Which comes first, the cart or the horse?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Glen
  • Start date Start date
G

Glen

Looking for a general procedure here. Getting a new
computer w/out XP installed. When I get my own XP, what
are the correct steps in setting this computer up.
For instance, do I format the hard disk first, install
drivers first, install Win XP first?
I am trying to head off problems. Any links or just type
the steps for me would be appreciated.
The computer is custom built.

I have installed Windows in the past, Windows upgrades in
the past, drivers in the past, but never started from
scratch. My current computer came with a partioned hard
drive but one partion was not formated. Xp took care of
that for me, as I let them install this version of XP
Home. We want to try XP Pro now. Your help would be
appreciated.
 
Glen said:
Looking for a general procedure here. Getting a new
computer w/out XP installed. When I get my own XP, what
are the correct steps in setting this computer up.
For instance, do I format the hard disk first, install
drivers first, install Win XP first?
I am trying to head off problems. Any links or just type
the steps for me would be appreciated.
The computer is custom built.

I have installed Windows in the past, Windows upgrades in
the past, drivers in the past, but never started from
scratch. My current computer came with a partioned hard
drive but one partion was not formated. Xp took care of
that for me, as I let them install this version of XP
Home. We want to try XP Pro now. Your help would be
appreciated.
Click to expand...

All you should need to do is stick the install cd in the drive, make sure
the bios is set up to enable booting from cd and let it rip.
It will give you options on formatting and install directory as part of the
installation routine.
Don't worry about drivers until xp finally boots into the finished system
then go have a look at device manager to make sure everything's present and
working ok.
 
THANK YOU! for the reply. One last thing, how do I check
the bios to be sure I am ready to go per your reply. I am
sure I hit an "f" key during the boot up, right?
 
The 'Del' is often used also.

THANK YOU! for the reply. One last thing, how do I check
the bios to be sure I am ready to go per your reply. I am
sure I hit an "f" key during the boot up, right?
Click to expand...
 
Greetings --

Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered
the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of
the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
 
Greetings --

Only you know what motherboard and BIOS you have, so only you know
the answer to your question. ;-}

In the extremely unlikely event that your PC's manual doesn't
contain the needed information, try one or more of the following:

How do I access my computer's setup (BIOS)
http://www.iomega.com/support/documents/2157.html

Wim's BIOS Page
http://www.wimsbios.com/

Accessing Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

You should also be aware that it's very easy to render, at least
temporarily, your PC unbootable by making an incorrect change in the
BIOS. So be very careful.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
 
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