Got my refund!

McButterpants

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2
Yes! :party:

Just got my refund for Windows 8. I called Microsoft and I had my refund in literally 2 minutes. I bought Windows 8 through the Microsoft upgrade assistant, and the return was easy and fast. Now I can spend my 39.99 on something else!

I find Windows 8 just a mess.

Biggest problem for me is incompatibility. I have tons of programs that do not simply work on Windows 8. They either won't start, or do start but with terribly bad problems. I do not know why this is, as I have a lot of older programs, even ones going way back to Windows 95, and I could get nearly every single one I had to work on Windows 7. Now with Windows 8, I have trouble with programs that were even made during Windows XP's heyday. Why could those that made Windows 8 not make it so Windows 7 programs would work on it, it would seem easily enough with how similar Windows 8 is to Windows 7, so why would they mess that up.

Another problem I have is customization. You cannot change the background to the Metro interface, I have only choices made by others. You have limited color choices. You cannot choose the Aero glass Windows theme. You cannot choose if you want to use the old start menu, you are forced to use the Metro start screen. When one pays over a thousand and more dollars for a computer, why wouldn't we want to be able to use it how we want? Computers and their upkeep is not always cheap for people, if we put that much money into it, why do I want to let others dictate how I use it.

And then there is the Metro screen. I find it cumbersome and counter-intuitive. The old start menu was easy to navigate, when something was installed, it would be listed in it's own folder in the start menu, finding it's readme, pdf, or other bits was easy to find and took 1 second. In Metro, it takes numerous clicks just to find what I may be looking for. Not only that, if I install programs by the same company, they all get listed under the same Metro folder, not their own folder like in the old start menu. What that means, is that if I have 100 readme's under the same folder in Metro, I have no idea which readme it is I'm looking. Whereas in Windows 7, the readme was located under it's own proper right folder. I can bypass Metro altogether to get to the readme I want by opening the file location, which takes me to the old start menu within Windows 8, but that's not very user friendly, is it? And no, searching does not work, searching for files with the same name brings up hundreds of files, well, how do I know which is the one I want.

Before any Windows 8 fanboys try to insult me and act ignorantly and arrogantly, yes I do have hundreds of readme's and pdfs I want to read that have the same name. Yes I do have hundreds of settings.exe that I want to open and change the settings of. Yes I do have personal and work files with the same name located in different document folders.

The claims of it being faster are over-exaggerated. Programs open and close in the same amount of time, and I get the same exact benchmark scores in Windows 8 as I do in Windows 7. It does boot up faster, but I don't boot up my computer all day long, so an extra 15 seconds speed up isn't really that special to me. Not to mention that processes that run after boot-up run at the exact same time as in Windows 7, which in my mind, isn't a faster bootup time if processes run by Windows 8 run at the same time as Windows 7. (I count bootup time to include Windows to fully bootup, that's just me). People that say Windows 8 made their computers super fast and their video games run 30 extra fps is just fishy to me, as that is far from the case. The OS interface may be faster though, that I will say could be true for people, as when you take stuff away from the OS, it will increase the interface speed. I have a reasonably good computer, I guess that's why I didn't notice any difference when it came to the interface.

So for me, the under-the-hood improvements were small. And they did not even affect the way I use the computer in the slightest, like the quicker boot-up time, that does absolutely nothing for me.

The fact that Microsoft needs you to login to download a free app for Metro is just absurd. Not everyone is into social media, not everyone cares when people get their hair cut. You always see privacy policies from companies. Well, I guess in the end companies will write up words about privacy, saying how much they care about your privacy, but in the end they ever so increasingly try to invade it, inch by inch. Some people do value their privacy, that's something people of today have a hard time understanding, in this selfish and self-centered "look at me" culture. Maybe I don't want to login to Windows with an e-mail, maybe I don't want to have social stuff all over my Metro screen.

If I want to download a free app, why can't I just download it. Even if you want to claim it has to do with DRM, downloading something free doesn't mean I should have to create a personal account with someone. More and more online DRM, even for a simple small free app... seriously people?

I have uninstalled Windows 8 and reinstalled Windows 7. I am sure there were a few other problems with Windows 8, but I cannot remember them right now. The biggest issue for me was the incompatibility. If all my programs that ran on Windows 7 ran on Windows 8, then I probably would have stayed with Windows 8. The other problems I mentioned that I found not to my liking, they were ones I could have lived with in the end, they were not deal breakers, but they did compound on my disliking Windows 8.

And that is how someone that bought Windows 8, tried it for a while, and then ended up getting a refund for it.

For those interested, you can get a refund from Microsoft for Windows 8. It's really easy and quick. I mean it, only 2 minutes on the phone, no questions asked, no trying to give me the run around with trying to "help" me fix my Windows 8 problems. I doubt I will ever buy Windows 8 again, regardless if they "fix" their problems or add stuff to it. I will look into the next Windows, hopefully they can fix their compatibility issues and let the user have more control over their own computer. Till then, it's Windows 7 for me! :thumb:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Don't want to sound bragidosio but I'm an old timer. Used every OS in existence since 1983.

Windows 8 is far and away light years beyond Win 7 or any other Microsoft OS that ever existed.

It is easier, faster and more accomplished. For me a piece of cake.


It contains many more safeguard, protections, facilities, Wizards, auto systems than ever before.

Better start system, infinitely better search facility.

A giant step forward in technology and science.

But it isn't for everybody.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
I am pleased you got your refund.

Thanks for letting others know.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I am pleased you got your refund. I wish I could send my laptop back for a refund also, made the mistake of ordering it with Window 8. I see on the web site now I can order it with Windows 7 no mention of it being Window 8 compatible.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7/8 Mint
    System Manufacturer/Model
    lenovo W530
    CPU
    intell i7
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16gb
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512 gb ssd
    Other Info
    Around 13 million employes
@Labeeman,

You might find you can change to win 7 at no extra cost. The so called "downgrade" rights.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
@Labeeman,

You might find you can change to win 7 at no extra cost. The so called "downgrade" rights.

Yes but I have to get Windows 7 media and a valid key used or not. Then DL all the Windows 7 drivers. If any more issues do turn up I will do that. I have disabled quick boot already for one issue ( if hybrid boot becomes corrupt it survives a second boot and so on). With an SSD there is no advantage to quick boot and a complete reboot is better when problems arise. It looks like WIFi has been fixed with the last updates now (would come up with no internet connection but with it connected to the router).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7/8 Mint
    System Manufacturer/Model
    lenovo W530
    CPU
    intell i7
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16gb
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512 gb ssd
    Other Info
    Around 13 million employes
like wetibbe says, win8 is not for everyone ,especially ones who want to still run win95 programs.
I have not had any serious issues with win8 since installing it in Aug 2012
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
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    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
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    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
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    micro
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    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
like wetibbe says, win8 is not for everyone ,especially ones who want to still run win95 programs.
I have not had any serious issues with win8 since installing it in Aug 2012

Hi there
Why not run Win95 as a Virtual Machine on a W8 Host.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
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    1 X LG 40 inch TV
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    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
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    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
like wetibbe says, win8 is not for everyone ,especially ones who want to still run win95 programs.
I have not had any serious issues with win8 since installing it in Aug 2012

Hi there
Why not run Win95 as a Virtual Machine on a W8 Host.

Cheers
jimbo

you quote me but i don't want to run 95 programs OP does ,

but maybe i will did out my original win95 disk and try it in VM just for the heck of it
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
Exactly.

There is no knowing how many would have changed to win 7 if it wasn't such a hassle. Insurmountable for most average users, I suspect

.
@Labeeman,

You might find you can change to win 7 at no extra cost. The so called "downgrade" rights.

Yes but I have to get Windows 7 media and a valid key used or not. Then DL all the Windows 7 drivers. If any more issues do turn up I will do that. I have disabled quick boot already for one issue ( if hybrid boot becomes corrupt it survives a second boot and so on). With an SSD there is no advantage to quick boot and a complete reboot is better when problems arise. It looks like WIFi has been fixed with the last updates now (would come up with no internet connection but with it connected to the router).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Windows 8 is far and away light years beyond Win 7 or any other Microsoft OS that ever existed
I am not one of those who is strictly against Windows 8. I run it in virtual and find some aspects quite interesting.

But the above statement is really exaggerated. It may be a bit faster for those poor souls that run on spinners, but on a SSD you do not really notice much - it is the same as Win7. And the fact that MS upgraded their flimsy MSE is not rocket science either. Use a good AV program in Win7 and you have no problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista and Win7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2xHP, 2xGateway, 1xDell, 1xSony
    Hard Drives
    5 SSDs and 12 HDs
Is this for real or am I dreaming, I can't run a programme from the early nineties so I want a refund. No wonder Microsoft can't move forward.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
McButter:

Got the message you're not particularly pleased with Win 8. Perhaps you could put up a TLDR edit for us lazy readers...

Drew
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron N5110
    CPU
    i7
    Memory
    8G
Windows 8 is far and away light years beyond Win 7 or any other Microsoft OS that ever existed
I am not one of those who is strictly against Windows 8. I run it in virtual and find some aspects quite interesting.

But the above statement is really exaggerated. It may be a bit faster for those poor souls that run on spinners, but on a SSD you do not really notice much - it is the same as Win7. And the fact that MS upgraded their flimsy MSE is not rocket science either. Use a good AV program in Win7 and you have no problems.

Agreed, exaggeration of the week.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
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    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
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    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
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    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
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    23" Acer x233H
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    1920x1080
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    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
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    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Depends ...

Windows 8 is far and away light years beyond Win 7 or any other Microsoft OS that ever existed
I am not one of those who is strictly against Windows 8. I run it in virtual and find some aspects quite interesting.

But the above statement is really exaggerated. It may be a bit faster for those poor souls that run on spinners, but on a SSD you do not really notice much - it is the same as Win7. And the fact that MS upgraded their flimsy MSE is not rocket science either. Use a good AV program in Win7 and you have no problems.
Agreed, exaggeration of the week.

Depends if he means "Good" or "Bad". ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
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    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
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    Samsung S23B350
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    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
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    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
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