Clean install, install drivers or win updates first?

Well Hi again,
you should be able to get a W7 Service pack 1 download direct from MS.
(as long as its a retail licence, otherwise i could get you one, after running this tool, copy/paste output)
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=52012

Update your drivers before you run Windows Updates.


Roy

Hi Pete,
Windows is allways playing catch-up driver wise, so thier list is basically allways out of date.

Do you want a W7 with SP1 ALLREADY included if so follow my last set of instructions.
(note it will save you installing a load of updates)


Roy

My preference would be to install drivers first, then apply the updates if you really want to.

Reasons for this are that drivers are of utmost importance to the normal working of the computer, while we can live without the updates (I want to ensure a working system as soon as possible). Also, installing updates requires an internet connection, that in turn requires a driver of your network card (in case Windows don't bundles a generic one that works).

All the drivers can (and should) be installed totally offline from a pendrive or CD, previously downloaded from the official site, from a backup or the original hardware media, so you can have them without even going to internet. That gives a chance to apply some basic security measures before entering internet too.

My obvious exception would be if a driver requires a specific update, then there is no choice, that update must go first

That said, I don't find anything particularly bad in doing the other way around. Installing the updates first isn't a bad option either, and I can't find any strong argument against that.

peteagreatguy said:

I always install SP1, April 2015 and April 2016 offline. Before I connect to the internet I install AVAST FREE using an offline installer and immediately update the virus definitions before running windows updates.

This is definitely a good practice, although an antivirus does little to help against Windows Updates. They're better against malicious websites instead. And antivirus companies love to let the MS delivered malware into systems.

peteagreatguy said:

During installation of the Windows Updates I tend to disable my LAN and disable anti virus. Unsure if this is extreme or bad practice?

I don't think that turning off the LAN has any effect on this. You must have it enabled to download the updates first (unless we're talking about the offline ones, in which case I would say it's a good thing). Disabling antivirus is definitely a bad thing to do, as it still "protects" against other things in the system, and it doesn't interferes in updates anyway.