[Lynn1027]

Morning! I'm going to reformat, repartition, and re-install XP in the next few days. Once that is done, I'll want to install AVG, Ad-aware, Verizon Internet, and MSN. I have a Lynksis router. I reformatted a few years ago when I installed XP, however, immediately got a virus when I tried to connect to the internet to get the virus updates. Which is when I acquired the Linksys router. So, whats the best process/order to accomplish this?

Here is what i'm thinking, but I'm not 100% confident that it's the correct order.
Reformat/Repartition/Reinstall
AVG software
firewall/router
AVG updates and Windows updates
then Verizon and MSN?

Thanks in advance,
Lynn

[pedroguy]

Hi Lynn:
I might get AVG updates right after installing AVG.
Then when up and running,go to the Linksys site to make sure that you that you have the latest firmware update.
Will you be using XP firewall or a third party product?If,third party,check for updates also.
If windows F/W,think it might start when you boot.

Good luck.

[Lynn1027]

Firewall software. Not sure. Currently, I don't use any S/W that I know of, just the Linksys Router as the firewall. But, it's very possible that I'm protected by Windows. I was just looking into Comodo, but it gave me an install error. I know when I've run Security checks, It says I'm fully protected.

I have a portable drive that I'm saving my data, AVG, etc to. Do you know if I can save the AVG updates on that drive as well? I didn't think I could, but that would be ideal. That way I can install AVG from that drive and the updates too before I connect to the internet...and not worry about getting a virus while I'm trying to get the virus updates! KWIM? Otherwise, I thought it would be better to get the router/firewall between my computer and the internet if I don't have the updates. What do you think? How's Avalon?? I grew up in Pedro and moved to LB 13 yrs ago.

[pedroguy]

Lynn:I don't think that for the short time that it will take to download AVG and updates,the risk of infection is that great.Virus' generally get on your pc when you open an attachment.So I think that your installed router and probably windows F/W will protect you from any malicious attacks(spyware/malware),while you get up and running,and download any software or updates that you think you will need.

We are moving to Avalon next week.Just sold our home in Pedro and have had the Avalon home since 1992.
Where did you live in Pedro?

[RootbeaR]

Or by being probed from the internet. Watch your router lights.

I'd leave the router hooked up the whole time. Settings won't change on it, it is independent of your PC.

If your OS requires special software to operate it, install the software later.

Firmware updates apply to the hardware and do not require a redo when you redo your OS.

Edit: I have set-up a few PCs' here for friends with a variety of OSs', XP, Vista and a few Linux, all have been hooked up to internet here via my router. None of them needed software.

[Old Rich]

You can get the AVG manual update file here . . save it to flash or cd for use after the reinstall.

[calvin-c]

Also, AVG free or paid? If paid I believe they send a backup CD-at least they did with mine. I'd install AVG first, then connect & update vs. downloading & then installing it. Even outdated protection is better than none, IMO.

So my order would be: AVG, firewall, connect, update.

[Lynn1027]

Rich: thanks for that download site...I downloaded a .bin file (u7iavi1212wh.bin) I've never used AVG before so I just wanted to make sure that is what the update files do indeed look like. I'm tired of McAfee and hope AVG is a great solution.

Thank you all for your responses, I think I'm ready to roll.

One more question...I was looking at XP Clean Install doc...from Paul Thurrotts Super Site for Windows (suggested somewhere on this board). It mentions upgrading your BIOS. I was looking into that..It must be stored in Memory on the Motherboard...otherwise it would be wiped out with my reformat. I was thinking that would be something to do afterward, but this paper suggests doing it beforehand. Now, I know my system can run XP as it has been running it for years, so this is not a show stopper, just curious.

Pedroguy, I grew up in the Holy Trinity/Peck Park neighborhood. Many of my friends vacationed in Avalon during the summer as we were growing up. Congrats on selling your home. Not an easy task right now.

[Old Rich]

Originally Posted by Lynn1027

Rich: thanks for that download site...I downloaded a .bin file (u7iavi1212wh.bin) I've never used AVG before so I just wanted to make sure that is what the update files do indeed look like. Yes . . that is what it looks like. When you first check for updates, select "From a File" and navigate to where you havethe bin file.
I'm tired of McAfee and hope AVG is a great solution.

It is! ! you will like it much better than McAfee
Thank you all for your responses, I think I'm ready to roll.

One more question...I was looking at XP Clean Install doc...from Paul Thurrotts Super Site for Windows (suggested somewhere on this board). It mentions upgrading your BIOS. I was looking into that..It must be stored in Memory on the Motherboard...otherwise it would be wiped out with my reformat.

Yes it is on a chip on the Motherboard . . it will nt be effected by a format.

I was thinking that would be something to do afterward, but this paper suggests doing it beforehand. Now, I know my system can run XP as it has been running it for years, so this is not a show stopper, just curious.

If it has been running ok without the BIOS update, I'd leave it alone . .

[calvin-c]

One problem with updating the BIOS is that all the ones I've seen need to be done from a bootable floppy-and few people have floppy drives any more. I'm sure there are other ways of doing it (bootable CD, bootable USB drive, etc.) but I haven't seen instructions for those. Another problem is that if there's a problem halfway thru your PC is pretty much dead. So I'll float my boat with Rich's-if you don't have a specific problem you think updating the BIOS will solve then don't do it.

[pedroguy]

Lynnitto what Rich and Calvin have said re AVG and the Bios update."if it ain't broke,don't fix it"

You are ready to roll..

Good luck

[Lynn1027]

OK, guys...I won't touch the BIOS. Rich: thanks for the info on the .bin file and the chip. That's what I was thinking.

Here goes!

[Old Rich]

Have fun . .

[IMP49]

Hope you have all your drivers, it makes life a lot easier on a reinstall

[Lynn1027]

Hey, just wanted to let you know that I'm back online. Funny about the last drivers post. My DSL and sound was not working. I spent 1 hour with Verizon where they decided there was a line problem. Then there was New Years Eve...so this morning, I looked for my Sound Driver..and it says "Ethernet and Sound drivers" on the disk cover in my own writing. I must have forgotten them last time I did a re-install too. Everything else went without a hitch and my system is running very nicely. The AVG install was so nice, I could not be happier! Thanks for all the support, guidance, and suggestions.

Do you remember someone with funny looking colored barcodes on the monitor this past summer? that was me. As the weather cooled, the funny barcodes diminished. Hopefully to never re-appear.