Clean Install Questions

[JD]

Forgive my naivete, but I have a couple of questions regarding clean
installs.
I recall reading years ago that it was necessary to have the CD drivers on a
floppy in order to install Windows on a reformatted hard drive. I assumed
that the computer was hard wired to read the floppy even if no OS was
installed. Now, I have no floppy drive, but I've read here that the computer
will boot from the CD.
My questions have to do with reformatting (wiping clean) a hard drive. Does
that not also erase the BIOS? How can a computer with a blank hard drive
"read" a CD--or a floppy, for that matter? Are the drivers supplied by the
processor?
Where, exactly, is the BIOS? Doesn't a fresh install put a new BIOS into the
system, presumably from the installation CD?

 

[John Barnett - MVP]

The BIOS doesn't exist on the hard drive. It is a small chip on the
motherboard.
All the necessary drivers etc are on the xp CD. All you need do is insert
your xp cd into your cd rom and reboot your machine. The only thing you need
to worry about here, though, is that your cd is the first boot device. If
you have a relatively modern machine then this should be no problem.
Assuming your cd is the first boot device then when you insert the xp cd
into your cd rom and restart your machine the windows setup will begin and
you can format and install xp on your hard drive without any problem.
Rather than going into a lengthy reply. You may find the details on my web
site to be useful. www.freelanceit.glowinternet.com Simply click the Winxp
faq button and check the How do I questions. You should find answers to
entering your bios to set your cd as first boot device and also reformatting
your hard drive.

 

[JD]

Thanks John. I will read the info on your web site. A clarification for me
remains, however. The BIOS is a physical chip on the motherboard, I
understand. Yet I'm puzzled by a notice on the Gateway Website that I should
download and install a BIOS "update." It is possible to change the settings
in the BIOS with a software update?

 

[Mat Austin Tarbox]

Yes, it is called 'flashing' the bios.

The bios is on a chip, but this chip CAN be reprogrammed. It should only be
done however if you have a good reason to update the BIOS, for instance if
your motherboard is older and does not recognize the latest Intel or AMD CPU
speed, you may flash it and it will now be able to handle you replacing your
cpu.

Go to your motherboard or manufacturers website to find out if you need a
new bios. You can find out what version of BIOS you have by noting it
quickly as your pc boots up (it is usually flashed quickly in the upper left
right as the pc powers up....) - the website may explain other reasons why
you may wish to flash your BIOS to a newer version.

Some manufacturers now have utilities which allow you to flash your BIOS
from Windows. In the past, it had to be done via floppy drive boot. Do NOT
interrupt your pc during the flash, or your pc may be seriously screwed, as
the bios will be halfbaked and your pc will never even be able to boot into
BIOS! and thus your pc will not even 'post' (i.e recognize your drives or
cpu or devices....)

Search online for more info about flashing BIOS.

-mat tarbox

 

[JD]

With regard to your first point, I have no problems with my current setup.
However, there is a "bios update" suggested on the Gateway Website.
So I assume that it is the hardware manufacturer that installs the bios.
BTW, nothing flashes on the screen as the pc powers up. The first and only
thing I see is the Windows XP welcome.
My remaining question is, if one did a clean install of Windows XP (from,
let's say, a retail [non-OEM] version), would Windows install a new bios
along with the operating system?

 

[JD]

This is really eye-opening. The CD can contain the drivers necessary to--run
the CD!

 

[Sharon F]

My remaining question is, if one did a clean install of Windows XP (from,
let's say, a retail [non-OEM] version), would Windows install a new bios
along with the operating system?

No. It would not.