We have set our DVD drive to be the first bootable drive in the BIOS. Now we can continue and install Windows on our blank hard drive.
- Start the computer with your Windows operating system install disc in the DVD drive. You may have to power the computer on once to have power to open the DVD drive.
- The computer should now boot into Windows Setup, and start your installation. As we mentioned before, you will have the option to partition and format your drive for your Windows installation as the setup program takes care of all this for you. Follow the on screen prompts, and your documentation that came with your version of Windows to complete the installation.
Once the Windows installation is complete, you can go to the next section below.
Update the Drivers
One of the first steps will be to get your internet connection up and running. You will have to select an ISP (Internet Service Provider) if you have not already, to setup a subscription to get internet service to your house. We recommend going with broadband (Cable or DSL) it is available for your area. Expect to pay $30-$50 monthly for this type of service. Dial up service is available through most regular phone carriers, but the service is slow and not as reliable. To fully take advantage of what the internet has to offer, go with broadband!
We recommend that you run Windows update, which will apply any security patches and updates to Windows that are necessary. We also recommend that you update the drivers for all of your hardware components (motherboard, video card, etc) to make sure you are running the latest and most stable drivers.
NOTE: If you have decided to go with Windows Vista, hopefully you followed our recommendations to buy hardware that is ‘Vista Certified’. As with all new operating systems, driver and software support may not be universally supported.
Congratulations! You have successfully built yourself a new PC computer!
You can now go ahead and put the side back on the case, and attach the screws to the back to hold it in place. The case is designed to direct air flow a certain way and you want to keep the case closed in most situations.
Installing software and learning about your new computer are probably going to be the next steps in your journey.
Buy a few books on how to run Windows, and there is a wealth of information on the Web as well for learning.
Hopefully everything went smoothly as you built your new computer, but if not we offer some troubleshooting tips and solutions in the final section.
Final Step: Trouble shooting Your New PC