Via 4in1 question...

[Verruckt]

I read in another thread that Win2k / Win98SE users do NOT need to install the Via4in1 drivers (JUST the Via AGP drivers) for their Via133a based motherboards.

I am running Win98 NON-SE. Can I get away with not installing the Via4in1 drivers (ie, just the Via gart drivers)?

In fact, is anything in the first paragraph true?

...thanks

 

[UsandThem]

Here is what I did:

Windows 2000- I did not install the 4 in 1 drivers as I never gamed under it and it was fast enough and stable for doing work.

Windows 98SE I installed the 4 in drivers. I don't know if 98SE needed them all, but my system is very fast and stable, so I know it didn't hurt it too much

 

[Technonut]

This is quoted from the installation guide that was compiled from people working together world wide for setting up the Epox 7KXA. It works well, and is very stable for all Via chipset boards;
Of course substitute the current Via drivers for the ones below. I have a dual boot 98SE & 2000 system, and have only used the AGP driver on both OS's. I also have used this setup method on many Via chipset boards, and in all cases it has been the most stable setup that I have had.

The complete guide is here:
http://www.amdzone.com/articleview.cfm?ArticleID=160

"For Driver install in a W98(SE) system, it's important that DirectX be
installed immediately after a fresh install of W98(SE), reboot your computer
and keept it handy cause you're gonna install DirectX again! There was
quite a discussion about DirectX installation order among Contributors so a
do it first then do it later approach covers all bases.


The very first driver out of the gate to install is:

1). Drivers for your Graphics Adapter, then reboot;

2). For W98 Original Edition install the VIA 4-in-1 Drivers, then reboot, or
for W98SE goto Step 3.

3). The VIA AGP Driver ver. 4.00 for W98SE, then reboot;

4). VIA PCI Bridge Patch ver. 1.6 (if using W98, as W98SE doesn't require
this patch), then reboot;

5). Then for users of W98SE, now is the time to install the VIA IDE Bus
Master controllers if you are not going to stay with the default W98SE VIA
IDE Bus Master drivers, then reboot;

6). DirectX 7 or 7.0a, then reboot;"

 

[BadThad]

If your not gonna play games nor push your system and it's stable, then you don't have to install the 4in1 drivers. However, I'd be surprized if Win98 handles your IRQ's correctly without the IRQ remapping driver....but, like I said, if the sys is stable, your OK.

My system has ALL 4 installed (4.17) and it's a ROCK. 600E@800, Asus P3V4X, GeForce. While technonut tauts some ammo with his "world wide research", I disagree with the order he has listed. According to what I've read from Via and Soyo, the 4in1 drivers should be installed FIRST THING after a clean install of Win98. Before installing ANY hardware. This is to make sure resources are handled properly before Windows configures the hardware. I've built about 20 PC's with Via chipsets and this is what I do. I might add all my systems are stable.