In what order does one install Drivers?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the Tom's Hardware community: where nearly two million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
You didnt say what OS you are planning to use, but im guessing XP, one point to note is that using XP with SATA2 you will need to have the drivers for your mobo downloaded( and bung them on a floppy or usb ) and during the install tell it to use those drivers otherwise it will be a crappy Sata 1 driver. I had to reinstall cos of this crap
 
Chipset,video,nic,sound,modem. Before connecting to the internet Get firewall, antivirus and antispyware installed.Then go online and get them updated first then do the driver and os updates..Oh and definately reboot the computer after the antivirus/firewall/antispy updates.
Click to expand...

I prefer this order:
Chipset, LAN/Wireless, Video, Audio, misc (56K, Cardreader, TV Tuner, etc)

um... word of advice, don't download the Video Driver updates from Microsoft's Automatic updates site... I work at a national computer repair shop, and 2/3 times at work it always gives us corrupt drivers, where the video driver either doesn't display correctly anymore, or Windows won't boot into anything except safemode and the video driver has to be removed and re-downloaded from the Manufacturer's site...

just a heads up, from my experience :thumbsup:

Yea, I know. I never use the Microsoft update provided drivers. I just plan to use the drivers on the CDs that come with the product and then later update to newer versions downloaded from the companies' respective sites. I already have Forceware and the sound card drivers downloaded. Its all good on that end.

I just want to get the rules down on how to weed out a DOA part. Would it be possible to first assemble the PC out of the case (like on a bed or a wooden floor) so that if something went wrong I wouldnt have to go taking the mobo in and out of the case. Is that acceptable or would I risk shorting something out?
 
You didnt say what OS you are planning to use, but im guessing XP, one point to note is that using XP with SATA2 you will need to have the drivers for your mobo downloaded( and bung them on a floppy or usb ) and during the install tell it to use those drivers otherwise it will be a crappy Sata 1 driver. I had to reinstall cos of this crap
Click to expand...

Hmm? Oh that sounds important. I dont really want to buy a floppy drive, and the one in my dead PC is unfortunately deprived of a faceplate. So how would I use a USB key for this (Ive got like 7.) Do I just dl the file onto it or should I make it a bootable drive.

hungry.... gonna go eat
 
When you install XP it creates a generic driver for your onboard LAN, and since you wont be connecting online except to validate windows, theres no rush to get the LAN running.

i usually do it like this

  • [*:104faec13c] Chipsets (onboard LAN is usally part of chipset drivers)
    [*:104faec13c] Video
    [*:104faec13c] Sound
    [*:104faec13c] Peripherials
    [*:104faec13c] Then i do software
 
http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/ddr2/index.htm

This is the intel page which writes about the known issue when trying to run non 1.8v ram on a P965 board. They say that only DDR800 1.8v ram is okay. What I want to know is will my selected Kingston DDR667 1.8v ram work with this board?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820134046

harumph, I had just though that I had gotten this specific issue over with
Click to expand...

Right, just want to get this whole P965 ram issue out of the way though.
 
Make sure all bios settings are in order.

Lets just say you just install Windows XP with no service pack.

1 - DirectX needs to be updated so that your screen will run smooth.
2 - Chipset driver or updates this will make sure your computer will stable.
3 - Service Pack 2 if computer is stable, if not. You have a problem, Installing service pack 2 will help installing other drivers.
4 - .NET needs to be installed if using ATI GPU card and if you want catalyst Controller to be installed.
5 - Video Driver or updates driver for other GPU card, like drivers for AVIVO components.
6 - Sound Card driver or updates.
7 - Lan Driver and Modem Driver.
8 - Printer and Scanner Driver.
9 - Monitor Update.
10 - Unless You have your own Firewall and Antivirus. Firewall and Antivirus from Zonelab and get Security Suite Trials for 15 Days. Uninstall it later after everything is working fine.
11 - Updates from internet.
12 - Intall the rest of you Peripherals and drivers.
13 - Adobe Acrobat, and Photoshop if any.
14 - Office Programs.
15 - The rest is up to you.

That's how I install the software on my builds. and don't have much problem.
 
Make sure all bios settings are in order.

Lets just say you just install Windows XP with no service pack.

1 - DirectX needs to be updated so that your screen will run smooth.
2 - Chipset driver or updates this will make sure your computer will stable.
3 - Service Pack 2 if computer is stable, if not. You have a problem, Installing service pack 2 will help installing other drivers.
4 - .NET needs to be installed if using ATI GPU card and if you want catalyst Controller to be installed.
5 - Video Driver or updates driver for other GPU card, like drivers for AVIVO components.
6 - Sound Card driver or updates.
7 - Lan Driver and Modem Driver.
8 - Printer and Scanner Driver.
9 - Monitor Update.
10 - Unless You have your own Firewall and Antivirus. Firewall and Antivirus from Zonelab and get Security Suite Trials for 15 Days. Uninstall it later after everything is working fine.
11 - Updates from internet.
12 - Intall the rest of you Peripherals and drivers.
13 - Adobe Acrobat, and Photoshop if any.
14 - Office Programs.
15 - The rest is up to you.

That's how I install the software on my builds. and don't have much problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot, when I build my box (if ever) Ill be sure to print out this thread to consult.

So, I checked at the Kingston website which is very easy to use and tells me that the ram and mobo that I picked out are very compatible! Woo Hoo!

Just for curiosity's sake, what kind of performance increase do you think I would get from switching to DDR800 ram. That is from this setup:
e4300 stock
2gb 667mhz ram
evga 7900gs

From what I hear it would be negligible, not really worth bothering for.
 
Make sure all bios settings are in order.
1 - DirectX needs to be updated so that your screen will run smooth.
Click to expand...

Hmm can I update DirectX without being connected to the internet. From what I remember of downloading directx updates, they have to connect to the internet to download themselves. Or maybe its just me. Worst comes to worst I just install a game. They all come with Direct X blah blah latest version, eh?

So Ive got these parts down pat:
Intel e4300 CPU
Intel P965 mobo
Kingston 2gb RAM
OCZ PowerXStream 600w PSU
eVGA 7900gs GPU
Bluegears Benspirer sound card
edimax wifi card
wd se16 250gb hd

the parts that Im not sure of are the case (Antec P180 or NineHundred), and a media card reader. Speaking of media card readers, does anyone know of a good cheap internal media card reader. All of the ones on newegg seem to be quite *bad*
 
I can't really say since the performance of each system differ from the components you use.

If you're overclocking one of most important hardware is RAM and cooling but I prefer not to overclock untill my system is running for three years becuse of warranty.

However if you don't crank you RAM to it's limit then, may I suggest to get something that will do a 10 to 15 percent overclock.

This computer I'm running on is uderclock since I don't need that much power right now.
 
My wife camera uses XD card so I'm using a plugin Media Card Reader right now which I bought 2 for $25 Canadian from Tigerdirect and it has most of the type, . That way I can bring it anywhere I want.

Called ULTRA 22-in-1.
 
Yea, I dont plan on OC'ing.

Would you guys say that building your own PC is more safe or less safe than buying one from Dell. In terms of issues encountered, and time and money lost, and long term reliability.

A comparable PC from Dell, the XPS 410 (after adding the sound card) would come out to 1440 with a 3 year warranty. And that PC comes with the *wonderful* Windows Vista *WOW* and no choice for WinXP of any flavor.

The parts that I chose have these warranties:
Western Digital SE16 hard drive: 3 Years
Intel P965 based mobo : 3 Years
Kingston 2gb RAM : 5 Years
Bluegears sound card : 1 Year
Antec p180 case : 3 Years
OCZ psu : 3 Years
Intel e4300 cpu (dunno how long, but probably 3-5yrs)
eVGA GPU I dunno how long the warranty is (any help? lifetime??)


so how about it? Would my build be more or less reliable than a Dell?
 
I am planning on building a PC, and I cannot seem to remember in what order I should install the drivers (e.g. chipset, video, sound, lan)

My Build So Far:
Intel e4300 $175
Intel P965 mobo $115
Kingston 2gb 1.8v ram $170
eVGA 7900gs $145
Bluegears benspirer sound card $110
WD se16 250gb hard drive $75
Antec P180b case $125
Edimax PCI wifi card $20

The Above at newegg with 30 dollars for shipping as well as:

OCZ PowerXStream 600watt 12v x 4 18a at ClubIT.com for only $79 !!!
shipping there is $9

TOTAL: $1054

btw, ive already got an LCD, keyboard and mouse, and lite-on optical drive.

So back to my actual topic: in what order do I install the drivers for these parts?
Click to expand...

i havnt found any issues installing the drivers in any way but yeah - lan then get newer drivers through the network/internet.
 
Building your own give you exciment and pride and satisfaction. You can pick what you put in and how it would look like.

Buying it made will give you security that if something goes wrong the dealer will fix it for you. even just a loose wire.

Best thing of buying it from dealers is that sometimes they have a promotion that most of us can't resist. Either way you'll be happy the time you recieve you start using your system.

It's up to you to decide if you wan't the hassle or being Proud of building your own system.
 
The primary reason to install Windows with a minimal hardware configuration (i.e., motherboard, memory, graphics card, optical drive, hard drive) is to prevent Windows from searching for, and attempting to install drivers for a bunch of other devices during the install process. Again I highly recommend the Tweaking Companion from the Tweak Guides web site. The Tweaking Companion is a 186 page expert guide to Windows XP installation and maintenance.
 
For a home pc using the term "deployment" makes it sound so overwelming. Im not making fun or anything, its just popped into my head when I read your post. The last time I heard that said was when I was installing windows 2000 through out the LAN I support.
 
Don't worry about it! Just Do It, you think too much, whatever happened to you leaving and never coming back anyway, and now you're building from scratch????

Oh What the Heck.

Its really common sense OK!

This is important for you!
Download the SP2 stand alone because your version of XP is SP1 and either have SP2 on hand on CD, or slipstream it into an installation disk using nLite.

WHY? Because you cannot download updates from Microsoft until you activate WinXP, you don't have the updated Firewall protection without SP2 installed because the updated firewall came in the SP2.

After the Windows installation is complete install the M/Bs chipset drivers package, Video Drivers, Sound Etc. anything missing or not installed in Device manager, then whatever your heart desires.

Good Luck! 8)
 
Theres an active link to download the stand alone SP2 for WinXP at this website and use nLite to create the disk for you.

Instructions at websites.
Click to expand...

Thnx but I already downloaded AutoPatcher which has SP2 and all updates up to Jan 07. I burned it to CD expecting to use it on my now-deceased XPS. It should be just as good as your version eh?http://www.autopatcher.com/
 
You didnt say what OS you are planning to use, but im guessing XP, one point to note is that using XP with SATA2 you will need to have the drivers for your mobo downloaded( and bung them on a floppy or usb ) and during the install tell it to use those drivers otherwise it will be a crappy Sata 1 driver. I had to reinstall cos of this crap
Click to expand...

Does anyone know about this issue? Also where could I find such a driver?>
 
Theres an active link to download the stand alone SP2 for WinXP at this website and use nLite to create the disk for you.

Instructions at websites.
Click to expand...

Thnx but I already downloaded AutoPatcher which has SP2 and all updates up to Jan 07. I burned it to CD expecting to use it on my now-deceased XPS. It should be just as good as your version eh?http://www.autopatcher.com/

We'll See! :)
 
I do not think that Autopatcher includes SP2. It includes all of the updates after SP2. As mentioned above, slipstreaming SP2 into your OS is a good idea. If you do not want to use NLite, you can try the very simple Autostreamer (Autopatcher's little brother).
 
I do not think that Autopatcher includes SP2. It includes all of the updates after SP2. As mentioned above, slipstreaming SP2 into your OS is a good idea. If you do not want to use NLite, you can try the very simple Autostreamer (Autopatcher's little brother).
Click to expand...

Oh, thanks

Also: What kind of IDE/PATA issues have people been experienceing with p965 boards?

At the website for SP2 dl it says there might be issues with OEM dics such as my Dell.

"This is caused by the fact that your Windows XP CD contains updates that will be automatically installed when you run setup. This type of CD's will usually be from larger OEM suppliers (like Dell, HP, or others).
You cannot use this type of CD to create a slipstreamed SP2 install."

Is there any other way for me to install SP2? The download file is an exe, could I just bring it on a key and install it by double-clicking on it?

Happy Presidents Day
 
Maybe you wont need it with the board youve chosen, i couldnt find any on the intel site either, i know my Asrock 939 dual sata mobo has a JMicron SATA controller on it and i got the driver from the asrock site
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom