I assume the enthusiasts here will be taking one for the team so we can follow their progress through the minefield that is a new Windows OS installation.
Hi there
Nothing in the wild yet either -- Ms's security this time even puts the old Soviet era KGB to shame.
Incidentally for re-installing everything again I'd suggest this method (especially as W8 can read ISO's directly).
Create on a 32 GB USB stick a directory called INSTALLABLES. (16 GB might be enough depending on how much software you need to install).
Then create images of all your software that was supplied on DVD's / CD's and copy them to folders such as say ADOBE==>Photoshop
MS==>OFFICE etc.
Keep the serial numbers in each folder with the name say PHOTOSHOP.TXT or WINDOWs_ENTERPRISE.TXT
Do the same for all the programs that are installed via an .exe or .msi type file.
Keep also any DRIVERS you might need (for MOBO / Chipset / in the directory too)
Now 1) install Windows
2) browse to the INSTALLABLES directory and install any MOBO drivers --Wireless / LAN stuff might need to be installed.
3) install applications in order
Apply updates at the end of the process -- Office for example has quite a few (SP1) unless you can get the dvd with SP1 alrteady applied.
If you do it logically a re-install doesn't take a horrendous long time these days -- W8 is pretty good with drivers too so you shouldn't be stymied on lack of drivers.
I got this down to a fine art when W7 releases were coming thick and fast. Unfortunately there haven't been any decent leaks this time around for W8.
Finally note that any Virtual Machines you have don't need to be re-created --they should function as before under the new OS.
It refused to correctly install my MB sound driver.
It claims that everything is "hunky dory", even though the sound output is defective (buzzing only).
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
Memory
8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD6450
Sound Card
Realtek?
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung S23B350
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
Case
Tower
Mouse
Wired Optical
Other Info
Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
I'll be trying a couple of 32-bit versions (the cheaper ones!) to see which I should buy when the CP on this ole laptop is out of date....
I'll start with VM then Multiboot on an old Sempron 3000 system - to see which features etc are there or not. Won't be re-installing loads of apps either.
I'm excited! Yes, I need to reinstall software, but practice makes perfect! But doing such allows me to use Windows 8 as a native OS and not a guest. It gives a more "true to life" experience since you'll use it and you'll use the software you use most as well.
I've heard that the beta of Office 15 is nearing the corner as well......
I hope so, not happy with TechNet not releasing the DP/CP early as stated in their "benefits".
"Early Access to Microsoft Software
Get your hands on betas, service packs, and new software releases of Microsoft operating systems, servers and business applications. The list of Microsoft software available is based on subscription level. Stay ahead of the curve by getting early access to help you evaluate, test, and troubleshoot for your IT environment."
