Question about computer build...

[bluedeviltron]

I just started building my computer, but I had to take the floppy drive out of my other desktop computer to add into the new computer. I just realized though, am I going to have to have some sort of floppy disk with BIOS updates or anything BEFORE I boot up the computer for the first time? Do I even need to have a floppy drive for the first startup?

 

[bluedeviltron]

Here are my specs:

A8n-e Asus mobo
Athlon 64 3200+
WD SATA hard drive

 

[airfoil]

You shouldn't need a floppy at all if you can burn CDs with the bootable images instead. I guess the primary need for a floppy arises when you get around to the 'troubleshooting' phase of your ownership experience, among other things.

I'd suggest you get a USB flash drive and use it as a bootable floppy. Takes some work, but works like a charm, at least for those applications that dont look for a floppy drive by default when creating the bootable disk itself.

 

[bluedeviltron]

OK, let me get this straight. When I put everything together and turn it on for the first time, what am I going to have to do? The motherboard only came with one CD. And I have a Windows XP Home Edition CD. So how am I going to do this? When it starts up for the first time, what is it going to ask me to do? Should I have the mobo CD already in the drive, or is the mobo CD for after Windows installs?

 

[theMan]

you dont have to do anything with the mobo cd until after in windows. does that cd already have sp2 on it? the older ones dont come with sata drivers. you will need to take the sata drivers off the mobo cd, and put them on a floppy. when you start windows installation, press F6. when it tells you, insert the floppy, and follow the instructions. also, if you have a venice core, you may need to update the bios with a floppy.

 

[bluedeviltron]

Could I update the bios after I get windows installed, or do I have to do that at the same time I install the SATA drivers? Could I put the SATA drivers and BIOS update on the same floppy?

EDIT- oh, and yes, I do have an old XP disc without SP2 on it.

 

[bluedeviltron]

I just browsed the mobo disc and I didn't find any SATA drivers. The only thing I see is SATA raid drivers. I'm not using RAID because I'm only using one SATA drive, so do I still need to install any RAID drivers?

 

[Cobalt]

You shouldn't have to flash the A8N-E for Venice. You have a SATA drive so you'll need the floppy to put the drivers on.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Originally posted by: bluedeviltron
I just browsed the mobo disc and I didn't find any SATA drivers. The only thing I see is SATA raid drivers. I'm not using RAID because I'm only using one SATA drive, so do I still need to install any RAID drivers?

Yes, the SATA RAID drivers are the correct ones. You actually don't need the drivers if you're using the onboard SATA connectors. It all depends on which slot you plugged your hard drive into.

 

[bluedeviltron]

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb

Originally posted by: bluedeviltron
I just browsed the mobo disc and I didn't find any SATA drivers. The only thing I see is SATA raid drivers. I'm not using RAID because I'm only using one SATA drive, so do I still need to install any RAID drivers?

Yes, the SATA RAID drivers are the correct ones. You actually don't need the drivers if you're using the onboard SATA connectors. It all depends on which slot you plugged your hard drive into.

OK, I'm going to be plugging the one 250 GB SATA drive into the SATA1 slot on the board. I'm not configuring RAID or anything. So do I need to install any drivers?

 

[imported_g33k]

Originally posted by: airfoil
You shouldn't need a floppy at all if you can burn CDs with the bootable images instead. I guess the primary need for a floppy arises when you get around to the 'troubleshooting' phase of your ownership experience, among other things.

I'd suggest you get a USB flash drive and use it as a bootable floppy. Takes some work, but works like a charm, at least for those applications that dont look for a floppy drive by default when creating the bootable disk itself.

How hard is it to make a bootable flash drive? Is there a guide or something you can link me too? Thanks.

 

[warpigeon]

Originally posted by: bluedeviltron

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb

Originally posted by: bluedeviltron
I just browsed the mobo disc and I didn't find any SATA drivers. The only thing I see is SATA raid drivers. I'm not using RAID because I'm only using one SATA drive, so do I still need to install any RAID drivers?

Yes, the SATA RAID drivers are the correct ones. You actually don't need the drivers if you're using the onboard SATA connectors. It all depends on which slot you plugged your hard drive into.

OK, I'm going to be plugging the one 250 GB SATA drive into the SATA1 slot on the board. I'm not configuring RAID or anything. So do I need to install any drivers?

if you're not going to raid multiple hard drives you don't need a floppy

 

[Promethply]

There's a chance that one day you flash a newer BIOS, but then realize that this BIOS isn't to your liking/problematic, etc.

Then if you want to reflash to an older BIOS, you'll need your floppy disk and drive.

 

[n7]

It's annoying, but i still think floppies are good to have for those of us who build our own systems.

For the rest of the world, there's no need.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Just get a floppy, it's only like $8. There are still times when floppies to come in handy.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb
Just get a floppy, it's only like $8. There are still times when floppies to come in handy.

I agree. Just rip one off an old system.

 

[Praetorian7]

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb
Just get a floppy, it's only like $8. There are still times when floppies to come in handy.

:thumbsup: