New to Windows 8 and trying to set up - help please!!

moggie

New Member
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7
Hello - my name is moggie. Just joined forum so sorry if I have entered the wrong part of the site.

Have been on Win7 for years and just bought a new laptop with Win8.1 and have spent 6 hours over weekend trying to set it up (I am 75 but think I am getting somewhere as it is working!) However it is so different to Win7 but I have managed to set up a desktop which is just like my previous one with all the icons in place and I have entered my old favourites and transferred my documents and photos using a memory stick - so far so good, but I have a couple of problems.

When I first set it up it asked me for a MS acct and as I already had Hotmail (which I no longer use) I entered that and now every time I start my laptop it shows on the first screen the Hotmail address and I have to enter the password each time. OK that gets me to the screen with all the apps and I then click on desktop app and get to were I want to go.

1. What I want is for the sign in screen to show my current gmail address (not Hotmail) for which I have a password set up. I have managed to find where to ADD users and I have added my gmail address and made it administrator - so far so good- but this does not show when I switch on! I am guessing that I must delete the first 'Hotmail one' and that will then leave the new Gmail account - but I am afraid to do this in case I will not be able to sign in at all!! Can anyone please advise me on this?

2. I have managed to make the fonts larger on all the screens but having problem with my Thunderbird email screen - have altered the outgoing emails fonts and they are now larger - but is there a way to make the incoming mail showing larger as it is very small!

3. Have managed (do not know how) to move things like Skype and other programs to my desktop and they show at bottom of screen - but how do I make them into icons on the desktop? On Win7 I just right clicked and 'sent to desktop' but this does not work.

4. On Win 7 I clicked bottom left screen and brought up a list of all programs inc accessories but cannot find that now!

Sorry for so many questions everyone. There might be more, but these are the main ones.

Regards
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion K0Y50EA
    Memory
    4GB
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG Premium
Welcome aboard.

1. As you found out when you configured the setup, you have to use an MS account, as the Metro apps like OneDrive are tied to it. Just remember what the password is or set up a 4 digit PIN which is easier to remember and use. Under the sign in box, click the keypad icon and set up. Write down your hotmail password, in case you ever need it again, especially if you seldom use it except to sign in to Windows 8.1

2. You can enable the Magnifier, a zoom tool. Go to Control Panel/Ease of Access Center/ Make Computer easier to See; click Magnifier to enable. This gives you a magnifier glass tool to zoom in anywhere. Easier to do, on any screen, like your email, you can click 'ctrl and +' to increase size and then 'ctrl and -' to decrease.

3. the Skype in the taskbar is a Metro app not the desktop version which is why it's pinned to the bottom and only opens in full screen. The ones in the Windows Store are Metro apps and will have their own icons in the Apps section not the Programs section that you're used to. If want Skype for desktop, visit their site and download that version.

4. For your programs, you can hit the down arrow on the Metro screen and take you to all your programs (listed under Apps but not same as Metro apps) If you want a conventional Windows 7 start button and programs list, and many other 7 explorer features, visit and install Classic Shell. There's no shame in using it, I did it myself to ease the transition. I went from XP to 8.1 so I had even more adjustment issues than you . - Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Welcome aboard.

1. As you found out when you configured the setup, you have to use an MS account, as the Metro apps like OneDrive are tied to it. Just remember what the password is or set up a 4 digit PIN which is easier to remember and use. Under the sign in box, click the keypad icon and set up. Write down your hotmail password, in case you ever need it again, especially if you seldom use it except to sign in to Windows 8.1

2. You can enable the Magnifier, a zoom tool. Go to Control Panel/Ease of Access Center/ Make Computer easier to See; click Magnifier to enable. This gives you a magnifier glass tool to zoom in anywhere. Easier to do, on any screen, like your email, you can click 'ctrl and +' to increase size and then 'ctrl and -' to decrease.

3. the Skype in the taskbar is a Metro app not the desktop version which is why it's pinned to the bottom and only opens in full screen. The ones in the Windows Store are Metro apps and will have their own icons in the Apps section not the Programs section that you're used to. If want Skype for desktop, visit their site and download that version.

4. For your programs, you can hit the down arrow on the Metro screen and take you to all your programs (listed under Apps but not same as Metro apps) If you want a conventional Windows 7 start button and programs list, and many other 7 explorer features, visit and install Classic Shell. There's no shame in using it, I did it myself to ease the transition. I went from XP to 8.1 so I had even more adjustment issues than you . - Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements

I agree completely with mrgeek, download and install Classic Shell save yourself a whole boat load of aggravation and Frustration.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro MC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus G75VW / Z97 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3610QM / I7-4790K
    Motherboard
    Z97 Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Hyundai HTM315156CFR8C-PB PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M (GF114M)
    Sound Card
    VIA 6.0.10.1600
    Screen Resolution
    1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256, Samsung 850 Pro 1TB
    Internet Speed
    30 down 3 up
    Browser
    Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    NIS and Malwarebytes
New to Win 8

Thanks so much for your quick reply which I have looked at closely. I have actioned as follows:

2. Done that - thanks

3. Am downloaded separately via Bing the programs I want rather than the Apps and that has solved the problem (had an android tablet for a while but could not get used to apps!)

4. Have looked at Classic Shell for the future but will stay with the current 8.1 set-up as although I am elderly I must try to embrace Win 8 before Win 10 appears!

1. Could not quite understand what you said here. Going into control panel - user accounts - change I see that I have 3 accounts listed Hotmail which I originally logged in with - a second account which is my gmail account (which I would prefer to show as the default account) and guest account. Both the first two are ticked as administrator accounts. My question is that if I delete the Hotmail account which I currently use to sign in with (it has a password) will I lose the ability to sign in or will the sign in page revert to the gmail sign in (which I also have a password or?!!
I do not want to go deleting anything I should not as I took you to say that you must sign in with a MS acct ie Hotmail

Thanks for all your help

Moggie
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion K0Y50EA
    Memory
    4GB
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG Premium
Win 10 will take you back more toward a Windows 7 look. It has a hybrid Start button which is a cross between the Windows 7 Start button and the Windows 8.1 Start screen, so you would not be doing yourself a disservice by installing Classic Shell. It would just make using Windows 8.1 a lot easier.

Some people like the Windows 8.1 Start screen though. If you do then stay with it.
 

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
Thanks - but what about sign on as per Item 1.?

Moggie
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion K0Y50EA
    Memory
    4GB
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG Premium
No need to change your sign on unless you want to. Do you have a specific question about sign on?
 

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
Yes as I said - if I delete my MS (Hotmail) sign which I use now will my other Gmail sign in appear when I switch on the laptop and if I then enter the password for this will I connect ok?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion K0Y50EA
    Memory
    4GB
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG Premium
When you get the login screen with your Hotmail account, there is a white circle with an arrow in it, click that. It should take you back to a screen where you can choose the Gmail account. Once logged in there, you can use User Accounts to delete the Hotmail account and files.

If you have any files saved under the Hotmail account you need to move them to the Gmail account before deleting it.
 

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
To follow up- right swipe for charms bar/Settings/Change pc Settings (at bottom)/Accounts will take you to the screens below (click thumbsnail for full screen). Your gmail account will be the new Local Account. Heed the warning that whatever you have on OneDrive or Mail app will be deleted if you delete the hotmail account, so move them over to the new account. Also, you'll need to re-enable the hotmail account to download new Metro apps from the Store or re-install any that you un-install. . As posted before, there is no shame in using Classic Shell to transition over. You can always disable the features, as you get used to the new OS

 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1

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
Thanks so much to everyone. I have followed your instructions and now have everything working on my correct email address. Could not have done this without this site's help.

Kind Regards
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion K0Y50EA
    Memory
    4GB
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    AVG Premium
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