The Mother Board

[c327]

Last time I did this was 5 years ago and seeing as times changed a lot since then I need to ask these 3 questions.

On a new build, upon first starting the PC up, in what order should I install the following software and or drivers:

* BIOS Update (will do this only if it's necessary and it corrects an issue)
* MOBO software and drivers
* O.S. (XP Pro SP3)

Thanks........

[Karlsweldt]

You have it almost right! First is to set the BIOS pages for how the system is assembled, ensuring that there is no duplication of any feature (on-board to device card) then install the OS. Once the OS has settled in, then feed it the driver disk. After that, all features should be working properly. Now install your anti-virus and Firewall programming, then go on-line to update the OS with the latest security patches, service packs and updated drivers. Audio drivers seldom need updates, but video drivers may need renewal. Same too for LAN or USB features. BIOS updates only if required!
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F@H.. to solve mankind's maladies.. in our lifetimes!

[MBfans]

but how to update the BIOS without installing the OS?

[Karlsweldt]

You do not need an OS to update the BIOS. Whenever doing an update to the BIOS, you must be in a very basic mode.. known as command-prompt.
Any extra processes or open files can cause corruption to the BIOS program.
The only sure way is via a floppy disk, formatted in 12-bit FAT, the default mode. Then run the BIOS update program from another working computer to write the BIOS update program to that disk. It is important to not have any other bootable media in the setup when doing the BIOS update!
The computer will boot to the floppy disk, and if the program was written properly, the operation will be semi-automatic. You may have to enter certain file info during the process. It is desired to save the old BIOS program.. just in case you have to 'unflash'. Use the same name as the new program, but instead of the tagname bin use a tagname old (I.E., new program may be named Acker23BIOS.bin.. rename the old program being saved as Acker23BIOS.old).
Once the BIOS program has finished updating, then wait at least two minutes for completion. The system may auto-reboot, or you may have to do so manually. The next step is to clear the CMOS settings. Do this by pulling the power cord from the PSU and attempting a few starts to drain reserves. Then remove the battery, and set the CLRCMOS jumper to the 'clear' position for about 10 seconds. Place the jumper back to the 'normal' position, put the battery back in and power up. Go immediately into all BIOS pages and set according to how the system is configured.
A suitable boot process would be the older DOS 6.22 or similar, even the boot process from Win 98 works well. If you have no similar boot processes, then check www.bootdisk.com/ for your needs.
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F@H.. to solve mankind's maladies.. in our lifetimes!

[Mr T]

You don't need to update the BIOS unless it is absolutely necessary (ie won't see all your RAM etc...)

However, Karl, you can do it quite safely within windows now, I have not hosed a board that way yet and it is quicker... The other way to do it is from a USB stick within the BIOS itself... Most new BIOS's have an option to update from this, again it is simple, easy and quick - floppys are not needed on new boards anymore....
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The trees are bare and everywhere
The streets are full of strangers

~Les Miserables~

[Karlsweldt]

True, Mr T.. most modern mobo types can be flashed as you note. But I would not try it with older (than 4 years) mobo types, as they were not intended to be flashed in that manner.. and may wind up in the DOA waiting room. Guess I am just old-fashioned.
_________________
F@H.. to solve mankind's maladies.. in our lifetimes!