Solved Upgrading to Windows 8.1

msal

New Member
Messages
9
Hello everyone,

I apologize if these have been answered elsewhere. I purchased a Windows 8 CD last year, around the time of its launch, for about $15. I installed it but there were a number of problems that I ran into; I got locked out of my laptop, couldn't log-in despite entering the correct password and I couldn't reset my password either. This eventually caused me to reset my entire laptop and I re-installed Windows 7. Was there something wrong with my CD? A few of my friends said that the CD wasn't legit and only a preview version of Windows 8 was available; they added by saying that it probably contained a lot of bugs since I was able to purchase it for so cheap. However, the CD came with a product key and it didn't have the word 'preview' anywhere on it.

I am considering upgrading once again because Windows 8.1 is now available for download and I hope that I don't run into the same problem again. I downloaded the Upgrade Assistant from Microsoft's website and I got the following report:

For you to review
Install an app to play DVDs
You may need to install an app to play DVDs in Windows 8.1.
More info

Secure Boot isn't compatible with your PC
Your PC's firmware doesn't support Secure Boot so you won't be able to use it in Windows 8.1.
More info

Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Corporation
Not compatible

I'm not really sure what these mean, though. MSE is the only antivirus that I use, so if it isn't compatible, does that mean I will have to look for another antivirus? I'm not sure about the other two.

Thanks,

- msal
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Hello msal, and welcome to Eight Forums.

You have nothing to worry about. :)

The DVD playback report just means that Windows 8/8.1 does not include DVD playback support, and that you will need to install a 3rd party program that does if you wanted to.

The secure boot report just means that your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI doesn't support secure boot, so it will not be used. It's nothing that is required to install and run Windows 8/8.1, but is just to let you know.
The Microsoft Security Essentials report means that you will need to uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials before doing the upgrade since Windows 8/8.1 includes Windows Defender which is now the renamed Microsoft Security Essentials in Windows 8/8.1.

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hello Brink,

Thank you for your response. I appreciate you taking the time to do this. As for the DVD playback, I currently use VLC. I'm assuming that it will work just fine after the upgrade?

As for Secure Boot and MSE, I understand now.

Do you know anything about Windows 8 locking people out? Someone suggested that I switch to a Local Account instead of using a Microsoft Account to avoid being locked out. After a bit of Googling, I concluded that a Local Account is probably the safer option, but I don't think I will be able to use the Windows Store(?).

-msal
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Yeah, VLC should work just fine.

I haven't had any issues with using either a Microsoft account or local account in Windows 8/8.1. If anything, it's easier to recover using a Microsoft account if you should get locked out since you could sign in online to reset it's password if needed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Ah, okay.

The last time I tried using a Microsoft Account, the computer wasn't accepting the password, which I typed correctly, nor was it accepting the new password after I reset.

I'll try it again tonight and see how it goes.

Thanks once again,

-msal
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Got it. One final question: I know that the Windows 8.1 update is through the Windows Store. Is it a free upgrade? Do I need to enter a product key, and if so, will my product key for Windows 8 (not 8.1) work?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Well, I started installing, but after it checked my PC, I got the following message:

Atheros Bluetooth Suite (64)
Uninstall this app now because it isn't compatible with Windows 8.
Uninstall

Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver
Uninstall this app now because it isn't compatible with Windows 8.

I'm assuming that if I uninstall the bluetooth driver, then I will no longer have bluetooth; the same goes for the usb 3.0 driver. If that's the case, I think I'll pass on upgrading. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Yes, but you could just install a driver for them that's compatible with Windows 8 from the device's manufacturer driver support download page afterwards.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
I finished installing. All is good except for a few small mishaps. Here are the screenshots below:

- I got a blue screen with an error that said "DRIVER_irql_not_less_or_equal (smb_driver sys)" after every reboot. I tried uninstalling the Syanptics drivers, which solved the problem. However, I had to redownload those drivers because it made my touchpad unusable.

- Unable to install further Windows updates

- Unable to install Vaio updates

- mfc110u.dll missing message

- When attempting to upgrade to 8.1: Basically, after clicking download, it directs me to the 'your apps have installed' page. Going to the home of the Windows Store gives you the option to once again install the free 8.1 update and it goes in an endless loop.

- Random lag and stutter that was not present in the past, though it could be solved by more updates(?)
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
I'd restart the PC, then see if you may be able to finish installing your Windows Updates first. Only install the ones selected by default first, and keep repeating after each batch is finished until you have no more left to install.

It appears that you can't install VAIO updates and Windows Updates at the same time. One or the other first.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
So I finally finished upgrading to 8.1 and I'm impressed! So far, I haven't had any major issues. My only complaint is that I lost the ability to do three-finger gestures with the trackpad that worked when I previously had Windows 7; although, my trackpad feels insanely smooth otherwise. There are even 8.1 specific gestures.

You've been a tremendous help, Brink, and I truly appreciate your willingness to answer my questions. I'll let you know if I come across any other problems.

Thank you,

-msal
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
You're most welcome msal. I'm happy to hear that it has gone well.

As for the trackpad, you might see if there may be a newer driver available from it's manufacturer's driver download webpage that may include the feature.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Yeah, I already downloaded the latest touchpad drivers. I can live without one gesture, though, especially when the rest of the touchpad is really smooth.

I noticed two new things: [DEL]brightness issues[/DEL] and sleep issues.

[DEL]I cannot change the brightness at all (only when the computer is unplugged though). I have tried every way possible to change the brightness but it goes back to what it was at prior to the adjustment. A bit of Googling reveals that this is a common problem and every solution I have ran into so far says to update the Intell HD drivers. After checking Windows Updates, there is an important update for Intel HD Graphics, however, it fails to install every time I attempt to update. [/DEL]

EDIT: Solved by downloading drivers here.

The second issue is sleep. Is sleep different in Windows 8.1? Normally, when I close the lid of my laptop, it goes to sleep and auto-resumes when I open the lid. However, lately I've noticed that when I open the lid, it restarts (all the way from the Windows 8.1 boot screen), but all my work and open programs are still there.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Glad to hear you got the touchpad sorted.

It sounds like it may be hibernating. You might check your power settings to see if it's set to say something like: sleep after 5 minutes then hibernate after 10 minutes, and adjust as needed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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