Starting a DAW from scratch

rodos1979 · Post by **rodos1979** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 8:12 pm

Hello to all!

I am experiencing some problems with my DAW lately, so I took the big decision to format my HD and start from scratch! (However, I did buy Drive Magic a few days ago, and I am going to keep a backup of my HD...just in case!...)

Well, as I have not done that for many months, I dont remember very well the exact order you have to do the things. I did a search on PlanetZ and I could not find anything on that. So, I would like you to help me compile a list of the things one has to do when starting a DAW from scratch. This is going to help me, but will be usefull for everyone too!

So, here the list goes (in the correct order):
1) Format your HD (your OS partition) with the correct cluster size.
2) Make sure you have set everything correct in the BIOS.
3) Install XP with the option for standard PC.
4) Install Motherboard drivers
5) Install Graphics card drivers
6) If you think you need the SP1, make sure you install it now.
7) Do all the necessary XP tweaks (look here

Disable the XP Services you dont need
9) Install CW cards and SFP
10) Install your audio programs
11) Install DX and VST plug-ins.

Please, feel free to add more things or correct things or elaborate on things! If you can provide any links, please do.

Thank you very much!

P.S. irrelevant: today I received my SPL Track One

....it kicks ass!

Post by **garyb** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 12:44 am

step 9:install cw card and cw DRIVER only.

step 12:install sfp.

arela · Post by **arela** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 3:42 pm

hi
garyb, why is it so?
I've heard it before, and in fact i had to reinstall SFP on my new pc to get it going ok.
arela?

Post by **garyb** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 10:45 pm

some things (xtc for instance) don't get installed properly unless installed after your sequencer.

rodos1979 · Post by **rodos1979** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 3:06 am

Another question: should I install additional programs like Nero or CDXtract before or after my Audio applications? ( I am guessing before)

Thank you

Post by **garyb** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 3:34 am

well i'd put that stuff on last.instead of nero(which along with easy cd creator mess up more pcs..)how about music studio2004?you will be able to set up your cds more professionally and you'll have a true redbook master.it's cheap and you'll get a nice simple version of logic as well.xp has all the burning utilities you need otherwise.
http://europe.magix.com/index.php?id=411

i'd definitely limit my installs as much as possible.one program that i would suggest is easy cleaner. http://www.toniarts.com/ecleane.htm
very useful.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: garyb on 2003-06-27 04:36 ]</font>

Immanuel · Post by **Immanuel** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 3:36 am

refering to the last question:
I don't hink it matters.

I think I would put install directX in somewhere around 4.5

rodos1979 · Post by **rodos1979** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 8:34 am

Hello to all!

Thank you garyb for the links!

I didnt know that XP has already cd-burning ability. Where is it?

@Immanuel: Isnt DirectX 8.0 provided with XP already? ...I remember somewhere in the Cubase Forum reading that we should avoid DX9.0 cause it is not so stable with SX. Which version of DX you recommend?

Thank you

Ricardo · Post by **Ricardo** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 9:35 am

Right click a file then go 'send to'.. You should see your CD burner listed. OR you can burn from media player but it's not very good (lots of clicks at the start and end of tracks)
Nero is good until you install intel accelorator, then forget it!!!
Hope you get your DAW happening soon, let us know the end result.
PS DX 8 works fine for me

_________________
Ricardo (of the Clan 'Ricardo')

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ricardo on 2003-06-27 10:36 ]</font>

Nestor · Post by **Nestor** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 11:41 am

The order in which we install our software seems to be very subjective, cos everybody tells you something different about that. We should get to the bottom of it, let’s say underneath programs themselves, I don’t know how to do it myself, but I think there are causes behind the programs themselves. Perhaps the way we install them is the problem, the directories maybe, I’m not sure, etc.

Which app should we get to be completely save when installing, uninstalling, etc., our HDs? I think before everything else, we should search for some stable ways of installing and removing our software as well as detecting problems. I know there are quite a few of them out there. Symantec System Works is one of them… some people have told me there you have all you need.

arela · Post by **arela** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 5:04 pm

thx garyb
I read in another forum: before installing your programs, you could benefit from doing a full defrag of your HD. ....might be a good idea **arela**

Post by **garyb** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 9:08 pm

my machines run properly.all the information i have,i have learned from experience and these forums....(and the internet!)i'm still learning xp though,so i know that things will work better!

Nestor · Post by **Nestor** » Fri Jun 27, 2003 11:35 pm

Please Garyb, let's talk about your findings... Tell us what you know...

Immanuel · Post by **Immanuel** » Sat Jun 28, 2003 11:26 am

I do not use SX, and I don't have much experience with the difference in DirectXes. You may very well be right. I just so used to installing win98se, that this is still on my list.

Post by **garyb** » Sat Jun 28, 2003 1:21 pm

On 2003-06-28 00:35, Nestor wrote:
Please Garyb, let's talk about your findings... Tell us what you know...

i'm afraid i don't know anything special.as i said i'm just gleaning info from places like this forum.(especially this forum

)and trying it in my computer.when mine runs well,i leave it that way for a while.usually,a specific problem begets the research(for me anyway),although i try to make a mental note about others' problems/solutions for later..... there are more KNOWLEDGABLE(programmers even)folks here,but things are working for me.i have found that really,things a pretty simple and straightforward(no need for more than basic computer knowledge,you know no need for programming knowledge)if a couple of points are followed:

1.be orderly in your installs/uninstalls.make sure you use a reg cleaner after uninstalls or mu;tiple installs.

2.it's well known what hardware DOESN'T work.pay attention.

3.i takes a couple of tries sometimes.this is a computer,not a toaster or electric carving knife.it is not a kite.those are simple devices that provide immediate gratification.a computer does complex tasks that are always making promises of the future.it's the nature of the Beast.be patient.

4.it's a computer.it will never be finished or perfect.it is a bad model of our own brains,which we don't overstand.see #3

5.become an engineer.those are the kind of people who run music studios.engineers learn the workings of their machines and learn haow to do basic repairs and modifications.(the recording field is very small in business/manufacturing terms)you will need to know/learn signal flow and cabling.you HAVE a studio in the computer.virtually with a cw card.it is NOT just a soundcard.

6.rtfm and ALL the documentation.an engineer would.see #5

if i can answer a specific question,of course i will!

i wish i knew something really special and unique,so that i could be a really cool guy,but since i don't i'll continue to post regular stuff around here so that i can get that levitating title!

davo · Post by **davo** » Sat Jun 28, 2003 6:31 pm

Oh, here's a thought.
Use "ghost or "drive image" to take snapshots of your system as you build it up.
I've got one of my tweaked OS, just plain with no s/ware and when I get it all installed and running great make another image. That way you can experiment with demo apps/devices and doubtful OS tweaks if you like without a worry.

Just a thought
Davo

Nestor · Post by **Nestor** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 9:44 am

Ok, but if you were to choose one program, which one would you choose for doing all this jobs?

rodos1979 · Post by **rodos1979** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 1:21 pm

At the moment I write, I am creating an image file of my Hard Disk at the moment. Tomorrow, I am going to format my drive and start from the beginning. The only problem is that I still have some questions regarding BIOS settings, which I would like to have set before formating and installing. If anyone could answer he would be of great help!

Thank you! Wish me luck!

kensuguro · Post by **kensuguro** » Mon Jun 30, 2003 2:26 pm

4.it's a computer.it will never be finished or perfect.it is a bad model of our own brains,which we don't overstand.see #3

I love the way you put it. LOL