The Official Windows 8 User Thread

[imagoon]

TechNet, but honestly, I'd wait. Considering the upgrade is only $40 per copy to get the Pro version, unless you plan on going back to Windows 7, it's a much better deal. As far as I know, TechNet only gives you two Windows 8 Pro keys (no Core or Enterprise keys) so if that's all you use it for, that's $100 per copy. They are also starting to crack down on people who buy up keys and sell them for profit, and the ToS clearly states that you should delete software when your subscription is up, so sooner or later Microsoft will actually enforce that policy and you'll have spent $200 for nothing.

Technet does have Enterprise keys. My test machines are running it currently. I have Enterprise VLK, Pro x 2 in mine at least.

 

[lopri]

CPL\Sound\Sounds [Tab]Find 'Start Navigation' in the Program Events list. The sound you're looking for is 'Windows Start Navigation'.

Thank you much!

First, search. Secondarily, either pin the apps to the Start Screen or use All Apps. Those items are particularly ease to get to as their at the far end of the list, under Windows Accessories.

Neither option is ideal for me in that search requires extra clicking and/or typing (for something that I know where to look), and going to start screen and then to All Apps is likewise cumbersome (desktop-to-metro-to-desktop). Thank you for the suggestion, however.

I actually eased this annoyance by remembering that I could create a new toolbar in the taskbar. I totally forgot about it! Now I have a "Programs" toolbar in the taskbar, and it's almost like the "classic" start menu sans power on/off/sleep. I am quite relieved now. I have now almost completely cut myself off of Metro. I have been positive about the improvement made in Win 8 over Win 7 - except Metro, that is - so I find myself in a much more comfortable situation now.

 

[Trader05]

Is there no image backup anymore with Win8? Since I upgraded from 7 "windows 7 file recovery" is in the control panel, but if I try to make an image it always fails. Anyone have this issue?

 

[antef]

Is there no image backup anymore with Win8? Since I upgraded from 7 "windows 7 file recovery" is in the control panel, but if I try to make an image it always fails. Anyone have this issue?

In what way does it fail? Do you have File History turned on? Maybe both can't be enabled at the same time? That sucks, I haven't tried to use it yet.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Thank you!! I forgot you could create a Programs toolbar too, that is very nice!!

Thank you much!


Neither option is ideal for me in that search requires extra clicking and/or typing (for something that I know where to look), and going to start screen and then to All Apps is likewise cumbersome (desktop-to-metro-to-desktop). Thank you for the suggestion, however.

I actually eased this annoyance by remembering that I could create a new toolbar in the taskbar. I totally forgot about it! Now I have a "Programs" toolbar in the taskbar, and it's almost like the "classic" start menu sans power on/off/sleep. I am quite relieved now. I have now almost completely cut myself off of Metro. I have been positive about the improvement made in Win 8 over Win 7 - except Metro, that is - so I find myself in a much more comfortable situation now.

 

[piasabird]

Well the desktop does not really have any kind of a menu to do anything. However, You can still access windows explorer and the tree structure. You can still make shortcuts to applications. It has a kind of on-screen keyboard. If you want to run shutdown you have to custom make your own custom link. Personally, I seldom like to shutdown my system. Win8 has a whole lot of keyboard shortcuts that require that pesky windows key, which is hell if your favorite keyboard does not have one.

 

[hclarkjr]

With Windows 8, Microsoft has completely overhauled the license agreements it presents to customers.
Historically, these end user license agreements, or EULAs, have been lengthy documents written in dense legalese. The new EULAs break this mold completely; the English-language versions I inspected are written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
I have had a chance to inspect three different Windows 8 EULAs:

• the retail upgrade (with slight variations for Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro);
• the OEM agreement that most consumers will see when they purchase a new PC with Windows 8 preinstalled;
• and a new license type called a Personal Use License for System Builder, which won’t be available until the General Availability of Windows 8 in October.

This last type replaces the outmoded and overpriced full package product and represents a significant and positive change in the way Microsoft licenses Windows.
The preamble to all of these agreements contains the following text:

For your convenience, we’ve organized this agreement into two parts. The first part includes introductory terms phrased in a question and answer format; the Additional Terms and Limited Warranty follow and contain greater detail. You should review the entire agreement, including any linked terms, because all of the terms are important and together create this contract that applies to you.
​

Much of the Q&A section that follows is identical in all license types, covering things like your right to make a backup copy and the requirement to activate the software. But there are crucial differences in the first question, which defines what you can do with Windows 8 under the terms of that specific license.
Here’s a comparison of that text from all three licenses. (I’ve boldfaced the relevant text in each one).

How can I use the software?
OEM
The software is licensed, not sold.Under this agreement, we grant you the right to install and run one copy only on the computer with which you acquired the software (the licensed computer)...
RETAIL UPGRADE
We do not sell our software or your copy of it – we only license it. Under our license, we grant you the right to install and run that one copy on one computer (the licensed computer), for use by one person at a time, but only if you comply with all the terms of this agreement. Typically, this means you can install one copy of the software on a personal computer and then you can use the software on that computer.
PERSONAL USE LICENSE (SYSTEM BUILDER) FOR WINDOWS 8 PRO
We do not sell our software or your copy of it – we only license it.Under our license, we grant you the right to install and run that one copy on one computer (the licensed computer) as the operating system on a computer that you build for your personal use, or as an additional operating system running on a local virtual machine or a separate partition, subject to the restrictions outlined under “Are there things I’m not allowed to do with the software?”
​

That last license type represents the first time Microsoft has formally acknowledged the right of its end-user customers to install Windows 8 on a new PC they build themselves, or to install it in a virtual machine or on a separate partition.
Currently, Microsoft sells Windows in three packages: retail upgrades, OEM System Builder packages, and full retail licenses (aka Full Packaged Product, or FPP). As I’ve written about extensively, Microsoft’s System Builder license expressly prohibits the use of this software by end-user customers, who are expected to pay significantly higher prices for an FPP license.
See also:

• Is it OK to use OEM Windows on your own PC? Don't ask Microsoft ...
• OEM licensing confusion starts at Microsoft.com
• What Microsoft won't tell you about Windows 7 licensing

The new Personal Use License agreement specifically grants you the right to buy the same software available to System Builders and use it on your own PC—in its own physical partition or in a virtual machine. This is an enormous improvement over the existing Windows 7 license.
The Q&A portion of the new agreement reinforces these terms. The final question is “Are there things I’m not allowed to do with the software?” The answer includes this text:

You may not install the software as an operating system on any computer except one that you are building for your own use or as an operating system running on a local virtual machine or a separate partition. You may not install the software on a computer that is running a non-genuine Windows operating system.
​

The new EULA should be an ideal solution for anyone using Windows 8 in a virtual machine on a PC or a Mac. The language about "non-genuine Windows" is designed to prevent the use of a System Builder license on a system running a counterfeit copy of Windows; for those customers, Microsoft has a separate Get Genuine product.
Update: The tinfoil-hat brigade has showed up in the comments to suggest that this license agreement is a nefarious plot to block Linux or Mac users from running Windows in a VM. Nothing could be further from the truth. These Personal Use License terms specifically allow you to run Windows in a virtual machine, regardless of the platform. The reference to "a non-genuine Windows operating system" applies to Windows installations that have either not been properly activated or are using a blocked license key or an activation crack. More details here.
We don’t know how much Microsoft will charge for Windows 8, but there is strong evidence to suggest that Windows 8 will cost less than corresponding versions of Windows 7. During the run-up to the launch of Windows 7, for example, Microsoft offered discounted licenses for Windows 7, selling Windows 7 Professional upgrades for $100. Those discounts were only available for a limited period before the official launch of Windows 7. For Windows 8 Pro, the upgrade price at launch will be $40, a special price that will last for roughly three months.
Microsoft will sell those upgrades and the new Personal Use License for System Builder directly to consumers. By cutting retailers out of the transaction and eliminating the need for retail packaging, it can afford to cut the price dramatically without affecting its bottom line. If the new System Builder licenses get the same discount as retail upgrades, a copy of Windows 8 Pro will cost significantly less than $100.
I’ll have a more detailed look at what’s in each of the new license agreements tomorrow. Stay tuned…

http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-radically-overhauls-license-agreements-for-windows-8-7000002866/

 

[hclarkjr]

is there a hidden administrator account in windows 8 like there was in 7?

 

[hhhd1]

upgrading using the offer of $40 , upgrading from windows 7 OEM

would that give a windows 8 pro RETAIL or OEM ?

 

[cytg111]

So .. lots of reasons why XP is still cutting it.
If it wasnt due to EOL.

 

[ViRGE]

With Windows 8, Microsoft has completely overhauled the license agreements it presents to customers.

They may have reworded the license agreements, but they seem to be functionally identical to what you can already do with Windows 7. I'm not seeing the difference.

 

[StinkyPinky]

TEchnet Standard gives you four Windows 8 Pro keys. Two of those keys are for the "N" version though, but that's not a big deal. It's only missing Windows Media Player IIRC. Just replace it with VLC player.

Plus Technet will also give you keys for OFfice 2013.

 

[hclarkjr]

They may have reworded the license agreements, but they seem to be functionally identical to what you can already do with Windows 7. I'm not seeing the difference.

the OEM part caught my attention,

The new Personal Use License agreement specifically grants you the right to buy the same software available to System Builders and use it on your own PC

you were not allowed to do that with 7 or anything before 7. now it is being allowed

 

[ViRGE]

the OEM part caught my attention, you were not allowed to do that with 7 or anything before 7. now it is being allowed

Uhh, you should tell Newegg that. We have been able to buy and install the System Builder versions of Windows for more than half a decade now without an issue.

 

[hclarkjr]

oh, i did not say it wasn't done. it was frowned upon by MS. the article even linked MS view on it http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/is-it-ok-to-use-oem-windows-on-your-own-pc-dont-ask-microsoft/1561 but now they are acknowledging that they can not stop it so why not encourage it.

 

[sequoia464]

TechNet, but honestly, I'd wait. Considering the upgrade is only $40 per copy to get the Pro version, unless you plan on going back to Windows 7, it's a much better deal. As far as I know, TechNet only gives you two Windows 8 Pro keys (no Core or Enterprise keys) so if that's all you use it for, that's $100 per copy. They are also starting to crack down on people who buy up keys and sell them for profit, and the ToS clearly states that you should delete software when your subscription is up, so sooner or later Microsoft will actually enforce that policy and you'll have spent $200 for nothing.

Looks like I'll wait, Windows 7 is getting a bit unstable though. I have never had any luck with repair, looks like I'll just have to re-install W7 again. Appreciate the information, thanks.

 

[hclarkjr]

for those that want to skip right to the desktop in windows 8 http://www.intowindows.com/classic-...tart-screen-disable-hot-corners-in-windows-8/
and for those that want to disable the charms bar and app switcher http://www.intowindows.com/disable-charms-bar-app-switch-list-in-windows-8/

 

[ViRGE]

for those that want to skip right to the desktop in windows 8 http://www.intowindows.com/classic-...tart-screen-disable-hot-corners-in-windows-8/
and for those that want to disable the charms bar and app switcher http://www.intowindows.com/disable-charms-bar-app-switch-list-in-windows-8/

With any of these hacks it would be a good idea to find out how they're doing it before using them. Microsoft is purposely trying to make this hard; if these hacks are changing registry entries that's one thing, but if they're modifying system files that's a great deal riskier.

 

[antef]

With any of these hacks it would be a good idea to find out how they're doing it before using them. Microsoft is purposely trying to make this hard; if these hacks are changing registry entries that's one thing, but if they're modifying system files that's a great deal riskier.

It's really not worth it. a) the desktop is one click away b) if you're resuming from sleep, which I imagine you'd be doing most days, it actually takes you straight to the desktop if that's where you were last. How often are you cold booting? So it doesn't matter.

 

[Trader05]

In what way does it fail? Do you have File History turned on? Maybe both can't be enabled at the same time? That sucks, I haven't tried to use it yet.

File history is off, you have to turn off the regular windows backup from 7 for it to work. I get the error message "this version does not support this version of the file format"

 

[kn51]

Ran into my first major problem. RSAT.

Got the tools installed using a workaround. However remote desktops doesn't work. Gives me an MMC error.

 

[ViRGE]

Having finally had a chance to play with the RTM version of Windows 8 for an extended period of time, I've come to the realization that I'm indifferent about the whole thing.

I'll skip the lamenting about Metro, other than to say that it just doesn't work well on traditional computers. But because of that, once you do strip away Metro Windows 8 is just not that impressive. The remaining desktop (as opposed to server & tablet) functionality boils down to the new class drivers (USB 3.0, woo!), the new copy dialog, and the new Task Manager. These are great features and I really, really like the new task manager in particular. But none of these are must-have features, and have to be weighed against whatever the cons are of Windows 8.

The cons really come down to what MS has done with what's left of the desktop. The desktop has been reduced an ugly version of Windows 7; all of the chrome has been stripped away to the point that it's painful. All of the depth and layer information is gone, taking with it any contextual clues about what's going on. The default theme is especially bad here since the lack of transparency makes the resulting primary color a dreadful shade of blue. The whole thing really does feel like Windows 3.1 at times.

Anyhow, at this point I could take it or leave it. Windows 8 isn't a bad OS, it's just not very good. I could use Windows 7 or Windows 8 equally as well, which isn't a bad thing but it means I'm not feeling any desire to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8. And an an operating system junkie that's a very odd feeling to have.

 

[antef]

File history is off, you have to turn off the regular windows backup from 7 for it to work. I get the error message "this version does not support this version of the file format"

I have both Windows 7 legacy backup set to do a system image and File History turned on. I turned on the legacy backup first and then File History and both ran without errors. Can you try turning them both off then back on in that order, and make sure the legacy backup is only doing an image and not files?

 

[Rvenger]

Having finally had a chance to play with the RTM version of Windows 8 for an extended period of time, I've come to the realization that I'm indifferent about the whole thing.

I'll skip the lamenting about Metro, other than to say that it just doesn't work well on traditional computers. But because of that, once you do strip away Metro Windows 8 is just not that impressive. The remaining desktop (as opposed to server & tablet) functionality boils down to the new class drivers (USB 3.0, woo!), the new copy dialog, and the new Task Manager. These are great features and I really, really like the new task manager in particular. But none of these are must-have features, and have to be weighed against whatever the cons are of Windows 8.

The cons really come down to what MS has done with what's left of the desktop. The desktop has been reduced an ugly version of Windows 7; all of the chrome has been stripped away to the point that it's painful. All of the depth and layer information is gone, taking with it any contextual clues about what's going on. The default theme is especially bad here since the lack of transparency makes the resulting primary color a dreadful shade of blue. The whole thing really does feel like Windows 3.1 at times.

Anyhow, at this point I could take it or leave it. Windows 8 isn't a bad OS, it's just not very good. I could use Windows 7 or Windows 8 equally as well, which isn't a bad thing but it means I'm not feeling any desire to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8. And an an operating system junkie that's a very odd feeling to have.

So I am guessing the transparent windows are gone too?

 

[lopri]

Yeah. And that makes borders look way too thick, making it look like a plastic canvas my nephew uses in kindergarten. MS designers are just.. incompetent. None of the colors look good for windows except maybe light gray. (IMO)

Personally I do not mind it too much but yeah it's ugly.