Windows 8.1 not a viable option.

nguchiro

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I live in Africa and the best I get is 30 - 60 Kbs. How on Earth does MS expect me to download over 3 gigs in order to update to 8.1? ISPs charge high rates here for internet access. I am going back to windows 7 if this issue is not resolved! We don't all have the high speeds the rest of the world enjoys. :mad:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    compac CQ58
    CPU
    AMD
I live in Africa and the best I get is 30 - 60 Kbs. How on Earth does MS expect me to download over 3 gigs in order to update to 8.1? ISPs charge high rates here for internet access. I am going back to windows 7 if this issue is not resolved! We don't all have the high speeds the rest of the world enjoys. :mad:

You are not alone. Here I get about 25kb/s on a good day and I brought up the same question. See here http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/34032-windows-8-1-free-update-disc-windows-8-users.html

However, 8.1 is not getting universal approval, yet. I read this http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/35620-8-1-trashed-system.html (and others) and it makes me think of remaining with W8 with "Start Menu 8" installed (to get the classic Start Button etc. back).

The Professor.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy
    CPU
    Intel i7
    Memory
    8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA
I live in Africa and the best I get is 30 - 60 Kbs. How on Earth does MS expect me to download over 3 gigs in order to update to 8.1? ISPs charge high rates here for internet access. I am going back to windows 7 if this issue is not resolved! We don't all have the high speeds the rest of the world enjoys. :mad:

That would require about 24-hour non-stop download. :shock:
Even if you manage to get the ISO (3GB) from somewhere, it's a bit less than the upgrade (4.5GB).
The 32bit versions require less space: about 2.5GB for the ISO.

The issue will always be the speed:
They won't reduce the size of the download or make smaller ISO's, that's for sure.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
I can only imagine that some pc's are not up to spec regarding win 8.1. If you look at my specs you will see mine is a faily large pc on 8.1 and 120mb broadband and win 8.1 upgrade went in with no trouble, apart from me not reading something properly!!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    pc specialist made to order
    CPU
    Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Processor i7-4790 (3.6GHz) 8MB Cache
    Motherboard
    ASUS® H81M-PLUS: Micro-ATX, LG1150, USB 3.0, SATA 6GBs
    Memory
    16GB KINGSTON DUAL-DDR3 1600MHz (2 x 8GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 750 Ti - DVI, mHDMI, VGA - 3D Vision Ready
    Sound Card
    ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    iiyama 24 inch flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB 3.5" SEAGATE SSHD, SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM (64MB + 8GB SSD CACHE)

    2TB Seagate SATA HDD

    500Gb SATA docked
    Case
    In Win Turbo
    Cooling
    Super Quiet 22dBA Triple Copper Heatpipe Intel CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    microsoft mutlimedia keyboard
    Mouse
    logitech corded
    Internet Speed
    152mb
    Browser
    FF, IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    16x BLU-RAY WRITER DRIVE, 16x DVD ±R/±RW

    10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Not everyone in the world, either has or can afford a really high speed Internet Connection, but most of us know someone who does.
My own connection speed is OK for the daily grind, but when it comes to downloading 4+ gig's of stuff, I call up a friend and ask him to download it for me. Then I get it from him on a flash drive and I burn my own ISO's.
For the everyday stuff, the "Internet Download Manager" (IDM) has been a lifesaver for me. It really speeds up download times! I highly recommend it! (this is NOT a commercial message)

Just a thought!

TechnoMage :cool:
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-8.1/Pro/64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer X-1200
    CPU
    AMD 2 Core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    Crucial, 4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 9200
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Acer
    Hard Drives
    Sandisk, SSD 500GB
    PSU
    Acer
    Case
    SFF Slimline
    Keyboard
    emachines 101 key
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    5 Meg
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Using Classic Shell on Win-8.1 /pro/64
my 120mb is at the same price I was paying for 30mb, so I am not paying a lot.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    pc specialist made to order
    CPU
    Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Processor i7-4790 (3.6GHz) 8MB Cache
    Motherboard
    ASUS® H81M-PLUS: Micro-ATX, LG1150, USB 3.0, SATA 6GBs
    Memory
    16GB KINGSTON DUAL-DDR3 1600MHz (2 x 8GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    2GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 750 Ti - DVI, mHDMI, VGA - 3D Vision Ready
    Sound Card
    ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    iiyama 24 inch flat screen
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB 3.5" SEAGATE SSHD, SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM (64MB + 8GB SSD CACHE)

    2TB Seagate SATA HDD

    500Gb SATA docked
    Case
    In Win Turbo
    Cooling
    Super Quiet 22dBA Triple Copper Heatpipe Intel CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    microsoft mutlimedia keyboard
    Mouse
    logitech corded
    Internet Speed
    152mb
    Browser
    FF, IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    16x BLU-RAY WRITER DRIVE, 16x DVD ±R/±RW

    10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
It's always shocking to me to find out how speeds vary and also the cost of service from other parts of the world. right now I am seeing 53.04 Mbps from a server about 3000 miles/ 4828.03 km from my home. The speed vares from time to time but this is an example. But if anyone still has their Win7 I would sure keep it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8
    Computer type
    Laptop
win8.1 updated is not totally necessary ,so just stay with win8 ,no need to go back to win7
 

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
Perhaps The Gates Foundation should be asked to involve itself in the provision of affordable high-speed internet access in the parts of the world that don't have it yet, and in the interim, the provision of loaned installation/upgrade media (not product keys) through public libraries and schools in those areas.

I'm sure if enough people asked their schools and libraries, and governments to request such provisions, and involved their local and national media, there would soon be some movement on the matter.

Since Windows 8 has now got a limited product support lifecycle, of 23.5 months and counting:

Windows 8.1 will remain under the same lifecycle policy as Windows 8 with support ending 1/10/2023. Windows 8 customers will have 24 months to move to Windows 8.1 after the General Availability of the Windows 8.1 update in order to remain supported. See the Windows 8.1 FAQ for more information.
,

you should expect some movement on this within the next 12 months.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
I live in Africa and the best I get is 30 - 60 Kbs. How on Earth does MS expect me to download over 3 gigs in order to update to 8.1? ISPs charge high rates here for internet access. I am going back to windows 7 if this issue is not resolved! We don't all have the high speeds the rest of the world enjoys. :mad:

So the rest of the world should revolve around you because you live in a undeveloped country?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
I live in Africa and the best I get is 30 - 60 Kbs. How on Earth does MS expect me to download over 3 gigs in order to update to 8.1? ISPs charge high rates here for internet access. I am going back to windows 7 if this issue is not resolved! We don't all have the high speeds the rest of the world enjoys. :mad:

So the rest of the world should revolve around you because you live in a undeveloped country?

This is unhelpful.

A while back someone suggested to have a friend download the ISO file to upgrade to 8.1, well, that's not possible unless the friend is on TechNet (which is about to be phased out by Microsoft shortly) or perhaps if you may want to try a rather a obscure workaround posted elsewhere here, or else pay for an upgrade that should have been free. Otherwise the only way to get a free upgrade is the way Microsoft intended, via the Store which is only practical with a highspeed connection. The point being MS seems to have lost touch with its customer base, and the real world with overly restrictive policies meant to cut down on piracy but in actual fact is alienating its customer base.

There is no need for you to assist them in this.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 7, 8.1, Ubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP tx2z
    CPU
    AMD Turion x2 Ultra 2.4
    Motherboard
    Quanta
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon 3200
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 256gb ssd
I live in Africa and the best I get is 30 - 60 Kbs. How on Earth does MS expect me to download over 3 gigs in order to update to 8.1? ISPs charge high rates here for internet access. I am going back to windows 7 if this issue is not resolved! We don't all have the high speeds the rest of the world enjoys. :mad:

So the rest of the world should revolve around you because you live in a undeveloped country?

This is unhelpful.

A while back someone suggested to have a friend download the ISO file to upgrade to 8.1, well, that's not possible unless the friend is on TechNet (which is about to be phased out by Microsoft shortly) or perhaps if you may want to try a rather a obscure workaround posted elsewhere here, or else pay for an upgrade that should have been free. Otherwise the only way to get a free upgrade is the way Microsoft intended, via the Store which is only practical with a highspeed connection. The point being MS seems to have lost touch with its customer base, and the real world with overly restrictive policies meant to cut down on piracy but in actual fact is alienating its customer base.

There is no need for you to assist them in this.

MS has made a choice. Either people can adapt or they should find a new OS. Seems pretty simple.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Let's take a look at both sides. From a business standpoint I can understand why Microsoft is pushing the upgrade download. They are cutting costs like a lot of companies are. We see this everywhere. This includes us as individuals. Economies are not in the greatest shape. Who here has not tightened the belt on their finances?

The cost of producing, warehousing, taking orders, picking orders, packaging, mailing/shipping, facilities/buildings, and all the employees to do so must be an astronomical cost, especially for a huge corporation like Microsoft. Don't forget all the returns when a customer rejects a product for any reason > Reverse the process above.

Although I sympathize with the OP and others, a lot of us didn't have the download speeds we are enjoying today. They are continually upgrading the infrastructure, especially within the last 5 years. Here in the United States anyway. I'm sure other developed countries are doing the same. Also keep in mind that routers and ethernet cards have come a long way. Therefore Microsoft, as a corporation, has saw fit to make a change.

I'm quite sure another factor MS considered, as other companies, governments, and individuals do, is to be sensitive about the environment. How much plastic, paper, energy, and any other items needed will be eliminated from an already polluted world?

On the other hand, companies like MS need to be sensitive to groups that do not have the luxury of high speed internet. Perhaps they should farm out upgrade media to another company to do so, but remember you'll have to pay the price. Will it be worth it instead of the time and data costs that it will take?

Perhaps someone else has another alternative.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
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