How to Build Your Own Athlon Computer
(Slot A Processor)
Part 11 - Install the V770 Software and Decoder
Last updated: 5/10/00

Also see How to Build a Computer with a Socket A Athlon or Duron Processor

DIAMOND VIPER V770 ULTRA VIDEO BOARD SOFTWARE

149.  After restarting Windows, insert the Diamond V770 CD.  It should auto-start after a short wait.  Click Continue, click Installation when the next window appears, and click V700 Drivers in the following window.  I clicked the Standard  installation (usually a safe bet) followed by Next in the DIAMOND Install window shown here.

150. Click ReInstall DirectX to be sure you have the latest version.  It will check the DirectX software already installed and it will tell you that the latest and greatest is already installed.  Just click OK and it will take you back to the proceeding window. 

151.  Click Cancel button and click Next  for a reboot when the following windows informs you that the installation has been completed.  After the restart, a Diamond Registration Form will appear.  Click Start to get to the next window with the form and then click Cancel as I did if you don't want to register the product.

152.  You may then reinsert the V770 CD to reinstall the rest of the software (games, etc.)--I didn't.  You will need to be connected to the Internet to install some of it.  Do not install the Zoran Soft DVD or the Internet Explorer 4.0.  This computer will use the Creative Labs DVD decoder instead of the Zoran Soft DVD and Windows 98.

We will set the display resolution and colors later.

CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES CT7160 DECODER

153.  Shutdown down the computer and unplug the power cord.

154.  Plug the flat cable that came with the decoder into the V770 Ultra's multi-channel connector with red stripe facing aft.

155.  Plug the other end of flat cable into the decoder's connector with the red stripe facing aft.

156.  Insert the decoder into the third PCI slot from the right, screw it down, and be sure it is properly seated.

This leaves the second PCI slot from the right empty and provides some space for better ventilation of the V770.

157.  Plug the audio cable which came with the decoder into the jack furthest aft on the decoder and plug the other end into the jack which is furthest forward on the sound board.  The plugs on cable I received can only be plugged-in one way.  If you receive one with flat connectors which can be plugged-in either way, the red strip goes furthest forward.  Neatly fold-up and zip-tie the excess cable.

158.  Plug-in the power cable and boot-up the computer.  Windows should detect the board.

159.  Insert the floppy disk which came with the decoder, click Next to have Windows search for a driver, and check the Floppy box if it is not checked, and click Next.  Windows should then find the driver.  Click Next and Finish.

160.  The driver installation does not prompt for a Restart.  Manually Shut-Down the computer and Restart Windows.

161.  After booting back up, insert the CD which came with the decoder and wait for it to auto start.

162. Click Install at the Welcome screen.

163.  Click through the installation and click Yes when it is done and prompts for a reboot. 

This concludes the expansion board installation.  Your computer should look like the one to the right.

There you have it: 163 steps from beginning to nearly the end.  I leave the remainder as an exercise for the reader.  The CD which comes with the monitor should be installed.  I normally test a computer like this one extensively with Winbench and Winstone.

It would make this old guy feel good if you would post a note in our Forums and tell us how your new computer came-out and inform us of anything new you may have learned while building it.  I would be more than happy to help with any problems you may encounter.  Please refer to the appropriate paragraph number in your posting.

Larry

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