New computer coming - need set up procedures Please

[Glen]

Looking for a general procedure here. Getting a new
computer w/out XP installed. When I get my own XP, what
are the correct steps in setting this computer up.
For instance, do I format the hard disk first, install
drivers first, install Win XP first?
I am trying to head off problems. Any links or just type
the steps for me would be appreciated.
The computer is custom built.

I have installed Windows in the past, Windows upgrades in
the past, drivers in the past, but never started from
scratch. My current computer came with a partioned hard
drive but one partion was not formated. Xp took care of
that for me, as I let them install this version of XP
Home. We want to try XP Pro now. Your help would be
appreciated.

 

[Glen]

THANK YOU FOR THE REPLY! I felt that Windows was first,
but glad you said foramt hard drive firt. One last thing,
What steps during the boot up process do I do that? Need
to know steps from turning the computer on and then what -
please.
Glen

 

[Rich Barry]

Glen,
You can use the WinXP CD to partition and format your hard drive.
WinXP has many built-in drivers, but it would be
a good idea to gather the drivers you will need and put them on a CD.
In my experience it's also a good idea if you have
a Raid Controller on your Motherboard to avoid installing WinXP using
one of the Raid Channels. Use the Primary
IDE Channel then when everything is installed Ok, you could switch
over after loading the Raid drivers.

 

[Guest]

When you boot up your computer, hit start hitting
delete. You need to change your first boot to cd-rom.
Then exit the bios, the computer will restart. When it
comes up saying "press any key to boot from cd" just hit
any key and you'll be on your way.

 

[Norm]

It may or may not be the delete key that gets this individual into his bios,
they are not all alike. Here are some common ones:
http://www.5starsupport.com/info/techinfo2.htm#entering-bios

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered
the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of
the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm


Bruce Chambers

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[Edward]

I would add just one thing... Do not have any peripherals connected when you
install XP from scratch. Add everything after installation.

Good luck,

Ed