Ok, after 3 days of trouble, my new rig is FINALLY FINISHED!

sorta....

Now I need to know what I need to know if theres any order of what I should install first.

you forgot the most important program...


F@H

Actually its Windows , then Motherboard Drivers , then FOLDING@HOME, then the rest

So FIRST the Windows XP? NOT the disc that came with the mobo first?? So, WinXP(OS) then the mobo disc, then the hardware stuffs??? Ok, would there be any order to install the hardware?(i.e. cd/dvd drvie, gfx card, etc)? Then update evrything? Then the mysterious F@H, which I hear so much about but have no clue about

So, I assume I would need to connect to the internet.... ??

So, I need to be connected to the internet also?

Yeah, XP first, then your mobo driver cd. You probably are not able to connect to the internet untill you load your mobo drivers, which will include your Lan Driver (If you are useing the lan on your mobo). Then I would install some virus protection. I personally like to use Norton Internet Securty 2006. It does more than just virus protection it also stops rapidly spreadying threats, worm, popup blocker, email scanning and such. People say that NIS eats up resources but I like to have my system totally safe.

After the virus protection is installed then you should connect to the internet and go download windows updates. XP has some security flaws that are fixed with updates.

After that and your other programs you should be set.

BTW: If you are using a SATA harddrive you need to load the SATA drivers on to a floppy and instal them using the windows cd. Hit F6 on the first screen. Then it should walk you through it.

If you have any problems installing XP here is a good walkthrough
http://www.petri.co.il/install_windows_xp_pro.htm

Also another good walkthrough that helps you with xp once you have it installed here
http://www.petri.co.il/customize_a_n...stallation.htm

Would it be ok to just install the XP, MoBo, Hardware, (still offline) then maybe get a few hours of BF2 and Oblivion in there? Just curious.....

Yeah, shouldnt be a problem. Most of the other programs you install are just your personal needs. If all you need is BF2 and such at first then thats ok.

Quote: Originally Posted by WDoG BTW: If you are using a SATA harddrive you need to load the SATA drivers on to a floppy and instal them using the windows cd. Hit F6 on the first screen. Then it should walk you through it.

So, I go to the companies web site and download the drivers on to a floppy, then install them using the windows cd.... Do I do that when I'm FIRST installing the OS, or install that after the os, and also after the mobo?

It depends on your board , some of the newer boards do not require a floppy for SATA, and if you bought the board NEW , it should have come with a SATA / RAID diskkette.

That being said if your board requires a SATA floppy disk and you dont have one , then go d/l it before installing windows, and when the OS is loading you will see ( bottom of screen ) when it says
" press F6 to install third party drivers" , press F6 and put in your floppy and it will prompt you from there.

Quote: Originally Posted by HigHTecHReDNecK It depends on your board , some of the newer boards do not require a floppy for SATA, and if you bought the board NEW , it should have come with a SATA / RAID diskkette. That being said if your board requires a SATA floppy disk and you dont have one , then go d/l it before installing windows, and when the OS is loading you will see ( bottom of screen ) when it says " press F6 to install third party drivers" , press F6 and put in your floppy and it will prompt you from there.

How would I find out if my motherboard will need a floppy?

Quote: Originally Posted by CKPHiL How would I find out if my motherboard will need a floppy?

#1 - did you buy it new , if so it would have come with one, if it needed one.
#2 - If you didnt buy it new , go the the makers web site and look up the info on it. ( try to d/l the pdf manual, so you have it for future reference )
#3 - post the model number of the board here and someone will give you a hand .

Quote: Originally Posted by CKPHiL How would I find out if my motherboard will need a floppy?

Just to point out the Obvious here: Sometimes reading the manual can be helpful. Or just go at it and see if it asks for a floppy.

You sound a little unsure,Put it in a box and UPS it to me to setup and try try for a month or 20.I will let you know what it is like,lol.Stay with the recommendations 1.O/S(windows)2.chipset drivers(m/b DISC)...Then internet,security programs(if surfing)F@H is a software program download at pimprigs(oops,pcApex)for the good of science research.Last-Enjoy...Jo

Quote: Originally Posted by CKPHiL How would I find out if my motherboard will need a floppy?

Well, if you try to install without the disk, and it needs the disk, you get no Windows. So you just try again, hit F6 when it asks, and get your RAID on. If your mobo did not come with a SATA driver disk, you probably do not need one.

I say jump in, get that sucker running! Play a game or two, then look into getting folding running on it!

Have a good one

E