Reinstallation Order

JonD · 31 Jan 2006 at 16:02

Ive just wiped my parents PC because they had so much junk and it took about 3 years to load.

There was a guide on these forums somewhere that told you the best order in which to install stuff and update windows etc.

Anyone point me in the right direction?

Thx

loltim · 31 Jan 2006 at 16:12

I don't think theres a correct order, the graphics card will require directx prior to installation of the drivers but apart from that it doesn't matter?

I'd go with:

- Service packs/Win update
- Directx
- Motherboard drivers, GART, IDE, NIC, sound etc
- Graphics card drivers
- Monitor driver

BigDom · 31 Jan 2006 at 16:14

I usually install the graphics drivers ( the CD for which often has a DX version that they work with ) pretty much first. Working in 640x480 is a pain especially if I need to go onto net.

Otacon · 31 Jan 2006 at 16:15

Covered in the Windows stickies:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17180569

A Fresh Install

Ok, you’ve F-disked your HD, set up your partitions and you’re installing Windows, here’s the most common install order people use (inc me) on the forums:
1. Install Windows
2. Any Service Pack from Windows
3. Motherboard / Chipset drivers
4. Direct X update
5. Graphics Card drivers
6. Other Hardware drivers inc. sound, modem, LAN (etc)
7. Critical Updates from Windows Update

8. Install all your other programs and update them / set them up as you go
8. Full Defrag

If you have Antivirus and/or firewall software it is worth installing them early on, perhaps before you go online to get MS Critical updates. Do a Antivirus update early on too, to make sure u are fully protected.

Perhaps throw in a defrag for good measures after stage 4 just to get things running nicely from the beginning, but it’s debatable whether it will make much difference, certainly doesn’t hurt though!