Installing drivers

cerebralhigh · 12 Apr 2014 at 11:51

Hi, first time builder here.

After installing Windows is it best to install the drivers for the motherboard and graphics card from the DVDs that come with them, and update them online afterwards? Or is it better to just ignore the discs and update online straight away? Can you just update to the most recent drivers without having to install the older ones first?

Thanks

s452 · 12 Apr 2014 at 12:01

install internet access driver (wifi or ethanet) from disc if needed, download rest from internet is my policy

atomic7431 · 12 Apr 2014 at 12:36

install windows, check internet access, if you have it then dl all updates for windows but no other drivers and then create an image of the installation. This way if you need to re install in the future it makes the process a lot quicker.
If you dont have internet access then you will have to install the lan/wifi driver as a minimum requirement and then do as above.
After download latest drivers off internet and configure os etc as you want it.

ps. I use macrium reflect free for creating images and restoring them, works like a charm.

cerebralhigh · 12 Apr 2014 at 13:27

thanks to both of you.

So the drivers for the internet LAN are the priority, create an image and then update via the internet. What could possibly go wrong?

Thanks for the info re. macrium reflect. I'll check it out

cerebralhigh · 12 Apr 2014 at 13:34

Actually I've just thought of another couple of (related) questions:

When you update drivers via Windows Update, does it always find the latest drivers? Or once I've done this do I need to go to (say) the nvidia website and ask it to check my drivers for my graphics card?

Also is it always advisable to update the bios if you have an old version?

Thanks again

atomic7431 · 12 Apr 2014 at 13:41

I dont use windows update to dl the drivers i usually goto the motherboard manufacturer and check what hardware the chip etc is and then go to the relevant manufacturer to dl each driver so im sure i have the latest ones.
As for the Bios that really depends on if you are having any issues that may be solved with an updated Bios, otherwise no dont fix what aint broke as they say

install windows
install (if not already done so automatically from the windows install) the lan/wifi driver
update windows (leave the drivers alone off the update site)
Then generally make an image, so you dont have the updates to download every time you re install

This is how i would go about it, hope it makes it clearer and any more questions just ask

Macrium reflect free

cerebralhigh · 12 Apr 2014 at 20:54

Hi atomic, thanks so much for taking the time to write that out. This is my first build and I don't want to mess it up, and your instructions are really helpful. I'll definitely ask more questions if I get stuck.

Cheers