Installing XP Pro ? [Archive]

Cayman

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

Cayman

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

I finally ordered my new system with XP Pro and a 9700 Pro vid card...can't wait. My question is, what is the best way to install the OS? Should I just put in the HD, RAM and Vid card and then install, or should I put in my sound card and other items as well? What is the best way to do a fresh install on a new system. Man I can't wait for this system to arrive... SUS P4PE Deluxe Intel 845PE DDR333 S-ATA AGP 4x w/Audio,LAN,RAID Antec PLUS1080AMG SOHO ATX Case w/P4 430Watt PSU Intel P4 2.4BGHz 533FSB S478 512k Retail Box KingMax 512MB PC-2700 DDR333 SDRAM Microsoft Internet Keyboard PS/2 Retail Box Logitech MX-300 Optical Wheel Mouse Retail Box Western Digital 80GB SE ATA-100 7200RPM 8MB Cache OEM ATI Radeon 9700 Pro 128MB DDR AGP 8x Retail Box Lite-On 52x24x52x CD-RW w/Burnproof Retail Box MS Windows XP Pro Full OEM Panasonic 1.44MB FDD OEM 24" Round Floppy Cable (Silver) 24" Rounded IDE ATA-133 Cable 2 Device (Glow-In-The-Dark) 24" Rounded IDE ATA-133 Cable 2 Device (Glow-In-The-Dark) 2x Sunon 80MM Case Fan (3-Pin) Cayman

Hansaman

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

Cayman, If you were installing WinME or 98, I would say install the OS with only the video card installed in a slot. (RAM, CPU, HD would already be installed). I think that you can install all of your other internal components prior to installing WinXP Pro without too much of a problem. I have the same hard drive that you do (actually two in RAID 0). WinXP will format the drive during the install process and then install itself (you will only need to monitor it and enter the Key Code when asked for it). What sound card are you installing? You mention a sound card in your question but no sound card (other than what is on your mobo) is listed among your components. If it is a Sound Blaster Audigy, you may have to install the drivers (and application software) twice, possibly three times. I have an Audigy 2 Platinum and had to install it twice before it was set-up correctly. WinXP will detect the card and then install its own drivers for it (which are not Creative Labs). I do not think you will have too many problems hardware install wise with WinXP. Good luck!

Cayman

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

I'm taking a old Sounblaster Live X-gamer and a DVD-ROM from my old computer. All else is new. I also have a set of FPS2000 Speakers. Cayman

Hansaman

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

Cayman, You should not have any problem using your existing DVD-ROM drive, XP will have a drive for it so you will be able to use it (if you wanted) to install the OS from. XP probably has a driver native to it for your sound card too, but have your driver CD ready. I have only be using XP for about a week (and had a few problems (because I originally started with an upgrade from Win98SE). I then found I could do a complete full install on a zeroed-out hard drive from the XP Pro upgrade disk. I am fairly certain that I have my problems cleared. My machine is running very well now. I was skeptical about XP previously because I like tinker around with my system's hardware, and XP limits how many changes you can make before you have to call MS to reactivate (which I have had to do). However, I think the OS is awesome. You will enjoy it!

Colin

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

Cayman nice system!!! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> Nice to see another Intel user around here... I would have all the hardware installed before you load the OS... It's not very difficult, just put the WinXP CD into the drive and boot from your CD-ROM. Just follow the instructions after... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Hey Cayman post some pictures of your system after you're done! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

Cayman

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

Colin, By the way I ordered the stuff from that place you mentioned, CanadaComputers. Jimmy there seemed to know what he was talking about. Now to see when it arrives... Cayman

Colin

06-15-04, 02:25 PM

Oh ya... Well i'm glad you're pleased with how things went. I met Jimmy a few times, but he doesn't work at the store I usually visit... He is pretty knowledgable but he's more of an AMD guy. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">