Several problems with Windows 8.1. Should I reinstall?

CritterCreek

Member
Member
Messages
43
I'm perplexed! Three weeks ago I bought a new laptop (Toshiba Satellite 15) and had it set up by Staples. They installed Windows 8.1. Over several days I was able to tweak the OS it into a usable state.

. . . but the laptop itself didn't work out. I exchanged it for an HP 14 n028US and ordered the same installation from Staples. Since 8.1 wasn't available in the Windows store, Staples loaded it from a flash drive they had. This time I'm noticing problems that weren't present on the Toshiba with the same W8.1:

1) Frequent IE crashes and inability to load web pages (long-running script or hang error).
2) Unable to install HP Laser Jet 1020 printer. It installed easily on the Toshiba.
3) When I increase the size of desktop icons to medium, the mouse wheel no longer works to increase text size in Windows Live Mail. I can have the mouse function or larger desktop icons, but not both.
4) When pasting from the internet into Windows Live Mail, there is a very long delay.

Why would there be this difference between the Toshiba and the HP laptops, after installing the same OS? Does this sound like a problem with the laptop or with the OS?

Should I try to solve each individual problem, or reinstall Windows 8.1? I've search for solutions for the above problems and haven't found any. I have a LOW level of technical ability. I'm reluctant to do a reinstall at Staples because I've already lost a lot of work (=money) dealing with these problems.
 
I would check that all the latest drivers were installed from the HP Support download site. Insure your getting 8.1 drivers if available some hardware requires 8.1 drivers to work correctly.
 
I would check that all the latest drivers were installed from the HP Support download site. Insure your getting 8.1 drivers if available some hardware requires 8.1 drivers to work correctly.

Are you referring specifically to the printer? I downloaded the driver from HP and it doesn't work. This has been reported by other users with Windows 8.1, but it did work on my Toshiba.
 
I would check that all the latest drivers were installed from the HP Support download site. Insure your getting 8.1 drivers if available some hardware requires 8.1 drivers to work correctly.

Are you referring specifically to the printer? I downloaded the driver from HP and it doesn't work. This has been reported by other users with Windows 8.1, but it did work on my Toshiba.

I have no idea about that particular printer drivers the manufacture should have a solution. If updating all your divers Chipset, IRST if your running a SSD and IME. Video, audio, any special drivers for your particular Unit. If that doesn't fix you. At least you will have these downloaded and ready to install with your Clean install of the OS
 
If updating all your divers Chipset, IRST if your running a SSD and IME. Video, audio, any special drivers for your particular Unit.

Sorry, I don't have the technical knowledge to understand any of that.
 
If updating all your divers Chipset, IRST if your running a SSD and IME. Video, audio, any special drivers for your particular Unit.

Sorry, I don't have the technical knowledge to understand any of that.

Then you would be at the mercy of a Repair station I would recommend that you find one that is certified to work on your particular brand name computer and has a good reputation.

Staples or where every they upgraded you to 8.1 should warranty there work? Upgrading your drivers to work with a new OS would be part of the upgrade process. Your printer may or may not work under 8.1 or there may be a 8.1 driver released for it? printer install would not be part of the OS upgrade process.
 
If it is an old HP printer , you might find the Vista drivers work.

I have them if you need.
 
I get prompted from time to time, urging me to install Windows 8.1.
I am satisfied with the way Windows 8 is working for me, so I am hesitant to fix it if it aint broke.
What are some driving reasons to download and install Windows 8.1?
 
I'm perplexed! Three weeks ago I bought a new laptop (Toshiba Satellite 15) and had it set up by Staples. They installed Windows 8.1. Over several days I was able to tweak the OS it into a usable state.

. . . but the laptop itself didn't work out. I exchanged it for an HP 14 n028US and ordered the same installation from Staples. Since 8.1 wasn't available in the Windows store, Staples loaded it from a flash drive they had. This time I'm noticing problems that weren't present on the Toshiba with the same W8.1.

I'd be wondering why 8.1 wasn't available from the store. Sounds like they didn't even run Windows update. I'd want to know what they did from the thumb drive? Have you created your recovery media? If they did a clean install you may not be able to. Did they keep said thumb drive?
 
Back
Top