first boot paranoia

dave2110 · 15 Nov 2013 at 11:33

Hi All

I will be putting together my first PC tomorrow, feeling OK about the build but already sweating about what happens or doesnt when I turn it on.

Main worry at the moment is how do you install driver for the optical drive by inserting CDs in the optical drive? Will the CD reader work without having installed the driver for it?

joeyjojo · 15 Nov 2013 at 11:39

Depending on your OS, almost all of the hardware (including optical drive) will be detected automatically, and will work using generic drivers.

The main exception is the GPU (if you have one) and it's usually best to get the freshest drivers from the manufacturer's website for this.

DaleTheWhale · 15 Nov 2013 at 11:41

You don't need to install a driver for the Optical Drive, the BIOS will be able to see the drive and from that allow you to use CD's to boot windows. A USB will also work without a driver being installed as well.

When you get into the OS however that's where you will need to install certain drivers to get everything up and running. These are normally your Wireless/LAN drivers, Audio Drivers and some chipset/HDD drivers.

dave2110 · 15 Nov 2013 at 11:48

thx much appreciated

ttaskmaster · 15 Nov 2013 at 11:55

I'm doing my first build/install right now myself!
Depending on which board you're using, when first installing the OS you *may* have to enter the BIOS (startup screen will tell you press F8 or something) and choose which device to boot from. Select the Optical Drive and go from there.
Also, apparently you have to put the OS disc in before you switch the machine on - Stick a straightened paperclip down the release switch hole to pop the drive open!

darael · 15 Nov 2013 at 11:56

Wait until power on time.

You barely put your finger on the power button, hesitate about pressing it for a few seconds, then finally...you press it. Nothing happens! You rip out all cables and cards, then finally you notice the switch on the PSU is still switched to off. :eek: