

Now I was looking at the CDs that came with my computer, the XP SP2 is a mecer recovery CD. Will this make any difference to the way I go about formatting?

Then I see I also have my gigabyte CD which includes "Display drivers" and Power DVD. I have downloaded newer drivers (currently 169.) but do I still need to install this first? And then I also have my mobo "chipset support" cd. Does this also need to be installed? Doesnt windows install the essential drivers itself?

So what is the order? Format, Install XP, and then install chipset drivers and then graphics drivers or what? And where in this order should I install SP3?

Another question, will my wireless keyboard and mouse be ok during the installation? (Although I only need the keyboard) Or do I need to use a wired keyboard? Or is that irrelevant?

Please help!
 
Just_Ice said:
Or should I say questions...

So I will be formatting my PC for the first time tomorrow for the first time (About time!). So I have backed up my docs, address book, and program set ups.

Now I was looking at the CDs that came with my computer, the XP SP2 is a mecer recovery CD. Will this make any difference to the way I go about formatting?

Then I see I also have my gigabyte CD which includes "Display drivers" and Power DVD. I have downloaded newer drivers (currently 169.) but do I still need to install this first? And then I also have my mobo "chipset support" cd. Does this also need to be installed? Doesnt windows install the essential drivers itself?

So what is the order? Format, Install XP, and then install chipset drivers and then graphics drivers or what? And where in this order should I install SP3?
Click to expand...

Just like you say use the mecer recovery, then SP3 then Chipset.

Another question, will my wireless keyboard and mouse be ok during the installation? (Although I only need the keyboard) Or do I need to use a wired keyboard? Or is that irrelevant?

Please help![/QUOTE]

Don't worry bout the wireless it will work 100% while installing...

You know how to operate the bios right?
 
Yea the BIOS part is fine.
Oh and should I plug my screen into the onboard graphics card while installing and then switch it onto my graphics card afterwards?
 
Ok, if I follow the steps on the screen its pretty simple right?
What about the display and other drivers? That come after everything else?
 
Just_Ice said:
Or should I say questions...

So I will be formatting my PC for the first time tomorrow for the first time (About time!). So I have backed up my docs, address book, and program set ups.

Now I was looking at the CDs that came with my computer, the XP SP2 is a mecer recovery CD. Will this make any difference to the way I go about formatting?

Then I see I also have my gigabyte CD which includes "Display drivers" and Power DVD. I have downloaded newer drivers (currently 169.) but do I still need to install this first? And then I also have my mobo "chipset support" cd. Does this also need to be installed? Doesnt windows install the essential drivers itself?

So what is the order? Format, Install XP, and then install chipset drivers and then graphics drivers or what? And where in this order should I install SP3?

Another question, will my wireless keyboard and mouse be ok during the installation? (Although I only need the keyboard) Or do I need to use a wired keyboard? Or is that irrelevant?

Please help!
Click to expand...

1) Use a wired keyboard and mouse. Leave the graphics connected to the graphics card.
2) Use the Recovery CD to install XP to SP2... it will allow you to reformat as part of the process.
3) Install all the newer drivers, forget all the older CDs.
4) Install IE7
5) Install MS Office (if you have it)
6) Install SP3
7) Update Office.
8) Install other free software.

Whereabouts are you? You shoulda let me know ... I can give you my Free Software DVD which has a ton of free apps on it... as well as AutoPatcher XP and AutoPatcher Office 2007. :p
 
yeah was just about to say since when do you install IE7?

And why do you choose to put SP3 only after the Drivers and Office?

I think it will be more stable if you upgrade the XP first then do the rest.
 
Garyvdh said:
1) Use a wired keyboard and mouse. Leave the graphics connected to the graphics card.
2) Use the Recovery CD to install XP to SP2... it will allow you to reformat as part of the process.
3) Install all the newer drivers, forget all the older CDs.
4) Install IE7
5) Install MS Office (if you have it)
6) Install SP3
7) Update Office.
8) Install other free software.
Click to expand...
I'd say that 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 are the only ones necessary, even less if he doesn't have Office. If he's going to install the other two then he may as well install Norton while he's at it :eek:
 
Smooth Criminal said:
I'd say that 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 are the only ones necessary. If he's going to install the other two then he may as well install Norton while he's at it :eek:
Click to expand...

Well, I didn't experience any problems installing Service Pack 3 on quite a few PCs these past months so I see no real reason not to (unless you wish to apply the "If it ain't broke" principle :D)
 
Dan C said:
Install IE7 ?? LOL
Click to expand...

I normally suggest that to avoid problems with SP3.

If he doesn't install it... it is NOT advisable to install it after SP3 unless he first downloads the later fixed IE7 install pack from MS.

Why update IE completely before drivers? If there are system files on the drivers that need to be patched by any MS updates ... better to let them do it.
 
Smooth Criminal said:
I'd say that 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 are the only ones necessary, even less if he doesn't have Office. If he's going to install the other two then he may as well install Norton while he's at it :eek:
Click to expand...

Dude... SP3 is the shiz! Makes XP run nice... and safe.
 
I am gonna start just now, just need to finnish backing up my itunes library which I almost forgot about!! 15 gigs of music!

So from what I have read here, and from other sites from google this will be my order,
1. Format (Do I use the NTFS or NTFS quick option?
2. Install XP
3. Install Drivers
4. Install office
5. Install IE7 (I have heard issues about this so I will install before SP3, I do use IE occasionally)
6. Install SP3
7. Install IE8
8. Install programs and restore my documents

I am formatting because my PC has never been formatted in 3 years and has slowed down so much in the last month! And the reason for that order, mainly because that is how things were put on my in the first place, so I will just do it again.
As for my keyboard, it should be fine because it is connected to a PS2 port.
One more question, will I be told when to remove the XP CD? Because wont it boot a fresh from the CD everytime it restarts during the installation?

Edit: I was just thinking, shoulnt I install IE before I install the drivers incase they want updates from the internet? Just asking cause according to Gary's list he would do the opposite
 
Last edited:
NTFS Quick is fine.

And you won't pick up a problem i don't think with the keyboard.

You will only remove the XP CD after your windows has started, as it installs with the cd from beginning to end...
 
Maybe a good idea to make a backup of your OS. I usually make one backup after XP installed and then one when everything is installed and working fine. Acronis does a good job.
 
Done!! :D:D:D
There were a few hastles with installing my printer drivers but most of it is done.
Now just to install the other programs I use now and then, and itunes! Cant believe I forgot to back up the itunes install. Probably kiled over 300 megs today! So I will have to wait a while to download that, my cap needs to last.

But the improvement is drastic :D
 
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