Solved Desperation with Windows 8 - can I trade down to XP ?

morvanman

New Member
Messages
2
Just bought a new PC with Window8 preinstalled. Having struggled manfully for 4 weeks I just cannot get a feel for this new operating system. Files disappear, drag and drop has gone, right click is a thing of the past. As computer dinosaur, can I delete 8 and install XP ? I have two laptops that are running XP I appreciate that Windows will no longer support XP but I'm growing old and need to get on with my life !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    toshiba satellite
I understand your sufferings :) But there may not be suitable drivers for xp, and that os may be very insecure in the near future. Better to opt for Windows 7. But before doing that, maybe try w8 with restored 'normal' functionality using classic shell (or one of the other start menu restorers) and test it out for while.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8.1, W7
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP \ Toshiba \ Lenovo \ Dell E7440
    Browser
    FF

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
I understand your sufferings :) But there may not be suitable drivers for xp, and that os may be very insecure in the near future. Better to opt for Windows 7. But before doing that, maybe try w8 with restored 'normal' functionality using classic shell (or one of the other start menu restorers) and test it out for while.


Yes, classic shell is the way to go, for sure. Classic shell will essentially turn 8 into 7. It is completely safe, extremely easy to use... basically set it up, and forget it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Installing XP on a new computer is likely to be a serious challenge at best and futile at worst. You need a really compelling reason to choses XP over a more modern OS. I have used Classic start menu for some time and it makes Windows 8 much nicer to use. With a little work it is much like Windows 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thank you all for helpful and relevant suggestions. I have installed Classic Shell and, as if by magic, all the user friendly elements of Windows 7 have reappeared. I shall leave Windows 8 sleeping in his cave and hope he is not disturbed until I have forged my sword of competence and donned my armour of knowledge. Good people on this forum - thanks again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    toshiba satellite
Install a third party start menu if need be, there are like five different ways to set up Windows 8.1 in whatever fashion.

Don't do Windows xp. One, you can't really buy it anymore, two, it's not going to get anymore updates in three months, three, it probably wouldn't run on such modern hardware and you'd lose out of some of your PC's capabilities due to driver problems.

Actually, go to the tutorial link in my signature and scroll down to Personalizations. That'll give you some understanding of keyboard shortcuts and things you can do. Also, if you're running on just Windows 8, get the free upgrade to 8.1. That'll alleviate some issues and make things make a bit more sense.
Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8 - Microsoft Windows
This is the link, go through everything, make sure you have things saved, and update Windows to 8.1.

Also, the Start Screen is just a GIANT start menu except you have more room to customize what you want on it. Things are very easy to put onto it. When you're on the Desktop, you can just right click on anything and hit Pin to Start. It makes a new tile or "icon" that you can move around. In 8.1, you can have the Desktop show first at start up, and the All Apps screen show versus the Start Screen. You can also do to the extent of doing an advanced thing and just uninstalling ALL of the apps you don't want like Xbox Music or Bing Weather so you don't need to see them.

Screenshot (16).png
Screenshot (41).png

Personally, I find that better than this...
Untitled (3).png
..a mess.

Always ask questions if you need help or can't figure something out, we'll be here! :cool:
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot (38).png
    Screenshot (38).png
    254.4 KB · Views: 109

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Heres a thought... if you really REALLY like and want XP on your new laptop just take some time and find all the drivers you will need to make it work. That is the biggest hurdle to reverting back to XP on newer systems. I personally have not run an XP based machine for many years now.. however I am sure it can be done. Just go into your device manager and note all the hardware your laptop runs and then search for compatible drivers. If you can find them all then reverting to XP is like any other XP install outside of setting your bios to not boot via UEFI.

Its more work then I would do only to run XP but each to his or her own. It can be done though. And it will not take a rocket scientist to do it so if you feel up to the task.. then go for it. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 64
makes no sense to me ,if I wanted a win7 lookalike I would have installed win7 and not win8 /8.1
 

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
makes no sense to me ,if I wanted a win7 lookalike I would have installed win7 and not win8 /8.1

Quite right. And if I wanted a touch-centric os, I would have bought Android.

See, we can do this all day.
Thanks for playing...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
makes no sense to me ,if I wanted a win7 lookalike I would have installed win7 and not win8 /8.1

Quite right. And if I wanted a touch-centric os, I would have bought Android.

See, we can do this all day.
Thanks for playing...

that's the part I don't get ,touch centric ,I use my mouse and keyboard for everything I do same as winxp /7, what am I missing where is this touch centric , I boot to desktop use all my program from my dsesktop or taskbar or the start screen.
and I don't like touch screen devices either ,I will likely never buy one
 

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
Run XP as a virtual client under Oracle Virtual Box. It's really cool to have XP running in a window on your Windows 8 Desktop. Also nice is how quickly it boots, like 5 seconds or less for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
I always tell everyone the same thing. Try installing classic shell first. If you don't like it think about what software you NEED. Not think you need like Office, but really need. If you can't live without a Windows only piece of software and classic shell didn't do it for you go Windows 7. Otherwise go a Linux Mint.

Nobody had had ever complained to me after following this advice...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7
Hope you're enjoying Classic Shell. It can take some time to get it set up exactly how you want it and to work out bugs, but otherwise it's probably the easiest solution to Windows 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Hope you're enjoying Classic Shell. It can take some time to get it set up exactly how you want it and to work out bugs, but otherwise it's probably the easiest solution to Windows 8.

wow,that's sounds like what people are having to do with win8-8.1
 

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
I use Classic Shell & my computer almost seems like XP Pro. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
makes no sense to me ,if I wanted a win7 lookalike I would have installed win7 and not win8 /8.1

Quite right. And if I wanted a touch-centric os, I would have bought Android.

See, we can do this all day.
Thanks for playing...

that's the part I don't get ,touch centric ,I use my mouse and keyboard for everything I do same as winxp /7, what am I missing where is this touch centric , I boot to desktop use all my program from my dsesktop or taskbar or the start screen.
and I don't like touch screen devices either ,I will likely never buy one

I can steer my car with my knees. Doesn't mean it was designed for it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
I run Win 8.1 with Classic Shell and that's the way it works best for me. I like a few things about Win8, but I miss the familiarity of Win7, so this is a good compromise for me. If I don't get the "printer not ready" issue resolved on Win8.1, I'll be going back to Win7 permanently...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built Intel i7-3770k-based system
    CPU
    Intel i7-3770k, Overclocked to 4.6GHz (46x100) with Corsair H110i GT cooler
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 OC Formula 2.30 BIOS
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 2133 Corsair Vengeance Pro
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX 980ti SC ACS 6GB DDR5 by EVGA
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD, Corsair SP2500 speakers and subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 27EA33 [Monitor] (27.2"vis) HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB (system drive)
    WD 6TB Red NAS hard drives x 2 in Storage Spaces (redundancy)
    PSU
    Corsair 750ax fully modular power supply with sleeved cables
    Case
    Corsair Air 540 with 7 x 140mm fans on front, rear and top panels
    Cooling
    Corsair H110i GT liquid cooled CPU with 4 x 140" Corsair SP "push-pull" and 3 x 140mm fans
    Keyboard
    Thermaltake Poseidon Z illuminated keyboard
    Mouse
    Corsair M65 wired
    Internet Speed
    85MBps DSL
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, MalwareBytes Pro and CCleaner Pro
    Other Info
    Client of Windows Server 2012 R2 10 PC's, laptops and smartphones on the WLAN.

    1GBps Ethernet ports
Gee, did someone turn back the clock to Feb, 2012, it would appear that way. . .
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Quite right. And if I wanted a touch-centric os, I would have bought Android.

See, we can do this all day.
Thanks for playing...

that's the part I don't get ,touch centric ,I use my mouse and keyboard for everything I do same as winxp /7, what am I missing where is this touch centric , I boot to desktop use all my program from my dsesktop or taskbar or the start screen.
and I don't like touch screen devices either ,I will likely never buy one

I can steer my car with my knees. Doesn't mean it was designed for it.

and I certainly don't get that comparison !win8 metro maybe be designed for touch, but works quite well for me on my desktop .as I likely already said I rarely use the metro screen , I use win8 because I like and I got it from Microsoft for free .
 

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
Back
Top