What is the preferred sequence of installation for best performance?

[DSJ]

Hello folks,

I have XP1600+ on EP-8KHA+, Quantum 7200RPM, 30GB, SB Live, Matrox G450 eTV, Creative Modem, DVD-ROM and CD-RW. I wish to do a fresh install every 2 months or so. I have observed the performance of the system, (especially video capture as it is easily noticable) seem to vary if the order of installation is altered. There is no problem with system stability.

The sequence I follow, is more or less the following:

1. Format C:, Install WinMe, WinMe updates if any, turn on DMA, turn off sounds, turn off auto-update, turn off system restore, set fixed swap file, etc.
2. VIA 4-in-1 drivers 4.35
3. DirectX 8.1
4. Drivers for Logitech optical mouse and keyboard
5. Video drivers for Matrox G450
6. Drivers and software for SB Live (With VIA 4.35, I guess I do not need to re-install 4-in-1)
7. Video capture software for Matrox G450 eTV
Drivers for Creative Modem
8. Then others like dial-up software, Ulead, Y!Messenger, printers, scanners, web-cam, etc.

I also set the data path for the applications to different drives, so that my C: kind of remains the same size. Can you folks suggest me the best or recommended sequence of installation? Thanks a lot.

DSJ

[ND]

Your sequence seems good enough, the only thing I'd change is to install DirectX after you've already installed all other drivers, including video and audio.
Be sure to install VIA 4in1 pack before you installing your G450.

Best Regards ...

[Beemer]

I'm sure I will get some flack for this one and no I don't work for Microsoft.

IMO, Proper Installation Techniques:

1. If you bought an OEM machine, quick restore it or format and reinstall the O/S.
2. Scandisk and Defrag.
3. Get yourself on the Internet.
4. Remove any preinstalled software from OEM or Windows Components not to be used.
5. Scandisk and Defrag. "Thorough" Scandisk and with the Advanced setup as described on maintain.beemerworld.com
6. Upgrade your basic hardware drivers from saved downloads or manufactures web sites. (Mobo, Video, Chipsets)
7. Configure to your ways of usage, all that is Windows and any programs installed.
8. Go to Windows Product Update and get all Critical Updates and reboot.
9. Go to Windows Product Update and get the System Updates and reboot. (Service Packs)
10. Watch for Critical Updates during the rest of the Windows Product Updates and install them as they show up.
11. Go to Windows Product Updates and get the I.E. of your choice.
12. There should be some Critical Updates at this point.
13. Go to Windows Product Updates and get any enhancements to I.E. with the exception of the Windows Media Player and Direct X.
14. Now that you have Windows upgraded, Scandisk and Defrag.
15. Go back and get your Direct X.
16. Get your WMP.
17. Quick Defrag.
18. Start installing your personal programs starting with any software needed to operate any hardware components installed.
    e.g.: sound card, burner, special drivers.
19. This should be a perfect installation of your O/S and hardware.
20. If you didn't encounter any problems during this long process, use a drive-imaging program to preserve all your hard work to this point of the game. You will need a separate partition to perform this type of a backup. I recommend Norton's Ghost.
21. It's time to install your software. Research your intended software for Windows compliance. If any programs are found to be non-compliant, find something that works.
22. Start installing your personal software. Install a large program group such as Microsoft Office, and Defrag. Configure Office and complete any updates such as sr1 and 2. Defrag.
23. Install a large program and defrag or a few smaller programs and Defrag. Configure program Options as you go of each installed program.
24. You can make more drive images as you go. If you feel confident about the shape of your installation, replace the old drive image each time. I like to leave the first drive image alone and create a replacable one.
25. When installation is finished, Scandisked and Defragged, Test your computer thoroughly for about a week (or less) before you make your final drive image(s).

Now you should have the system you would like to keep.
Remember, time stands still for no man.

Cheers!

[DSJ]

Wow! Beemer, that was a pretty elaborate detailing. Thanks .

This is my 1st self-built computer, and I have my own liscenced copy of WinMe full installation CD-ROM. It is running steady for the last 1.5 years. As suggessted, I also have Norton Ghost to always retain the very basic image and also 1 or 2 intermediate images. I re-load the OS once every 3 or 4 weeks to keep it in good shape.

The issue was that I was never satisfied with the order of the installations and so I keep trying out slightly different sequences.

If I understand you, the idea is to reboot, defrag and scandisk after every bit that is installed. Correct??

Thanks.

[DSJ]

This link, Enabling DMA in WinME explains the steps. Why is it not as easy and straight forward as checking DMA in properties for the drives???

[Beemer]

Because Bill designed it to fail. He needed to implement a few new features into an O/S which he did in Win me so that he could design the ultimate O/S with all the best features from other O/S's. Including Win98/ME/Y2K = XP. All those that ran ME were basically gini-pigs as far as I can tell and after he got all the bug reports back, he fixed, sliced and diced, created XP. I don't see why XP costs so much as it is mostly old program design technology.
IMO

Cheers!