Nervous about attmpting Win. 8.1 upgrade

edythe

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Hi - currently Win 8 on a PC... I'm not saying i did the rght thing but I have updates set to 'notify me-then i'll choose what to install ''because when checking on a KB update i saw that it would allow Win.8.1 to be installed automatically. I have not visited the 'Store' recently to see if i'm eligible for the download to 8.1 but last trip to Store, months back, i was.
question 1: must i have the pre-requisite KB's that Microsoft tried to install as 'updates' in place before updating from Store?;
question 2: When will Microsoft stop supporting Win 8 totally (or in part)....
question 3: should i do any pre-install 'maintenance' i.e. error ck/disk clean/defrag/a-v scan, etc before upgrading to Win.8.1
I read of unsuccessful attempts on ''boards' to do the Upgrade to 8.1.and not being computer-savy ...i don't even know how to get to Administrator selection or get to the 'safe mode' ! - i am the owner/only user and listed as ''administrator'' when retailer did the set-up for me after i bought this compter .... if that means anything insofar as the upgrading to 8.1. bottom line - i dread doing this - LOL
thanks in advance for any help.... Edythe
 

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i am the owner/only user and listed as ''administrator''

Right, but you're not the actual Administrator -- as that is a hidden account; instead, you're a general user with some elevated rights.

Best thing you can do right now is make an image backup of what you have to an external drive or large USB stick. Recommend using Macrium Reflect and, after you have made the backup, create the Boot CD/USB -- as you would need that to restore from the backup, if that becomes necessary.
 

My Computer

My understanding is the default account is an administrator, unless you set it as Standard. Its a member of that group. It's just subject to UAC restrictions. The full hidden system administrator account isn't subject to any UAC restrictions. I'm shown as Administrator on my Windows 8 PC's.
 

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i am the owner/only user and listed as ''administrator''
Right, but you're not the actual Administrator -- as that is a hidden account; instead, you're a general user with some elevated rights.

Best thing you can do right now is make an image backup of what you have to an external drive or large USB stick. Recommend using Macrium Reflect and, after you have made the backup, create the Boot CD/USB -- as you would need that to restore from the backup, if that becomes necessary.
----------------------------------------------
I have the USB 'stick' for backup that i made when i bought the computer...my main concern since i don't have things i can't life without are the other questions listed in O.P. above .. thanks anyway.
 

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System One

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    Windows 8 (plain '8')
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My understanding is the default account is an administrator, unless you set it as Standard. Its a member of that group. It's just subject to UAC restrictions. The full hidden system administrator account isn't subject to any UAC restrictions. I'm shown as Administrator on my Windows 8 PC's.
----------------------
I'm fine insofar as 'administrator' situations - i wanted to know answers to what i originally posted insofar as 'what' to do prior to updating to 8.1 thanks anyway
 

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System One

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Question 1: All Windows Updates must be installed before installing Windows 8.1

Question 2: HP Support Worldwide

Question 3: No pre-install maintenance required unless you have a problem.

The above are normal situations.
 

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System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
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    Pavillion H8-1202
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    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
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    PEGATRON
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    8 GB
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Question 1: All Windows Updates must be installed before installing Windows 8.1

Question 2: HP Support Worldwide

Question 3: No pre-install maintenance required unless you have a problem.

The above are normal situations.
------------------------------
THANKS so much for replying !!!! how do i get the required updates prior to trying to install/update to 8.1? right now i'm set to ...''download but let me choose which updates to install''....On one group of updates i had gotten KB2973544 offered which would have allowed Windows to auto -install 8.1 without informing me...so i never installed that one ...Also i put it and some others under ''hidden' but now when i went to retrieve them, they're gone from the 'hidden' area....so, i don't know besides 'that' one, which others i need. When i get the reminder 'banner' to install 8.1 -if i click o.k. or even go to the Store if im missing any pre-requisite updates inorder to load 8.1 will they be offered? or will i just get a 'rejection' on the upgrade to 8.1 ?... i have read unhappy people with installations not working after updating to 8.1 so i imagine the worst happening ! LOL - if 'it's' going to happen, it will happen to me ! i know nothing about computers so it doesn't take much to rattle me ! thanks again ! Edythe
 

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How many updates are there to install?
 

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System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
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    Pavillion H8-1202
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    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
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    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
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    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
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    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
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    1920X1080 32 bit color
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    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
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    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
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How many updates are there to install?

don't know !! found article below based on current 'hidden' update that i havaen't installed which is KB3008273 -below is it's descriptionb 3008273 under ''hidden' updates - didn't install it - it allows Win. 8..1 to be installed automaticallly as long as i have 2871389 installed - (below is what i'm copying from ) ...but i can't find 2871389 as installed on my computer but it's also not sitting under 'hidden' (updates)
This article describes an update that enables Windows RT to update to Windows RT 8.1, and that enables Window 8 to update to Windows 8.1. See the
prerequisites before you install the update.If you have Automatic Updates enabled on a computer that has update 2871389 installed, this update enables an automatic Windows 8.1 upgrade.
Trust me - i haven't a clue as what i'm doing because i can't find the required 2871389 (above) installed or what i should 'do' to update to 8.1 ...maybe if i click on the next 'banner pop-up' & click install i will get the prerequisites ? i'm at a loss ...






 

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System One

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I am not talking about hidden updates. When you go to Windows Update in the Control Panel and then Check for updates, how many are there?
 

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System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
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    Pavillion H8-1202
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    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
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    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
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    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
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    1920X1080 32 bit color
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I am not talking about hidden updates. When you go to Windows Update in the Control Panel and then Check for updates, how many are there?
---------------------
the hidden update allows auto update to 8.1 - i wasn't ready so i didn't allow it to install ....today i had 10...all regarding 'security' plus ''net-frame; flash-player & removal-tool - as of tonite no more to download - just the 10 day ... no more ...but i don't have the other two 'pre-requistes' i listed above ...wish i could offer more information but that's all i have .. hopefully when i try to update to 8.1 it will install the necessary 'prerequisits' ... this is getting overwhelming for me - LOL - sorry - i appreciate you trying to help.
 

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Install those 10 updates, reboot when requested then check for updates again. If there are no more updates then you can update to Windows 8.1 either through Windows Update or through the Store.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
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    Pavillion H8-1202
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    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
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    1920X1080 32 bit color
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Install those 10 updates, reboot when requested then check for updates again. If there are no more updates then you can update to Windows 8.1 either through Windows Update or through the Store.
---------------------------------------
just checked for any more updates - there are none ...so are you saying that even tho a 'prerequsite (sp) is sitting 'hidden' i should let it 'stay' there because when i go to the 'store' and click to upgrade that 'any' required updates i don't have to allow the update to work will be included in the 'download' to 8.1 ? thanks again....PS - went to 'store' - Win Update to 8.1 'AP' is no longer available !
 

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System One

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Either unhide the update and install or go through the Store.
 

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System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
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Either unhide the update and install or go through the Store.
well, the store no longer offers me (on my computer) the update to 8.1....are you saying if i 'install' the hidden update (that allows for 'auto install of win 8.1)...that's all i have to do to get 8.1 -what happened to the store-offer of it - wow my head is spinning.
 

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Install the hidden update, that's all you have to do. It no longer appears in the Store because it is in the Updates ready to go. Grab a cup of coffee then do it.
 

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System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
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    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
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    1920X1080 32 bit color
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    Logitech M510
Install the hidden update, that's all you have to do. It no longer appears in the Store because it is in the Updates ready to go. Grab a cup of coffee then do it.
-------------------------
ah now i understand ... well it's late where i live - i'm calling it a night - i won't 'cope' if anything goes wrong tonite, nor will i sleep if anything goes wrong ! - so i'll do this tomorrow but i understand what your saying now ...i'm sure i'm making a mountain out of a molehill ... but as i said earlier i'm reading about many frustrated people with unsuccessful attempts at 8/1///and a computer that will no longer work after trying to do this update... you've been very gracious and patient and i think you so very much ! Edythe
 

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    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
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I just went to windows Update & got all the available updates.

Then went to the store & downloaded 8.1 Pro & installed it.

Simple as pie. :)

Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8 - Windows Help

The one update i have 'hidden' would install 8.1 (so i was told) ...it's kb 3008273. At time i rec'd this i wasnt sure i wanted to attempt the 8.1 upgrade.... as posted above your reply it was suggested i install this
"hidden" (my choice) update and let it do its job which according to it's description, would auto install 8.1.
Also, earlier today, i couldn't find 8.1 in Store - now it's appearing there and also when i clicked on your above 'link' a banner appeared at the bottom to go ahead and install win 8... Bottom line question is if i click for the 8.1 update (above) if im missing any other required updates will that be taken care of automatically and the udate to 8.1 will start ?
Also it is stated under 'help' to turn-off my Internet Security Program...i was under impression that is a dangerous step since my PC would be vulnerable . (i know i have lots of questions)
 

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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
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