Need Assistance - ECS K7VTA3 and AMD Sempron 2800+

[Huntingdog]

I purchased the ECS K7VTA3 and AMD 2800 Sempron combo at Fry's. I can't get the mobo to recognize the 166 FSB. I know I have to reset 2 jumpers on the mobo. I've done that, and the PC now freezes at boot up. Therefore, I reset the jumper to recognize a 133 FSB (starts fine here but only recognizes CPU as a 1600 not 2800).

I know I have to update the BIOS. I've downloaded the newer version 6.0 b BIOS (dated 7/30/2004) and the utility to update the BIOS from ECS. I believe this is the latest version as it now shows 6.0 dated 7/7/2004 at boot up.

I have two questions......

a) should I load Win XP before updating the Bios or, should I update the Bios first?

b) I've never updated the BIOS before....so, could someone provide me w/ step by step instructions so that I don't foul it up...

thanks all

[Peter M]

Update the BIOS, check CPU cooling and power supply strength, run a RAM test (www.memtest.org). THEN install OS.