Windows 7: After installing Windows what should I do? update or install antivirus

Normally, after reformating and installing Windows 7, I used to go online and install all the updates, install all the driver updates and then install the anti virus. Because long ago, when I installed the anti virus first, applying windows updates crashed the av! So, I install it last. Specially 7 sp1 is critical right?

But now im having doubts... Going online without an antivirus means im vulnerable! (I have a home router which have a small firewall but im not sure about it) So, whats the best thing to do? Install the anti virus first or install the updates first?

I usually say updates first, but I don't think you would have an issue using Microsoft Security Essentials. With any other AV, I would do updates first. As long as you are doing them through the Windows Updates program and not doing anything else using the internet, your chances of infection are minimal.

Hi,Welcome. Well you are not "vulnerable" if you let windows update it self, via the automatic update. And you can let windows update completely with all service packs, and then install the rest. But my order is allways: After format and clean install, motherboard driver(sound,lan ect) then latest gpu driver(nVidia or ATI) and then Anti-virus. Then every other program I need or use. And then when Firefox and all is on, then I will update windows. Windows is smart enough to figure updates out that aren't need anymore,or still needed. So after all is done, I leave the PC alone an just let windows do all the updates while I enjoy Milk and cookies.

This is not XP. Windows 7 is driver-complete in the installer, with newer drivers quickly delivered via optional Windows Updates when you enable Automatically get recommended drivers and updates for your hardware.

Install Microsoft Security Essentials before doing your Updates.

Once all updates are done look in Device Manager for any missing drivers which can be found on the Support Downloads webpage for your computer or device model. Do not change out drivers given by Windows 7 unless there are performance problems.

I always install the AV first. In fact I keep the AV installer on an external disk so that I do not have to connect to the internet before the AV is not running. Note that I use Norton because MSE did not protect my system.

If you are paranoid on security then install the A-V and other security applications first. Otherwise there is no danger at all in updating first.

I have going that way for years, first with trepidation but now with full confidence that no ill shall normally befall.