Articles tagged: Windows 8
SFC: the System File Checker – How to Run It and Why
The System File Checker is a little-known, simple-to-run command-line program. It validates that Window’s operating files are undamaged.
The Start Button Is Missing and There’s No Taskbar. What Do I Do?
Taskbar and Start button disappeared? We’ll look at solutions for several reasons why this might happen.
How to Get File Explorer to Display Details by Default
Windows File Explorer defaults to a simple view of files on your machine that isn’t secure. Changes these settings as soon as you can.
Why is Windows Complaining About Unsupported Hardware?
Unsupported hardware because the CPU is too new? It’s a scenario some users of older Windows versions can experience. There are a couple of solutions.
Where Can I Download Windows 11? Or 10? Or 8?
You can download Windows versions 8.1, 10, and 11 from legitimate sources. If you have a legal retail product key, this could be your replacement media.
Open-Shell: Regain Your Start Menu in Windows and Much More
The single biggest complaint about Windows 8 and 10 is the tiled Start menu. Don’t like it? There’s an app for that.
How Do I Move the Taskbar Back to the Bottom?
Occasionally, the Windows taskbar can end up on either side (or even the top of) your screen. I’ll show you how to move the taskbar bar back to the bottom.
How Do I Downgrade from Windows 8 or 10 to Windows 7?
Downgrading isn’t as easy as you might think. Simple, perhaps, but not easy. So let’s look at an alternative.
Four Ways to Go Back to Windows 7 or 8 from Windows 10
Windows 10 is here. If, after trying it, you find yourself wanting to go back to Windows 7, there are a few approaches.
How Do I See the Results of a CHKDSK that Ran on Boot?
CHKDSK must sometimes be run at boot time. When done, its displayed messages disappear. I’ll show you where to find those CHKDSK results again.
If You Hated Windows 8 … Give Windows 10 a Chance
Many seem to be forming opinions on Windows 10 without having seen it, based solely on their (often limited) experience with Windows 8. That’s just wrong.
Windows 8 Backup: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Windows 8.1 changed its included backup program. A tiny bit for the better, and a lot for the worse. I wrote a book on Windows 8.1 backup, but I’d rather you did something else.
What do I do if my system asks for a installation disk and I don’t have one?
Computers are being sold without recovery media fairly often. That can create difficulties if you run into major problems.
How do I change the Windows 8 lock screen background? (with Video)
Changing the background image of the Windows 8 lock screen is relatively easy, though it does require a short trip into the registry.
How Do I Get the Required Windows 8.1 Update?
I received a question that pointed me to an article on a reputable mainstream press site discussing the Windows 8.1 Update that Microsoft recently rolled out. The update will become the new baseline for Windows 8 and within a month or so, it’ll be required in order to receive continued updates. Their article’s headline compared getting the … Read more
Why Are Touch Screen Monitors so Much More Vivid?
Touch screens are normal screens with touch detection built in. There’s no obvious reason it would be brighter, but I have a few thoughts.
Can I ignore Windows 8.1 and stick with Windows 8?
My belief is that you probably want 8.1. Not for any features per se – but I think you’re going to want 8.1 or 8.2 or whatever comes later… someday.
How can I track what programs come and go on my machine?
Windows is constantly starting and stopping programs as part of its normal operations. You can see exactly what programs are being run using a Windows technique called process auditing.
Why are applications and operating systems hiding so much these days?
A lot of thought really does go into decisions around feature design. You may think it’s silly, but you have to look at the big picture.
Should I wait for the next edition of Windows?
Windows 8.1 should respond to some of the issues that people expressed having with Windows 8, though not all of them. Your choice of how, when and what to upgrade may have more to do with hardware than with software versions.
Why do I get script error messages in Windows 8 and not prior versions of Windows?
The tiled browser seems to be a different version of Internet Explorer. From what I can tell, it has reduced features and is less functional when compared with the normal Internet Explorer.
Should I upgrade to Windows 8?
Windows 8 has been released and I’m getting the question at a slowly increasing pace: should I get it? I’ll detail my current thinking on Windows 8 and whether or not its worth upgrading.
