windows 8 mysteries and misconceptions explained
TRANSCRIPT
1
"WINDOWS 8" MYSTERIES
AND MISCONCEPTIONS
EXPLAINED
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
"Windows 8" is the most
mysterious and misconception-
prone version of "Windows.."
yet, so here are some hype-
busting facts to help you
benefit from the enhancements
in this new-fangled operating
system.
5
TOPICS
• Mystery: The 5 uniquely-
different boxes for "Windows 8"
all contain the same two DVDs
inside.
• Mystery: The 5 uniquely-
different boxes for "Windows 8
Pro" all contain the same two
DVDs inside.
6
TOPICS
• Misconception: "Windows 8 Pro
Pack" can be used to upgrade
"Windows XP", "Windows
Vista", and "Windows 7".
7
TOPICS
• Mystery: The "Windows 8 Pro
Pack" does not explain that
"Windows Media Center" is a
separate purchase.
8
TOPICS
• Misconception: You have to use
the new "Start" screen.
• Misconception: You have to run
"Start" screen apps
(="Windows Store apps"
= "Metro Style apps") in the
"Start" screen of "Windows 8",
instead of the "Desktop".
9
TOPICS
• Misconception: "Windows 8"
forces you to use your
"Hotmail" or "Live Mail"
account as your login to
"Windows 8.."
10
TOPICS (continued)
• Misconception: There is no
free trial or evaluation offered
for "Windows 8", you have to
buy an activation key in order
to install "Windows 8".
11
TOPICS (continued)
• Misconception: "Windows 8" has
the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7".
• Mystery: the free "Windows 8
Enterprise Evaluation"
downloads as a hidden .ISO file!
12
TOPICS (continued)
• Misconception: There is no
"Adobe Flash" player in the
"Start screen" ("Metro") version
of "Internet Explorer 10".
13
TOPICS (continued)• Mystery: For the "Start screen"
("Metro") version of "Internet
Explorer 10" (="Immersive IE"), you
can right-click in non-hyperlinked
space in most Web pages to bring
up the upper and lower "App bars".
However, on some Web pages, you
have to right-click on the top edge
to bring up the two "App bars".
14
TOPICS (continued)
• Mystery: For the "Start
screen" ("Metro") version of
"Internet Explorer 10"
(="Immersive IE"), you get a
one-second display of the top
"App bar" when a hyperlink
opens a new
16
TOPICS (continued)• Mystery: Switching between the
32-bit and 64-bit versions of
"Internet Explorer 10" ("IE10")
• Mystery: When using the
desktop version of "IE10", you
sometimes have to click on the
compatibility button three times
before Web sites such as
apcug.org work right
17
TOPICS (continued)
• Misconception: Computer
manufacturers have hidden the
"Certificate of Authenticity" label
inside "Windows 8" computers.
18
TOPICS (continued)• Misconception: the "OEM
System Builder" versions of
"Windows 8" are only allowed for
"system builders".
• Misconception: you have to go
through the login screen
whenever you power up a
"Windows 8" computer
20
TOPICS (continued)
• Misconception: "Windows
Backup and Restore" is missing
• Misconception: You cannot
make tiles that point to data files
and digital photos in "Windows
8.."
21
TOPICS (continued)• Mystery: Upgrading from the
"Windows 8" edition of
"Windows 8" might break the
manufacturer-specific part of the
"Windows Store".
22
TOPICS (continued)
• Mystery: When it is running
inside a VMware virtual
machine, "Windows 8" is
duped into "seeing" a virtual
"Solid State Drive", even when
the host computer only has a
mechanical hard drive.
23
TOPICS (continued)
• Mystery: "Windows 8" has
a higher "Windows
Experience Index" when it
is running in a VMware
virtual machine relative to
a host computer.
24
TOPICS (continued)• Mystery: The "Windows" key,
when pressed by itself, changes
its function depending on where
you have been inside your
computer and what is currently
running.
25
TOPICS (continued)
• Misconception: When a
"Storage Spaces" pool of
hard drives fails, it cannot
be repaired because no
software utility programs
are available.
26
TOPICS (continued)
• Mystery:
The hardware configuration of
your USB 3 ports greatly affects
the reliability of Storage Spaces"
composed of "Drive Pools"
consisting entirely of external
hard drives.
28
Mystery: The naming of "Windows 8"
edition of "Windows 8" is confusing
Four Editions of "Windows
8":
o "Windows 8"
o "Windows 8 Pro"
o "Windows RT"
o "Windows 8 Enterprise"
29
Mystery: The naming of "Windows 8" edition
of "Windows 8" is confusing (continued)o "Windows 8" (edition with fewest features)
o "Windows 8 Pro" (has "Hyper-V", can add
in "Windows Media Center" for +$10)
o "Windows RT" (for tablets with ARM
processor, has "Desktop" but you cannot
install non-Microsoft software into it)
o "Windows 8 Enterprise" (has "Hyper-V",
cannot add in "Windows Media Center", has
"Windows To Go", not available at retail, for
volume sales to organizations, free
evaluation available for everyone!)
30
Mystery: The naming of "Windows 8" edition
of "Windows 8" is confusing (continued)
For the details of the differences
between the 4 editions of "Windows
8.." see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_
8_editions
and http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/blog
gingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announc
ing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx
31
Windows 8 (Product Name)
Windows RT
(edition)
(Full version preloaded by manufacturer of tablet.
Runs only on ARM processors.)
Windows 8
(edition)· Windows 8 upgrade box with
32-bit and 64-bit installation
DVDs (not available yet)
· Windows 8 OEM System
Builder 32-bit (full version)
· Windows 8 OEM System
Builder 64-bit (full version)
Windows 8 Pro (edition) · Windows 8 Pro upgrade box with 32-bit
and 64-bit installation DVDs
· Windows 8 Pro upgrade download with
either 32-bit or 64-bit
· Windows 8 Pro OEM System Builder
32-bit (full version purchased as
download or installation DVD)
· Windows 8 Pro OEM System Builder 64-
bit (full version)
Windows 8 Enterprise
(edition) · Windows 8 Enterprise 32-bit RTM
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit RTM
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation 32-bit
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation 64-bit
(full version)
32
Mystery: The naming of "Windows 8" edition
of "Windows 8" is confusing (continued)
For the details of the differences
between the 4 editions of "Windows
8.." see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_
8_editions
and http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/blog
gingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announc
ing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx
34
Mystery: The naming of "Windows 8" edition
of "Windows 8" is confusing (continued)
Source for the previous
diagram:
https://partner.microsoft.com/d
ownload/global/40188813
37
" Windows RT"
edition of
"Windows 8.."
" Windows 8 Enterprise"
edition of
"Windows 8.."$140
$140
$100
$99
$200
$112
$120
$10
38
Mystery: The naming of "Windows 8" edition of
"Windows 8" is confusing (continued).
o When a paper or online
advertisement states that a
computer has "Windows
8", it means that it has the
"Windows 8" edition of the
"Windows 8" operating
system.
39
Mystery: The naming of "Windows 8" edition of
"Windows 8" is confusing (continued).
o This gives sales personnel an
opportunity to "upsell" you by
either selling you a copy of the
"Windows 8 Pro Pack" or talking
you into obtaining the services of
the in-store technician staff to
upgrade your new computer from
the "Windows 8" edition to the
"Windows 8 Pro" edition.
40
Mystery: The 5 uniquely-
different boxes for the
"Windows 8" edition of
"Windows 8" all contain the
same two DVDs inside.
41
Mypstery: The 5 uniquely-different boxes for the
"Windows 8" edition of "Windows 8" all contain
the same two DVDs inside.
o Each of the 5 unique boxes
has a unique Microsoft
product number on the top.
o Each of the 5 unique boxes
has the same UPC code of
(00)885370395013
57
Mypstery: The 5 uniquely-different boxes for the
"Windows 8" edition of "Windows 8" all contain
the same two DVDs inside.
o When "Windows 8.." was first released
in October 2012, "Costco" sold all 5
box configurations of "Windows 8 Pro
upgrade" but they did not sell any
configuration of "Windows 8 upgrade".
o Since February of 2013, "Costco" now
only sells one of the 5 uniquely-
different boxes of "Windows
8..upgrade":
60
Mystery: The 5 uniquely-
different boxes for the
"Windows 8 Pro" edition of
"Windows 8" all contain the
same two DVDs inside
61
Mypstery: The 5 uniquely-different boxes for the
"Windows 8 Pro" edition of "Windows 8" all
contain the same two DVDs inside.
o The 5 uniquely-different boxes
for "Windows 8 Pro" use the
same art themes as the
"Windows 8" edition but the
"Windows 8 Pro" boxes use
gray background background
instead of a white one.
62
Mypstery: The 5 uniquely-different boxes for the
"Windows 8 Pro" edition of "Windows 8" all
contain the same two DVDs inside.
o Each of the 5 unique boxes
has a unique Microsoft
product number on the top.
o Each of the 5 unique boxes
has the same UPC code of
(00)885370395143
79
Misconception: The
"Windows 8 Pro Pack"
can be used to
upgrade "Windows
XP", "Windows Vista",
or "Windows 7"
80
Misconception: The "Windows 8 Pro Pack" can
be used to upgrade "Windows XP", "Windows
Vista", or "Windows 7"
o The "Windows 8 Pro Pack" is
only capable upgrading from
the "Windows 8" edition of
"Windows 8" to the
"Windows 8 Pro" edition of
"Windows 8".
84
Computer without existing copy of “Windows
XP SP3”, “Windows Vista” or “Windows 7”,
“Windows 7 Enterprise Evaluation”, or
“Windows 8 Release Preview”
Computer with existing copy of
“Windows XP” , “Windows Vista”, or
“Windows 7”, or “Windows 7 Enterprise
Evaluation”, or “Windows 8 Release
Preview”
“Windows 8"
edition of
“Windows 8..”
“Windows 8
Pro"
“Windows 8
Pro with Media
Center"
“Windows 8 64-bit
OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use
License
or
OEM System Builder
License)
“Windows 8 Pro 64-
bit OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use
License
Or
OEM System Builder
License)
“Windows 8”
(upgrade per fine
print on box)
(Microsoft Software
License Agreement)
(both 32-bit and 64-
bit DVD or executable
installation files)
“Windows 8
Pro Pack”
“Windows 8
Media Center
Pack”
(free until Jan.
31, 2013)
“Windows 8 32-bit
OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use
License
or
OEM System Builder
License)
“Windows 8 Pro 32-
bit OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use License
or
OEM System Builder
License)
64-bit
or 32-bit
64-bit
or 32-bit
64-bit processor
64-bit processor
32-bit
processor
32-bit
processor
“Windows 8 Pro”
(upgrade per fine
print on box)
(Microsoft Software
License Agreement)
(both 32-bit and 64-
bit DVD or executable
installation files)
85
Windows 8 (Product Name)
Windows 8 RT
(edition)
(Full version preloaded by manufacturer of tablet.
Runs only on ARM processors.)
Windows 8
(edition)· Windows 8 upgrade box with
32-bit and 64-bit installation
DVDs (not available yet)
· Windows 8 OEM System
Builder 32-bit (full version)
· Windows 8 OEM System
Builder 64-bit (full version)
Windows 8 Pro (edition) · Windows 8 Pro upgrade box with 32-bit
and 64-bit installation DVDs
· Windows 8 Pro upgrade download with
either 32-bit or 64-bit
· Windows 8 Pro OEM System Builder
32-bit (full version purchased as
download or installation DVD)
· Windows 8 Pro OEM System Builder 64-
bit (full version)
Windows 8 Enterprise
(edition) · Windows 8 Enterprise 32-bit RTM
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit RTM
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation 32-bit
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation 64-bit
(full version)
86
Windows 8 (Product Name)
Windows 8 RT
(edition)
(Full version preloaded by manufacturer of tablet.
Runs only on ARM processors.)
Windows 8
(edition)· Windows 8 upgrade box with
32-bit and 64-bit installation
DVDs (not available yet)
· Windows 8 OEM System
Builder 32-bit (full version)
· Windows 8 OEM System
Builder 64-bit (full version)
Windows 8 Pro (edition) · Windows 8 Pro upgrade box with 32-bit
and 64-bit installation DVDs
· Windows 8 Pro upgrade download with
either 32-bit or 64-bit
· Windows 8 Pro OEM System Builder
32-bit (full version purchased as
download or installation DVD)
· Windows 8 Pro OEM System Builder 64-
bit (full version)
Windows 8 Enterprise
(edition) · Windows 8 Enterprise 32-bit RTM
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit RTM
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation 32-bit
(full version)
· Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation 64-bit
(full version)
Windows 8 Pro Pack
upgrades from
"Windows 8" edition to
"Windows 8 Pro" edition
87
Misconception: The "Windows 8 Pro Pack" can
be used to upgrade "Windows XP", "Windows
Vista", or "Windows 7" (continued)
When you buy the "Windows 8 Pro Pack",
you are buying a 27 alphanumeric
character PIN. You then go to a special
Web site to convert it to a 25-character
product key for upgrading "Windows 8" to
"Windows 8 Pro". See
https://windowspropack8.getmicrosoftkey.c
om/Home/SupportFAQ
88
Misconception: The "Windows 8 Pro Pack" can
be used to upgrade "Windows XP", "Windows
Vista", or "Windows 7" (continued)
For the details of the
differences between the
4 editions of "Windows 8.."
see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Windows_8_editions
89
Mystery: The
"Windows 8 Pro Pack"
box fails to explain that
"Windows Media
Center" is a separate
purchase.
90
Mystery: "Windows 8 Pro Pack" box fails to
explain that "Windows Media Center" is a
separate purchase.
o The prose on the front of the
"Windows 8 Pro Pack" box
implies that "Windows Media
Center" is part of "Windows 8
Pro Pack":
96
Misconception: You have to use the
new "Start" screen
Some folks mistakenly think that you
are stuck here in "Windows 8":
97
Misconception: You have to use the
new "Start" screen (continued)
• There are at least 50 ways to make
"Windows 8" automatically go the the
legacy "Desktop" when you power up
your computer. Here are our favorite 2
ways:
o Use the "Send Desktop" software utility
that is described at
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-boot-
desktop-windows-8-skip-start-screen
98
Misconception: You have to use the
new "Start" screen (continued)
o Create an .scf script as detailed at
http://www.howtogeek.com/108349/how-
to-boot-to-the-desktop-skip-metro-in-
windows-8/ and
http://windows8installation.com/windows-
8-installation/booting-straight-into-your-
windows-8-desktop/
and
http://windows8.iyogi.com/news/you-can-
boot-directly-to-the-desktop-version-of-
windows-8.html
99
Misconception: You have to use the
new "Start" screen (continued)
• You can use our "Windows 8 Care
Package" to put useful shortcuts onto
the legacy Desktop:
Go to
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhards
ig/win8/CarePackage/CarePackagefor
Windows8-2013-01-22.zip
and save the .zip file to your Desktop.
Then double-click on it.
102
Misconception: You have to use the
new "Start" screen (continued)
• You can use the "Power User's
Context Menu" (to get access to the
maintenance functions that you used
to access via the "Start" button) by
hovering the mouse cursor over the
lower left-hand corner of the monitor
screen until a thumbnail pops up.
Then use the RIGHT mouse button
to click once.
106
Misconception: You have to use the
new "Start" screen (continued)• For the Taskbar of the legacy
Desktop of "Windows 8", you can
make pop-up toolbars that perform
all functions of the former "Start"
button. See our detailed step-by-
step instructions at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winh
ardsig/win8/win8-
makingDesktopuseful.pdf
107
Misconception: You have to use the
new "Start" screen (continued)• You can add back in a Start button and
Start Menu by installing a free or not-
free software utility. See
http://www.extremetech.com/computing/
141702-how-to-bring-the-start-menu-
and-button-back-to-windows-8
and
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-
57543008-292/win8-startbutton-gets-
your-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/
108
Misconception: You have to
run "Start" screen apps
(="Windows Store apps"
= "Metro Style apps") in the
"Start" screen of "Windows
8", instead of the "Desktop".
109
Misconception: You have to run "Start" Screen
apps in the "Start" screen (continued)
• You can run "Start" screen apps
in the "Desktop" of "Windows 8"
by installing the "ModernMix"
software program.
See
http://www.stardock.com/produc
ts/modernmix/index.asp
110
Misconception: "Windows
8" forces you to use your
"Hotmail" or "Live Mail"
account as your login to
"Windows 8.."
111
Misconception: The installation process of
"Windows 8" forces you to use your "Hotmail" or
"Live Mail" account as your login to "Windows 8.."
• Eventually you might want to log into
"Windows 8" with your "Microsoft
account" in order go get the great
integration features with Skydrive,
Hotmail, etc. However, when you first
install "Windows 8..", we recommend
that you do the following to create a
"local" account for "Windows 8.."
112
Misconception: The installation process of "Windows 8"
forces you to use your "Hotmail" or "Live Mail" account
as your login to "Windows 8.." (continued)
• To install "Windows 8" so that
you have a local user account,
please see our how-to
document at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/w
inhardsig/win8/win8-
installinglocal.pdf
113
Misconception: There is no
free trial or evaluation
offered for "Windows 8", you
have to buy an activation
key in order to install
"Windows 8".
114
Misconception: No free trial evaluation
of "Windows 8"..
• You can download and run the totally-
free "Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation".
• See our detailed how-to called
Installing and Using the Free
"Windows 8 Enterprise
Evaluation"
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
116
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• According Microsoft's Website:
117
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• Many bloggers and
discussion group participants
have stated that the actual
minimum requirement for
RAM for the 32-bit version of
"Windows 8.." is 2 Gigabytes
118
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued).
• Paul Thurrott stated that the 1 Gigabyte
minimum requirement for RAM for the
32-bit version of "Windows 8.." and the
2 Gigabyte minimum requirement for
RAM for the 64-bit version of "Windows
8.." is "ludicrous".
See http://www.winsupersite.com/blog/supersite-
blog-39/windows8/thoughts-windows-8-
system-recommendations-142457
120
• September 13, 2011:
"Windows 8 Developer Preview"
(This free "Preview" had the same
hardware requirements as "Windows 7".
Easy to install into old "Pentium 4"
computers.)
• February 29, 2012:
"Windows 8 Consumer Preview"
(This free "Preview" had the same
hardware requirements as "Windows 7".
We were able to install it into our old
"Pentium 4" computers.)
121
• May 31, 2012:
"Windows 8 Release Preview"
(With this free Preview release, Microsoft
toughened up hardware requirements for
running "Windows 8"!)
• August 15, 2012:
"Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation"
(The currently-available free version of
"Windows 8" has toughened up hardware
requirements!)
• October 26, 2012:
General availability of "Window 8 RTM"
(Has toughened up hardware requirements!)
122
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
With the third and final publicly-available
"Windows 8 Release Preview" and all
production "RTM" versions of
"Windows 8" including the free
"Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation",
Microsoft made the hardware
requirements more stringent: All of these
versions of "Windows 8" require a
processor with PAE, NX, and SSE2.
123
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• Prior to installing "Windows 8.." you can
test the target computer's processor
with the Microsoft's free "Coreinfo"
software program.
• See
How to Determine If Your Older
"Pentium 4" Computer Can Run
"Windows 8":
PowerPoint .PPT format
Adobe .PDF format
124
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• You can also use Mirosoft's "Upgrade
Assistant" at
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-
us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8
to determine If your older "Pentium 4"
computer can run "Windows 8".
However it will probably provide you
with misleading information about the
incompability of some of your existing
hardware and software.
125
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• You can also test your old
Pentium 4 computer for
compability with "Windows 8" by
attempting to install the free
"Windows 8 Enterprise
Evaluation" as described in
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/w
inhardsig/win8/win8enteval.pdf
126
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• One person with a Pentium 4
and only 1 Gigabyte of RAM
was able to install "Windows
8 Pro". See
http://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=aQAQXUMQ0UA
128
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• Another person with a Dual Core
Pentium and only 1 Gigabyte of
RAM was able to install "Windows 8
Pro". See
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T
TX3gi3dFOA
130
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• However, these two success
stories are rare. This is unlike
"Windows 7" where many
computer users were able to
install it into Pentium 4
computers with 1 Gigabyte of
RAM.
131
Misconception: "Windows 8" has the same hardware
requirements as "Windows 7" (continued)
• None of the members of the
Tucson Computer Society
have succeeded in installing
the "Release Preview" or the
RTM versions of "Windows 8"
into our old Pentium 4
computers.
132
Mystery: the free "Windows
8 Enterprise Evaluation"
sometimes downloads as a
"hidden" .ISO file (that does
NOT have its "hidden"
attribute set!)
133
Mystery: the free "Windows 8 Enterprise
Evaluation" downloads as a hidden .ISO
file!
• Before or after downloading
the .ISO file for "Window 8
Enterprise Evaluation", you
have to use a trick in "Folder
Options" in the "Control
Panel" to unhide the .ISO file.
134
Mystery: the free "Windows 8 Enterprise
Evaluation" sometimes downloads as a
hidden .ISO file! (continued)
• For the exact steps for
unhiding the .ISO file,
perform Steps 15 through 22
at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_note
s/winhardsig/win8/win8entev
al.pdf
135
Misconception: There is no
"Adobe Flash" player in the
"Start screen" ("Metro")
version of "Internet Explorer
10" (="Immersive IE")
136
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the "Start
screen" ("Metro") version of "Internet Explorer
10" (IE10)
• This was originally true for the
"Developer Preview" and the
"Consumer Preview" of "Windows
8..". However, flash capability was
added back into the "Start screen"
("Metro") version of IE10 when the
free "Windows 8 Release Preview"
of "Windows 8" was released on
May 31, 2012!
137
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the
"Start screen" ("Metro") version of "Internet
Explorer 10"(IE10)
• From the release of the "Release to
Manufacturing" versions of
"Windows 8" from October 26, 2012
until March 12, 2013,, flash in
"Start screen IE10" only ran on Web
sites that were listed on a "white
list" of Web sites that were
approved by Microsoft.
138
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the "Start screen"
("Metro") version of "Internet Explorer 10"(IE10)
• During that time period, users of
"Windows 8" could add Web sites to a
"white list". See
http://www.howtogeek.com/127787/how
-to-use-flash-on-any-website-in-modern-
internet-explorer-10/
and
http://www.zdnet.com/an-inside-look-at-
internet-explorer-10s-mysterious-flash-
whitelist-7000009740/
139
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the
"Start screen" ("Metro") version of "Internet
Explorer 10"(IE10)
• Starting on March 12, 2013, the
"white list" was replaced with a
"black list" so that "Adobe Flash"
player browser add-on will run
by default unless you or
Microsoft places the Web site on
a "black list".
140
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the
"Start screen" ("Metro") version of "Internet
Explorer 10"(IE10)
See
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2013/
03/11/flash-in-windows-8.aspx
141
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the
"Start screen" ("Metro") version of "Internet
Explorer 10"(IE10)
• Starting on March 12, 2013, the
local copy of the "Windows 8"
iecompatdata.xml "blacklist" will be
located in a <noflash> section at
File:\\%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microso
ft\Internet
Explorer\IECompatData\iecompatda
ta.xml
142
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the "Start screen"
("Metro") version of "Internet Explorer 10"(IE10)
• To add a Web site URL to the new
"blacklist, follow the instructions at
http://betanews.com/2012/11/06/add-
internet-explorer-10-flash-support-for-
any-domain-on-windows-8/
but do the opposite of what they tell you
and put the URL domain for flash
blocking in the <noflash> section
(instead of in the former <flash>
section).
143
Misconception: No Adobe Flash in the "Start screen"
("Metro") version of "Internet Explorer 10"(IE10)
• If you manually edit the <noflash>
blacklist in the iecompatdata.xml file in
your computer, you have to clear the
history of "Start" screen Internet
Explorer 10, before the new blacklist
takes effect.
• Also, if you then get an automatic
update of the <noflash> blacklist, your
manual edits will be overwritten.
148
Mystery: For the "Start screen"
("Metro") version of "Internet Explorer
10" (="Immersive IE"), you can right-
click on non-hyperlinked space of most
Web pages to bring up the upper and
lower "App bars". However, on some
Web pages, you have to right-click on
the top edge to bring up the two "App
bars".
149
Mystery:..Right click on Web page versus top edge of
Web page in "Start screen" IE10..(continued)
• When you are using the "Start screen"
version of IE10, you can usually right-
click on non-hyperlinked space on most
Web pages to bring up the upper and
lower "App bars":
The upper "App bars" shows you your
open Web browser "tabs" while the
lower "App bar" is an address filed and
some controls for settings.
152
Mystery:..Right click on Web page versus top edge of
Web page in "Start screen" IE10..(continued)
• For some Web pages, you cannot
right-click in non-hyperlinked space
to bring up upper and lower "App
bars:you have move the mouse
cursor to the top edge of the page
until it turns into a hand. Then you
have to right-click in order to bring
up the upper and lower "App bars":
157
Mystery: For the "Start screen"
("Metro") version of "Internet
Explorer 10" (="Immersive IE"),
you get a one-second display of
the top "App bar" when a
hyperlink opens a new tab
162
Misconception: "Windows Explorer" has
disappeared in "Windows 8"
• "Windows Explorer" has been
renamed to "File Explorer".
• It's executable file is still
C:\Windows\explorer.exe
• It now has a "Ribbon Bar"
instead of a "Toolbar".
164
Mystery: Switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer
10"(IE10)
• "Internet Explorer 10" is actually 4
separate apps:
o 64-bit "Start" screen (Metro) IE10
o 32-bit "Start" screen (Metro) IE10
o 32-bit Desktop IE10
o 64-bit Desktop IE10
165
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)• 64-bit versions of "Windows 8" will
actually have:
o 64-bit "Start" screen (Metro) IE10
o 32-bit Desktop IE10
o 64-bit Desktop IE10
166
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• 32-bit versions of "Windows 8.." will
only have
o 32-bit "Start" screen (Metro) IE10
o 32-bit Desktop IE10
167
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• For "Start" screen (Metro) IE10:
o 64-bit "Start" screen (Metro) IE10
if you are running a 64-bit version
of "Windows 8"
o 32-bit "Start" screen (Metro) IE10
if you are running a 64-bit version
of "Windows 8"
168
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• For "Desktop IE10":
o 32-bit "Deskop IE10" if you are
running a 32-bit version of "Windows
8"
o Default of 32-bit "Desktop IE10" if
you are running a 64-bit version of
"Windows 8" but can use "Enable
Enhanced Protected Mode" to
switch to 64-bit Desktop IE10
169
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and 64-bit
versions of "Internet Explorer 10" (IE10)
• Bitness of "Windows 8.." determines the
bitness of "Start screen" (Metro) IE10
• If you are using a 32-bit version of
"Windows 8", you only have 32-bit "Desktop
IE10".
• If you are using a 64-bit version of
"Windows 8", it defaults to 32-bit "Desktop
IE10" but you use "Enable Enhanced
Protected Mode*" to switch to 64-bit
"Desktop IE10" but you have to do a reboot
to make the transition occur.
170
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• Step 1: Go to the Desktop of
Windows 8.
• Step 2: Start the Desktop
version of IE10.
172
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• Step 3: Click on the "Gear"
icon near the upper left-hand
corner of the IE10 window:
174
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• Step 4: Click on "Internet
Options" in the drop-down
menu:
176
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• Step 5: Click on the
"Advanced" tab:
178
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• Step 6: Click and then drag
downward in the vertical
scroll bar in order to scroll
downward:
180
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• Step 7: Look at "Enable advanced
protected mode*". If it already has
a check mark, Desktop IE10 is
already running in it's 64-bit
version. If has no check mark,
Desktop IE10 is currently running
it's 32-bit version.
183
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
(IE10)
• Step 8: If it is no checkmarked, you
can initiate a switch to the 64-bit
version of "IE10"by doing the
following: add in a checkmark, click
on "Apply", click on "OK", and
reboot the computer:
189
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
• See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet
_Explorer_10
191
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
• See also
http://www.codeproject.com/Article
s/269356/Internet-Explorer-10-
User-Agent-Strings-On-Windows
192
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
• See
http://www.ghacks.net/2012/08/24/
want-to-run-64-bit-internet-
explorer-on-windows-8s-desktop-
here-is-how/
• See
http://mingersoft.com/blog/2012/09/
switch-between-32-bit-and-64-bit-
internet-explorer-10-in-windows-8/
193
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
• To determine whether you are
running a 32-bit version or a 64-
bit version of "Desktop IE10",
use your copy of "IE10" to go
http://www.thismachine.info/
to view its "User Agent String".
194
Mystery: switching between the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of "Internet Explorer 10"
• If you are in "Start Screen
IE10", you can convert to
"Desktop IE10": • Right click in blank Web page space.
• Click on the Wrench icon in the
bottom "App bar".
• Click on "View on the desktop" in the
pop-up context menu
195
Mystery: In Desktop "IE10",
you sometimes have to click
on the compatibility button
three times before Web
sites such as apcug.org
work right:
198
Misconception: Computer
manufacturers have hidden
the "Certificate of
Authenticity" label inside
"Windows 8" computers
199
Misconception: Computer manufacturers
have hidden the "Certificate of Authenticity"
label inside "Windows 8" computers
• A "Windows 8" computer has
a "Genuine Microsoft Label"
instead of a "Certificate of
Authenticity" label.
202
Misconception: Computer manufacturers
have hidden the "Certificate of Authenticity"
label inside "Windows 8" computers
(continued)
• See
http://www.microsoft.com/en-
us/howtotell/Hardware.aspx
203
Misconception: Computer manufacturers
have hidden the "Certificate of Authenticity"
label inside "Windows 8" computers
(continued)• See
http://www.partnerinfo.lenovo
.com/partners/us/resources/d
ownloads/windows8/Window
s-8-License-Verification-and-
Activation.pdf
204
Misconception: Computer manufacturers have
hidden the "Certificate of Authenticity" label inside
"Windows 8" computers (continued)
• Product key is now stored encrypted
inside the UEFI in a SLIC table (SLIC
means "Software Licensing"). See
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-
us/library/windows/hardware/hh673514
.aspx
and
http://www.mydigitallife.info/windows-8-
to-have-oem-activation-3-0/
205
Misconception: the "OEM
System Builder" versions of
"Windows 8" are only
allowed for "system
builders".
206
Misconception: the "OEM System Builder"
versions of "Windows 8" are only allowed
for "system builders".
• The "OEM System Builder"
versions of "Windows 8" have a
new license called the
"Personal Use License" in
addition to the legacy "OEM
System Builder License".
207
Misconception: the "OEM System Builder"
versions of "Windows 8" are only allowed
for "system builders" (continued)
• The misconception is true for all
versions of "Windows.." prior to
"Windows 8.."
• This is the first time that Microsoft
has "allowed" non-system builders
to buy and use "OEM System
Builder" editions of their software.
208
Computer without existing copy of “Windows
XP SP3”, “Windows Vista” or “Windows 7”,
“Windows 7 Enterprise Evaluation”, or
“Windows 8 Release Preview”
Computer with existing copy of
“Windows XP” , “Windows Vista”, or
“Windows 7”, or “Windows 7 Enterprise
Evaluation”, or “Windows 8 Release
Preview”
“Windows 8"
edition of
“Windows 8..”
“Windows 8
Pro"
“Windows 8
Pro with Media
Center"
“Windows 8 64-bit
OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use
License
or
OEM System Builder
License)
“Windows 8 Pro 64-
bit OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use
License
Or
OEM System Builder
License)
“Windows 8”
(upgrade per fine
print on box)
(Microsoft Software
License Agreement)
(both 32-bit and 64-
bit DVD or executable
installation files)
“Windows 8
Pro Pack”
“Windows 8
Media Center
Pack”
(free until Jan.
31, 2013)
“Windows 8 32-bit
OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use
License
or
OEM System Builder
License)
“Windows 8 Pro 32-
bit OEM System
Builder”
(Personal Use License
or
OEM System Builder
License)
64-bit
or 32-bit
64-bit
or 32-bit
64-bit processor
64-bit processor
32-bit
processor
32-bit
processor
“Windows 8 Pro”
(upgrade per fine
print on box)
(Microsoft Software
License Agreement)
(both 32-bit and 64-
bit DVD or executable
installation files)
209
Misconception: the "OEM System Builder"
versions of "Windows 8" are only allowed
for "System Builders" (continued)
• See
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licen
sing/sblicensing/Pages/index.aspx#fbid
=MeXPQMgCEMt
and
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhard
sig/win8/purchase/Windows8Purchase
Options.pdf
210
Misconception: you have to
go through the login screen
whenever you power up a
"Windows 8" computer
211
Misconception: you have to go through the
login screen whenever you power up a
"Windows 8" computer
• You can use the netplwiz command to
make "Windows 8" (and "Windows 7"
and "Windows Vista") log you in
automatically.
• See
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/wind
ows-vista/make-windows-vista-log-on-
automatically/
213
Misconception: There is no way to shut
down a "Windows Store App" (in the "Start"
screen).• Using a mouse, drag from the top of
the screen to the bottom of the screen.
• Use a touch screen, drag your finger
from the top of the screen to the bottom
of the screen.
• (This misconception was actually true
for the earlier "Preview" versions of
"Windows 8".)
214
Misconception: There is no way to shut
down a "Windows Store App" (in the "Start"
screen) (continued)• If you are in the "Desktop" of "Windows
8",
you can click and drag from the top
edge of the "Desktop" to the bottom of
the monitor screen to go back to the
"Start" screen.
216
Misconception: "Windows Backup and
Restore" is missing"
• "Windows 7 File Recovery" is the
same as "Backup and Restore"
in "Windows 7".
• "Windows 7 File Recovery" can
backup and restore your entire C:
drive, including the "Windows 8.."
operating system.
217
Misconception: "Windows Backup and
Restore" is missing (continued)
• Despite this strange name, it
is still the same as the great
"Windows Backup and
Restore" that is available in
"Windows 7".
218
Misconception: "Windows Backup and
Restore" is missing"
• Microsoft has decided to
"deprecate" "Windows
Backup" which means that it
will probably disappear in
"Windows 9".
219
Misconception: "Windows Backup and
Restore" is missing"
• See
http://allanjsmithie.wordpress.com/2
012/05/11/back-up-restore-
deprecated-in-windows-8/
220
Misconception: "Windows Backup and
Restore" is missing"• "Windows 7 File Recovery" is an icon in
the "Control Panel" of the "Desktop" in
"Windows 8:
o Hover the mouse cursor over the
lower-left corner of the monitor screen.
When a thumbnail pops up, use the
RIGHT mouse button to click once. OR
press "Windows key" + x:
o When a "Power Users Menu" pops up,
click on "Control Panel".
222
Misconception: "Windows Backup and
Restore" is missing"
o Alternate way to get to
"Windows 7 File Recovery":
From within the "Start" screen
of "Windows 8": type in
"Windows 7" and then click on
"Settings" in the list on the right
side of the "Start" screen.
229
Misconception: There is
no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad
sectors" for a hard drive
in "Windows 8".
230
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
In "Windows 7", "Error Checking" for a
hard drive, give you the option to
"Scan for and attempt recovery of bad
sectors:
231
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
In "Windows 8", "Error Checking" for a hard
drive, does not give you the option to "Scan
for and attempt recovery of bad sectors":
233
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
Note that the dialog box in Windows 8's
"Checking" applet says:
"We haven't found any errors on this
drive."
This is because Windows 8 new "Spot
Verifier" service keeps a real time,
constantly-updated record of the
locations of any hard drive errors.
234
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
In "Windows 8", the "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"
capability is only available when you
perform the following steps:
Step 1:
Press the Windows key + x to get a
pop-up "Power User's Menu":
236
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
Step 2:
Click on "Command Prompt (Admin)":
238
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
Step 3:
Click on the "Yes" button, if a "Use
Account Control" box is displayed:
240
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
Step 4:
Inside the "Command Prompt" window,
type
cd \
and then press the "Enter" key:
243
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
Step 6:
A very thorough scan of the selected
hard drive will start up:
245
Misconception: There is no way to "Scan for and
attempt recovery of bad sectors"..(continued)
Step 7:
Unlike previous versions of "Windows..",
"Windows 8" allows you to keep using your
computer while doing a thorough "Scan for
and attempt recovery of bad sectors" scan
of the C:\ hard drive where the "Windows 8"
operating system resides. However, it will
cause you computer to be a bit slow.
248
Misconception: You cannot make tiles that point
to data files and digital photos
You cannot add an executable file, a
data file, a folder, a shortcut, or a
batch file directly to the "Start"
screen".
However, you can add shortcuts that
point to any of the above items to the
"Start" screen.
249
Misconception: You cannot make tiles that point
to data files and digital photos (continued)
For a detailed "how to" document
on making custom tiles for the
"Windows 8.." "Start screen", see
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/win
hardsig/win8/win8-tiles-making.pdf
250
Misconception: You cannot make tiles that point
to data files and digital photos (continued)
• See also
http://www.techrepublic.com/b
log/window-on-
windows/quick-tip-create-a-
tile-on-the-windows-8-start-
screen/6933
251
Misconception: You cannot make tiles that point
to data files and digital photos (continued)
• You can get even fancier by using the
free "Oblytile" program.
See http://oblytile.en.softonic.com/
and
http://forum.xda-
developers.com/showthread.php?t=1899865
and
http://www.howtogeek.com/135871/how-to-
create-custom-windows-8-tile-icons-for-any-
desktop-program/
252
Mystery: Upgrading from the
"Windows 8" edition of
"Windows 8" might break
the manufacturer-specific
part of the "Windows Store"
253
Mystery: Upgrading from the "Windows 8" edition
of "Windows 8" might break the manufacturer-
specific part of the "Windows Store"
See the fine print at the bottom of
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/mssto
re/pd/productID.266514400
255
Mystery: Upgrading from the "Windows 8" edition of
"Windows 8" might break the manufacturer-specific part
of the "Windows Store"
If you purchase a new PC with
Windows 8 pre-installed and you later
upgrade that PC with Windows 8 Pro
Pack, Windows 8 Media Center Pack,
a volume license edition, or a retail
edition, you will not longer be able to
install apps that were provided
exclusively from your PC manufacturer
through the Windows Store.
256
Mystery: Upgrading from the "Windows 8" edition
of "Windows 8" might break the manufacturer-
specific part of the "Windows Store" (continued)
Workaround:
If you buy a PC with an OEM version of
the "Windows 8" edition of "Windows 8",
download and install all of the
manufacturer's freebie apps from the
Windows Store prior to upgrading the PC
to a higher edition of "Windows 8..".
257
Mystery: When it is running
inside a "VMware" virtual
machine, "Windows 8" is duped
into "seeing" a virtual "Solid
State Drive", even when the
host computer only has a
mechanical hard drive.
258
"VMware Player 5"
fools "Window 8" into
discovering that it is
running on a virtual
solid state drive (SSD)!:
259
In contrast, "VMware Player
5" does NOT fool "Window
7", "Windows Vista", or
"Windows XP" into
discovering that it is running
on a virtual solid state drive
(SSD)!:
274
Mystery: "Windows 8" has a
higher "Windows
Experience Index" when it is
running in a VMware virtual
machine relative to a host
computer.
285
Mystery: The "Windows"
key, when pressed by itself,
changes its function
depending on where you
have been inside your
computer and what is
currently running.
286
Mystery: The "Windows" key.. (continued)
• When your "Windows 8" first starts
up and you are at the "Start"
screen, your "Windows" key will do
nothing when you press it.
287
Mystery: The "Windows" key.. (continued)
• If you then go to the "Desktop", your
"Windows" key will take you back to
the "Start" screen when you press it.
• If you start a "Windows Store App" in
the "Start" screen, the "Windows"
key will take you back to the
"Desktop".
288
Mystery: The "Windows" key.. (continued)
• If you then press the "Windows" key,
it will take you back to the "Windows
Store App".
• If close the "Windows Store App",
you will be back at the "Start
screen".
• If you now press the "Windows" key,
it will take you to the "Desktop".
289
Mystery: The "Windows" key.. (continued)
• If you have not gone to either a
"Start Screen App" or the "Desktop",
the "Windows" key will do nothing.
• If you have gone to any "Start
Screen App", the "Windows" key will
toggle between the last "Start
Screen App" that you were inside
and the "Start Screen".
290
Mystery: The "Windows" key.. (continued)
• If you implement one of the schemes
to go to the "Desktop" as soon as
"Windows 8" starts up, then the
"Windows" key will toggle you
between the "Desktop" and the
"Start" screen.
291
Mystery: The "Windows" key.. (continued)
• (In contrast:
In "Windows XP", "Windows
Vista", and "Windows 7", the
"Windows" key brings up the
"Start" menu. If the "Start" menu
is already being displayed, the
"Windows" key gets rid of the
"Start" menu.)
292
Misconception:
When a "Storage Spaces" pool
of hard drives fails, it cannot be
repaired because no software
utility programs are available.
293
Misconception: When a "Storage Spaces" pool of
hard drives fails, it cannot be repaired because
no software utility programs are available.
See
http://www.storage-spaces-
recovery.com/
and
http://www.prweb.com/releases/
2013/2/prweb10436480.htm
298
Mystery:
The hardware configuration of
your USB 3 ports greatly affects
the reliability of Storage Spaces"
composed of "Drive Pools"
consisting entirely of external
hard drives.
299
Mystery: The hardware configuration of your USB
3 ports greatly affects the reliability of Storage
Spaces" composed of "Drive Pools" consisting
entirely of external hard drives.
See our analysis of the various
hardware configurations for
"Storage Spaces" at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/win
hardsig/win8/StorageSpaces-
successesand.pdf
300
An "All PCI-e USB 3 Configuration" That
Causes "Storage Spaces" To Fail
• When you create a "Drive Pool" from
two external USB 3 hard drives that
are both connected to one or more
PCI-e "USB 3" adapters, any two-
way mirrored "Storage Space" that
you create from this drive pool will
fail when the "Storage Space" reachs
between 40 percent and 60 percent
of fill.
301
Computer with "Windows 8" operating system
PCIe
USB 3
Adapter
MotherboardPCIe
USB 3
Adapter
USB 3
External
Hard Drive A
USB 3
External
Hard Drive B
USB Cable USB Cable
Two-Way Mirror "Storage Spaces" fail
at 40 to 60 percent of fill
Drive Pool
"All PCIe USB 3 Configuration"
302
An "All Motherboard USB 3 Configuration"
That Causes "Storage Spaces" to Fail
• When you create a "Drive Pool" from
two external USB 3 hard drives that
are both connected to motherboard-
based "USB 3" adapters, any two-
way mirrored "Storage Space" that
you create from this drive pool will
fail when the "Storage Space" reachs
between 40 percent and 60 percent
of fail.
Motherboard
303
Computer with "Windows 8" operating system
Motherboard-
based USB 3
Adapter
Motherboard-
based USB 3
Adapter
USB 3
External
Hard Drive A
USB 3
External
Hard Drive B
USB Cable USB Cable
Two-Way Mirror "Storage Spaces" fail
at 40 to 60 percent of fill
Drive Pool
"All Motherboard USB 3 Configuration"
304
A "Hybrid Motherboard/PCIe USB 3
Configuration" That Works Reliably
With "Storage Spaces"
• When you create a "Drive Pool" from two
external USB 3 hard drives with one hard
drive connected to a motherboard-based
USB port and the other hard drive
connected to a PCI-e USB 3 adapter,
any two-way mirrored "Storage Space"
that you create from this "Drive Pool" will
work reliably without problems.
Motherboard
305
Computer with "Windows 8" operating system
PCIe USB 3
Adapter
Motherboard-
based USB 3
Adapter
USB 3
External
Hard Drive A
USB 3
External
Hard Drive B
USB Cable USB Cable
Two-Way Mirror "Storage Spaces" work
reliably without problems
Drive Pool
"Hybrid Motherboard/PCIe USB 3 Configuration"