New Install Order?

[Dan]

I've searched for this basic info, but surprisingly haven't come
up with anything. Given all the software components involved
with a new installation or fresh reinstallation of Windows, is
there a "best" order? This is how I've been doing it:

Windows OS (with 3rd-party disk driver(s) if needed)
Latest service pack
Latest chipset drivers (if needed)
Latest I/O card + onboard device drivers
DirectX
IE6
Windows Update (MS security and other updates)
MS-Office and other major applications
App service packs/patches/etc.

 

[BC]

I've searched for this basic info, but surprisingly haven't come
up with anything. Given all the software components involved
with a new installation or fresh reinstallation of Windows, is
there a "best" order? This is how I've been doing it:

Windows OS (with 3rd-party disk driver(s) if needed)
Latest service pack
Latest chipset drivers (if needed)
Latest I/O card + onboard device drivers
DirectX
IE6
Windows Update (MS security and other updates)
MS-Office and other major applications
App service packs/patches/etc.

Dear Dan,

I found the following suggested install sequence somehwere on the web,
and can't find it again, otherwise I would reference and credit the site.

Since it does mention installing USB drivers, I think it refenced
earlier versions of Windows that did not have these included.

The order is based on “Layering”, with the software installation order
based on its importance and permanence:


1) Windows with services packs

2) Chipset driver

3) Direct X (Microsoft.com)

4) Video driver

5) Sound card or onboard sound driver

6) USB driver (if needed—included in SP2)

7) Network card drivers (if not included in chipset driver above)

a) Wireless network card driver

8) Keyboard, mouse drivers/software, if needed

9) Windows security patches and updates

10) Microsoft Office and patches

11) After this, begin with most important applications, ones least
likely to be removed, continuing on to least likely.

12) End with Antivirus/antispyware applications and their updates.

This has always worked really well for me.

HTH,

BC

 

[Jbob]

I've searched for this basic info, but surprisingly haven't come
up with anything. Given all the software components involved
with a new installation or fresh reinstallation of Windows, is
there a "best" order? This is how I've been doing it:

Windows OS (with 3rd-party disk driver(s) if needed)
Latest service pack
Latest chipset drivers (if needed)
Latest I/O card + onboard device drivers
DirectX
IE6
Windows Update (MS security and other updates)
MS-Office and other major applications
App service packs/patches/etc.

My .02 cents worth is to install the chipset drivers as soon as possible. I
tend to like all my devices working before I add any Hot fixes per say.
When all my hardware is recognized I then apply any service packs or hot
fixes required. I think the order after that is subject to debate. The
chipset drivers are important in getting things like video, networking
and/or sound hardware working properly with updated drivers.

The one thing I do different now, at least for XP Pro, is to use a
slipstreamed install CD. When I install XP I install with Service Pack 2
already imbedded. Further I also use a nifty utility found here:
http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/ This guy and his friends have a neat little
utility that will also embed all the post SP2 hotfixes into the install
process. Thus you can install not only SP2 but also all the hotfixes to
date. There are also some other software, tweaks and fixes that you can
further include into the install process.
The other option is to use the updater from here:
http://www.autopatcher.com/ This utility basically allows you to add all
the Post SP2 hotfixes after an installation of XP and SP2. It also includes
a bunch of extras that get a bunch of stuff loaded at one time like java,
etc and also lets you make any tweaks to your XP installation.

 

[Dan]

Thanks for the responses. Very helpful.

Dan

 

[Eddie]

Hi,
I would definitely install anti-virus software BEFORE connecting to the
Internet.

Eddie

 

[Bacon_Sarnie]

Hi,
I would definitely install anti-virus software BEFORE connecting to the
Internet.

Eddie

<snip>

I agree with eddie NEVER go online without a firewall running be it the
rubbish inbuilt one or a seperate one (router hardware etc) and anti viral
software installed.
I work as a pc technician and have seen many times when colleagues connect
up to our network and go online and get infected machines instantly in some
cases.

 

[T Shadow]

<snip>

I agree with eddie NEVER go online without a firewall running be it the
rubbish inbuilt one or a seperate one (router hardware etc) and anti viral
software installed.
I work as a pc technician and have seen many times when colleagues connect
up to our network and go online and get infected machines instantly in some
cases.

Correct about the firewall but anti-virus is somewhat optional at least on
my small home network.
I have a computer I only use for video. It's been connected to the Internet
through a Linksys router for years w/o anti-virus. XP O/S. I only go online
with it for updates. I don't use email/newsgroups on it and keep IE settings
high and put the sites I want to work with in my trusted site list. Very few
programs run on the system and I'd know if their was a problem. Couldn't
spare the CPU cycles and was willing to start over if a problem developed.
Works for me but YMMV.

 

[Eddie]

If you install Windows XP and go on-line to do the SP1 update, you are
almost certain to get a well known virus (sorry can't remember its name).
This was one of the main reasons for the SP1 update. What you say may well
be true once SP2 is installed BUT.......

Eddie

 

[T Shadow]

If you install Windows XP and go on-line to do the SP1 update, you are
almost certain to get a well known virus (sorry can't remember its name).
This was one of the main reasons for the SP1 update. What you say may well
be true once SP2 is installed BUT.......

Eddie

Started XP with SP1. IIRC SP2 was the first to have a firewall. The firewall
and browser settings are the security differences. I've already agreed a
firewall was needed. It doesn't ad an anti-virus.
Did you notice I went through a router? I'm not connecting directly to the
Internet. That would be catastrophic. AFAIK the router runs Linux. Some say
NAT is no good, others think it's fine. Decided to find out
for myself. I have the SP2 firewall turned off now. No firewall on my W2K
machine that is normally used for the Internet. SFSG

 

[Rod Speed]

Started XP with SP1. IIRC SP2 was the first to have a firewall.
Nope.

The firewall and browser settings are the security differences.
Nope.

I've already agreed a firewall was needed. It doesn't ad an anti-virus.
Did you notice I went through a router? I'm not connecting directly
to the Internet. That would be catastrophic. AFAIK the router runs
Linux. Some say NAT is no good, others think it's fine. Decided to
find out for myself. I have the SP2 firewall turned off now. No firewall
on my W2K machine that is normally used for the Internet. SFSG

 

[EDM]

If you install Windows XP and go on-line to do the SP1 update, you are
almost certain to get a well known virus (sorry can't remember its name).

I think you're referring to the DCOM/Port 135/MS-Blaster
problem. I do apply that one MS patch (KB824146 for
Win2K) immediately after installing the OS and before going
online for the first time.