Warning: Beware of Windows 8!

10 years ago

I realize this is off somewhat topic but it could affect your GardenWeb activity.

I have been away for a week. That's how long it has taken me to reach the first steps of recovery from my "upgrade" from XP to Windows 8. While Microsoft does provide some preliminary information telling you about the compatibility of your hardware and software it fails to mention that most of the compatible stuff will be erased or hidden. All of my bookmarks and most of my desktop is gone. Even Microsoft Office Suite is gone.

The responses from their help is limited to instructions to open an account so I can access their store.

I know its my fault. I shouldn't have trusted them.

If you are being bombarded by frightening Microsoft messages concerning your XP usage, make sure you fully research the upgrade before you act.

Comments (5)

sunnywood4bChazyNY
10 years ago
I have a good computer man,that told me not to upgrade to Windows 8 unless I need a new computer . He said that even though Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows XP that it is O K to use XP as long as I maintain antivirus software.
Babka NorCal 9b
10 years ago
We have 8.1 and have no problem. There have been several OS upgrades since XP (Vista, Windows 7, and 8, and 8.1) So you are making a BIG leap. But if you don't get the new OS, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to hack attacks for which there will be no fixes supported by Microsoft. Best to always back up (flash drive or DVD) those files you cannot live without.

-Babka

Here is a link that might be useful: Here is more info from PC World

This post was edited by Babka on Mon, Apr 14, 14 at 13:37
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bkay2000
10 years ago
I have that on my laptop. It's awful. It was written for a phone. You are supposed to swipe it to naviagate, but don't have a touch screen. It was a bad idea all around. Only Microsoft, AT&T or the government could prosper with such poor products and service.

It's so bad that Toshiba offered to walk me through installing Windows 7 and provide all the drivers (I had to buy Windows 7). One of the guys who works for me installed a start menu, which really helped. I did not change to Windows 7. I also rarely use that computer.

bk
Babka NorCal 9b
10 years ago
Oh, Bkay, I am here to save the day! There is an app that will allow you to have the old start menu. It's cheap, something like $5 but it works perfectly. Technology is heading toward a mouse-less society, and Win.8 is headed for the touch screen tablets and phones. I forgot already that we found this wonderful app to make our mousey lives easier. End the frustration!

-Babka

Here is a link that might be useful: cnet's info and review of Start 8.
harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania
Original Author
10 years ago
Babka,
I am not complaining about the nature of the software. My point is that a pop-up message appeared every 10 minutes warning you that your system is in danger and you must take immediate action. Microsoft never informed me that almost everything on my computer will be either lost or hidden. They also failed to mention that since every XP user was given the same drop-dead date, that it would be impossible for them to keep up with all the phone traffic to their help line. No one answers, not even a machine!