Windows 8 offer

BostonB

killbillvol2 wrote: »

It's an abomination - I'm sure it's fine on a phone/tablet but tiles just don't work well with a mouse and keyboard.

That said, it's pretty easy to use it just like Windows 7 with a few workarounds.

How is it an abomination if you can use it like Windows 7?

People need to look past the Metro skin.

GalwayGaillimh

BostonB wrote: »

How is it an abomination if you can use it like Windows 7?

People need to look past the Metro skin.

Its based on Windows 7 and from using it the last week I find it quicker and stable too, adding the start8 app to get back the start button and desktop is a good idea though.

BostonB

People who use a lot of desktop apps wont use the metro interface. People who just use email, and a few social media apps and the web, will be fine with Metro. But I have a feeling most people will simply skip past it.

AntiRip

killbillvol2 wrote: »

It's an abomination - I'm sure it's fine on a phone/tablet but tiles just don't work well with a mouse and keyboard.

That said, it's pretty easy to use it just like Windows 7 with a few workarounds.

I don't think so, I really like it. I use it like Windows 7 with the start button and use Metro from time to time to view Netflix and Filmon which are really nice looking apps.

Chris_5339762

I got the offer in time and put it on a new SSD on my laptop (the double install bit worked). Its really fast and I kind of like the new metro interface for apps and for a basic, standard system that I'll use for going down home for a week. I dont need to work miracles with this computer so it'll be for basic things only... I guess kind of like a tablet would be.

I wont be upgrading my Windows 7 desktop though.... I use it for too much more and dont want layers of stuff on the computer blocking my access to the HDD and desktop. It'll grow on my I'm sure though.

For the average home/smartphone/tablet user though I think it'll do quite well. Especially when there are more Windows 8 apps.

unkel

branners69 wrote: »

When I go to install Vistart, AVG says that it has a found "Trojan horse Dropper.Generic6.CQBO".

Anyone else get this? Is it safe to just ignore it?

Uninstall AVG. You don't need it on top of the built in security in windows 8.

mkecof

Just wondering if anyone can confirm that a Windows 8 Pro activation key will work on a Windows 7 Pro activation?

Cheers!

BostonB

branners69 wrote: »

When I go to install Vistart, AVG says that it has a found "Trojan horse Dropper.Generic6.CQBO".

Anyone else get this? Is it safe to just ignore it?

I think you should clean your PC. Getting a message about a trojan isn't normal.

norbert64

mkecof wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone can confirm that a Windows 8 Pro activation key will work on a Windows 7 Pro activation?

Cheers!

Just tried it earlier today and can categorically say she did not work.
Win8 key actually seems to have more characters than win7?

branners69

BostonB wrote: »

I think you should clean your PC. Getting a message about a trojan isn't normal.

All I have on it is Windows 8, I dont think it can get any cleaner??

BostonB

You put on W8 then AVG? Where did you get this Vistart download from. Can you try a different location and try that one instead?

DupsTheKid

Hi guys, I've got a laptop lying around with vista on it but sister also has laptop with windows 7. Can I use her details to get the upgrade and use the upgrade on my vista laptop? Thanks.

branners69

BostonB wrote: »

You put on W8 then AVG? Where did you get this Vistart download from. Can you try a different location and try that one instead?

Yep Win 8 and then AVG.

I tried to get it from http://lee-soft.com/vistart/ and http://vistart.en.softonic.com/

Both had alerts from AVG about trojans, so I just left it!

** I just uploaded the file to www.virustotal.com, it says 7 out of the 44 antivirus softwares it uses found a trojan. So I disabled AVG and installed it!

cookie1977

branners69 wrote: »

All I have on it is Windows 8, I dont think it can get any cleaner??

Scan you're usb drives in case they're causing the infection

stevek93

Have a look at this http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/158666-start-is-back-beta-4/
Also will this upgrade let me do a fresh install how many PCs is it for?

Allyall

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this. - For a limited time Microsoft are giving away Windows Media Pack, FREE for anyone that is running Windows 8 Pro.

Windows 8 Media Center Pack is available at no charge for a limited time only through this promotional page on Windows.com. If you obtain Windows 8 Media Center Pack through any other location fees might apply. Offer valid from October 26, 2012, until January 31, 2013, and is limited to one product key per email address. You qualify for this promotion if your PC is running Windows 8 Pro.
If you purchase a new PC with Windows 8 preinstalled and you later upgrade that PC with Windows 8 Pro Pack, Windows 8 Media Center Pack, a volume license edition, or a retail edition, you will no longer be able to install apps that are provided exclusively from your PC manufacturer through the Windows Store. Get the full details on our special offers.

Add Windows Media Center to Windows 8 Pro

norbert64

Allyall wrote: »

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this. - For a limited time Microsoft are giving away Windows Media Pack, FREE for anyone that is running Windows 8 Pro.
Add Windows Media Center to Windows 8 Pro

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but for all intents and purposes, to get media center, we have to download/purchase through Windows store?
As in, we have to add it as an app of sorts while inside our active win8 system or is there a way you can just download the application/installation file and load onto your win8 machine later?

Allyall

norbert64 wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but for all intents and purposes, to get media center, we have to download/purchase through Windows store?
As in, we have to add it as an app of sorts while inside our active win8 system or is there a way you can just download the application/installation file and load onto your win8 machine later?

Do you mean is there an offline installer?

No, i don't think so.. I wasn't given an option to download an offline installer, or an executable.

Thank you for registering for our free Windows 8 Media Center Pack offer! **

Here’s your free Windows 8 Media Center Pack product key:

12345-56789-0ABCD-EFGHI-JKLMN

Follow these steps to add Windows 8 Media Center Pack to your PC running Windows 8 Pro:

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. (If you’re using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search).
2. Enter add features in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.
3. Tap or click Add features to Windows 8.
4. Then tap or click I already have a product key.
5. Enter the product key, and then click Next.
6. Read the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then click Add features.

Your PC will restart automatically and Windows Media Center will be available for use.

kearneybobs

So, to get the windows 8 media centre pack do you have to have windows 8 pro installed to avail of it? Or, can I register for it now, get the key and install it later down the line when I upgrade to windows 8 pro using this thread's offer?

edit: well I registered my email address so they should send me a product key soon enough. Handy for when I finally do make the jump to Win 8

BostonB

Allyall - I wouldn't post your serial code online.

Allyall

BostonB wrote: »

Allyall - I wouldn't post your serial code online.

Thanks. It's not my serial, just numbers 1-0 and letters A-N (To show the email).

I've been using a few search programs to see if i can find the downloaded file.. No luck. No that i need it, Just need to keep the key.

NewApproach

Desktop pc at home is running vista at the minute. Can I pay the €15 and upgrade straight to windows 8?

norbert64

Allyall wrote: »

Do you mean is there an offline installer?

No, i don't think so.. I wasn't given an option to download an offline installer, or an executable.

So I'm correct after all sadly.

NewApproach wrote: »

Desktop pc at home is running vista at the minute. Can I pay the €15 and upgrade straight to windows 8?

I'm afraid not.
Best you can get at the minute is to download the upgrade assistant app here and pay €30.
http://www.labnol.org/software/upgrade-to-windows-8/20946/

Mind you, €30 for a key isn't that bad really for a new OS. :P

uncle_sam_ie

NewApproach wrote: »

Desktop pc at home is running vista at the minute. Can I pay the €15 and upgrade straight to windows 8?

They closed that loophole. It's €30 euro's for an upgrade.

Blinked_Missed It

Just chiming in to say fatcheese are offering 10% cashback for MS software. Doesn't say that excludes Windows 8 so worth a try. Its only €3 not teh €15 upgrade deal but its something.

http://www.fatcheese.ie/cashback/microsoft-store-ie/

supersparkz

Just another thanks to the op. Just getting to grips with it now. Will take some getting used to. Not bad for 15 though in something that started life as a bloated vista machine!!:D:D

branners69

It has taken a couple of days to get everything sorted but I have to say I am a Win 8 fan!! Cheers OP!

Now if only I could get a shortcut on the taskbar for the Desktop like the previous Quick Launch Desktop shortcut?

Dammer

branners69 wrote: »

It has taken a couple of days to get everything sorted but I have to say I am a Win 8 fan!! Cheers OP!

Now if only I could get a shortcut on the taskbar for the Desktop like the previous Quick Launch Desktop shortcut?

Do you mean the taskbar on the app screen or the desktop?

See if this helps

branners69

Dammer wrote: »

Do you mean the taskbar on the app screen or the desktop?

See if this helps

That looks like it should sort it, will try it when I get home. The other searches I did ended up giving you me shortcut which opened the desktop folder which is pretty useless!

Thanks for the link!

Patsy fyre

Downloaded this for the parents at the weekend and it was working grand but their now getting an error message saying unable to load windows and the computer won't start.
Any ideas?

Dammer

Patsy fyre wrote: »

Downloaded this for the parents at the weekend and it was working grand but their now getting an error message saying unable to load windows and the computer won't start.
Any ideas?

As with any error message, you need to be able to quote the "exact" error message.

You might get some better help on the Operating Systems forum or Computers forum.

Also use Google yourself with the "exact" problem and maybe it's an easy fix. Good luck

Spipov

im starting to get confused.

so, when the offer first came out, i did the whole thing, paid 15 euros, got a product key already and the windows media key as well.

does that mean i am safe to install on a clean formatted drive, or i am stuck as well?

kevez

if i get the upgrade from an old xp sp3 laptop will i be able to install it onto my current laptop on a dual boot? (if ya get what i'm saying :P )

jamescd

Spipov wrote: »

im starting to get confused.

so, when the offer first came out, i did the whole thing, paid 15 euros, got a product key already and the windows media key as well.

does that mean i am safe to install on a clean formatted drive, or i am stuck as well?

I installed mine on a blank hard drive. Download it, create an ISO, burn it to a DVD/USB and install it to your blank hard drive. What's so confusing about that ?

NetNinja

jamescd wrote: »

I installed mine on a blank hard drive. Download it, create an ISO, burn it to a DVD/USB and install it to your blank hard drive. What's so confusing about that ?

I think he is worried it won't activate. As long as you have purchased the keys & received the keys you are good to go.

testicle

branners69 wrote: »

It has taken a couple of days to get everything sorted but I have to say I am a Win 8 fan!! Cheers OP!

Now if only I could get a shortcut on the taskbar for the Desktop like the previous Quick Launch Desktop shortcut?

Click on the bottom right, to the right of the clock. Same place as it was for Windows 7.

cantona_deux

For any queries try this guide on Windows 8 here

Upgraded from Vista and found it fantastic

Thanks !

branners69

Dammer wrote: »

Do you mean the taskbar on the app screen or the desktop?

See if this helps

This doesnt work, there is no option to pin to taskbar, only an option to unpin from start

testicle wrote: »

Click on the bottom right, to the right of the clock. Same place as it was for Windows 7.

Thanks for that, I never had Win 7 so didnt know about that shortcut! Pretty handy!

cantona_deux wrote: »

For any queries try this guide on Windows 8 here

Upgraded from Vista and found it fantastic

Thanks !

File not found when I click the link??

Allyall

Also you can Right Click on the Taskbar and choose "Show the desktop".

Windows Key + D does the same

Also may be handy for some:

List of Windows 8 Shortcuts

Windows 8 has added a lot of shortcuts for easier navigation.


Windows key: Switch between Modern Desktop Start screen and the last accessed application
Windows key + C: Access the charms bar
Windows key + Tab: Access the Modern Desktop Taskbar
Windows key + I: Access the Settings charm
Windows key + H: Access the Share charm
Windows key + K: Access the Devices charm
Windows key + Q: Access the Apps Search screen
Windows key + F: Access the Files Search screen
Windows key + W: Access the Settings Search screen
Windows key + P: Access the Second Screen bar
Windows key + Z: Brings up the App Bar when you have a Modern Desktop App running
Windows key + X: Access the Windows Tools Menu
Windows key + O: Lock screen orientation
Windows key + . : Move the screen split to the right
Windows key + Shift + . : Move the screen split to the left
Windows key + V: View all active Toasts/Notifications
Windows key + Shift + V: View all active Toasts/Notifications in reverse order
Windows key + PrtScn: Takes a screenshot of the screen and automatically saves it in the Pictures folder as Screenshot
Windows key + Enter: Launch Narrator
Windows key + E: Open Computer
Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog box
Windows key + U: Open Ease of Access Center
Windows key + Ctrl + F: Open Find Computers dialog box
Windows key + Pause/Break: Open the System page
Windows key + 1..10: Launch a program pinned on the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows key + Shift + 1..10: Launch a new instance of a program pinned on the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows key + Ctrl + 1..10: Access the last active instance of a program pinned on the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows key + Alt + 1..10: Access the Jump List of a program pinned on the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number
Windows key + B: Select the first item in the Notification Area and then use the arrow keys to cycle through the items Press Enter to open the selected item
Windows key + Ctrl + B: Access the program that is displaying a message in the Notification Area
Windows key + T: Cycle through the items on the Taskbar
Windows key + M: Minimize all windows
Windows key + Shift + M: Restore all minimized windows
Windows key + D: Show/Hide Desktop (minimize/restore all windows)
Windows key + L: Lock computer
Windows key + Up Arrow: Maximize current window
Windows key + Down Arrow: Minimize/restore current window
Windows key + Home: Minimize all but the current window
Windows key + Left Arrow: Tile window on the left side of the screen
Windows key + Right Arrow: Tile window on the right side of the screen
Windows key + Shift + Up Arrow: Extend current window from the top to the bottom of the screen
Windows key + Shift + Left/Right Arrow: Move the current window from one monitor to the next
Windows key + F1: Launch Windows Help and Support
PageUp: Scroll forward on the Modern Desktop Start screen
PageDown: Scroll backward on the Modern Desktop Start screen
Esc: Close a charm
Ctrl + Esc: Switch between Modern Desktop Start screen and the last accessed application
Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel: Activate the Semantic Zoom on the Modern Desktop screen

Alt: Display a hidden Menu Bar
Alt + D: Select the Address Bar
Alt + P: Display the Preview Pane in Windows Explorer
Alt + Tab: Cycle forward through open windows
Alt + Shift + Tab: Cycle backward through open windows
Alt + F: Close the current window Open the Shut Down Windows dialog box from the Desktop
Alt + Spacebar: Access the Shortcut menu for current window
Alt + Esc: Cycle between open programs in the order that they were opened
Alt + Enter: Open the Properties dialog box of the selected item
Alt + PrtScn: Take a screen shot of the active Window and place it in the clipboard
Alt + Up Arrow: Move up one folder level in Windows Explorer (Like the Up Arrow in XP)
Alt + Left Arrow: Display the previous folder
Alt + Right Arrow: Display the next folder
Shift + Insert: CD/DVD Load CD/DVD without triggering Autoplay or Autorun
Shift + Delete: Permanently delete the item (rather than sending it to the Recycle Bin)
Shift + F6: Cycle backward through elements in a window or dialog box
Shift + F10: Access the context menu for the selected item
Shift + Tab: Cycle backward through elements in a window or dialog box
Shift + Click: Select a consecutive group of items
Shift + Click on a Taskbar button: Launch a new instance of a program
Shift + Right-click on a Taskbar button: Access the context menu for the selected item
Ctrl + A: Select all items
Ctrl + C: Copy the selected item
Ctrl + X: Cut the selected item
Ctrl + V: Paste the selected item
Ctrl + D: Delete selected item
Ctrl + Z: Undo an action
Ctrl + Y: Redo an action
Ctrl + N: Open a new window in Windows Explorer
Ctrl + W: Close current window in Windows Explorer
Ctrl + E: Select the Search box in the upper right corner of a window
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create new folder
Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open the Windows Task Manager
Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Use arrow keys to cycle through open windows
Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Access the Windows Security screen
Ctrl + Click: Select multiple individual items
Ctrl + Click and drag an item: Copies that item in the same folder
Ctrl + Shift + Click and drag an item: Creates a shortcut for that item in the same folder
Ctrl + Tab: Move forward through tabs
Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Move backward through tabs
Ctrl + Shift + Click on a Taskbar button: Launch a new instance of a program as an Administrator
Ctrl + Click on a grouped Taskbar button: Cycle through the instances of a program in the group
F1: Display Help
F2: Rename a file
F3: Open Search
F4: Display the Address Bar list
F5: Refresh display
F6: Cycle forward through elements in a window or dialog box
F7: Display command history in a Command Prompt
F10: Display hidden Menu Bar
F11: Toggle full screen display
Tab: Cycle forward through elements in a window or dialog box
PrtScn: Take a screen shot of the entire screen and place it in the clipboard
Home: Move to the top of the active window
End: Move to the bottom of the active window
Delete: Delete the selected item
Backspace: Display the previous folder in Windows Explorer Move up one folder level in Open or Save dialog box
Esc: Close a dialog box
Num Lock Enabled + Plus (+): Display the contents of the selected folder
Num Lock Enabled + Minus (-): Collapse the selected folder
Num Lock Enabled + Asterisk (*): Expand all subfolders under the selected folder

Press Shift 5 times Turn StickyKeys on or off
Hold down right Shift for 8 seconds Turn FilterKeys on or off
Hold down Num Lock for 5 seconds Turn ToggleKeys on or off

Mr E

Fair to say we're passed the bargain alert phase?

Allyall

Yep, I reckon, and it's expired now as well..

Basq

Alright kids..

For all your tech need queries, try switching it off-and-on again.

And if that doesn't work, we have a Windows forum right here.



Closed!