Desktop

I install updates prior to installing any software relying on XP firewall during that time. So basically reverse items 3 and 4 in your list.

Updates can affect how how some software installs and it's better, in my opinion, to install updates first.

Dalton

I agree that it's best to install the windows updates before loading standard software but I NEVER hook a system up to the internet before loading AV software. One typing error entering a URL and you could be removing a virus or reloading from scratch.

quite often if not updates are available this can be due to your XP serial alread being used.

Have you registered this serial with MS before?

If not, as suggested, as soon as XP is up, go to the xp update site and grab everything you can!!

Yes, just reverse #3 &#4 and then load the applications. I've experienced problems where
the apps loading order will even cause trouble.

Well if it is a stand alone unit I would be installing some form of AV and having that fully patched/virus definitions downloaded or whatever the program requires before going to Windows Update Site but other wise that's the way to go.

If you are running the computer through a Gateway that prevents and malicious code being caught You can generally get away without the AV product.

Col

I like to make slipstream disks that have the appropriate Service Pack and Hot Fixes integrated. This can be done manually, but I usually use a software tool.

Then I load antivirus software and, after installing a NIC driver if necessary, update that. Are you paranoid if they really ARE out to get you?

Next, any Windows Updates that are not one the install disk.

Device drivers, if they are not also integrated. Device driver integration can be kind of a pain, however, if you are installing to a diverse hardware base.

Any other third party software last.

I would load it up, the OS and ALL updates and drivers. Then do a GHOST or other type of drive image to DVD. So you never really have to go through the whole reload process for that PC. If you had to reload it in a few months, load the image, do all updates, and make a new image.
Then what I do is install my AV and then image the drive again. Then software. I make images when installing big and bulky programs like Office. So forth and so forth. I can always go back to any image I need to as I try to make a new image once every few weeks whether I installed anything or not. So if I have to use the most recent image, it is all good and up to date (for that PC).