After struggling for the past six weeks trying to get my computer up and running I decided to invest in a new one and tackle the dreaded Windows 8!. I headed out Saturday and it didn’t take long for me to find one that offered all I wanted and more….12 GB memory, 2 TB hard drive, plenty of USB ports, and best of all, 18 month financing, no interest. I bit the bullet and said hell yeah!
I was able to load my programs, hook up my printer, scanner, external HD, etc., and was barely able to get a screen that resembled Windows 7. I then decided that maybe I should download Windows 8.1, the latest operating system from Microsoft. It was supposedly designed to help PC challenged people like me migrate to Windows 8, offering a lot of the same features and looks of the old OS. Well, after starting the process I was informed that the manufacturer of my PC (Hewlett Packard) did not recommend downloading Windows 8.1 on my particular model. Hmm, first piss off!
So I decided to take a break, eat dinner, and when I came back an hour later, the computer would not boot up. Hmm, second piss off! So I pushed the on and off button about six or eight times, and frequently had to sit there watching some sort of “refresh” program try to fix the “brand new” computer I bought a few hours ago. Hmm, third piss off! Anyway it did finally boot up, and I tried to once again understand the layout of Windows 8. After getting nowhere I went to bed.
Sunday morning….get up, pushed the on/off button on my NEW pc…same crap as yesterday. Wouldn’t start! Hmm, fourth and FINAL piss off! Removed all my programs, data, packed it back up and returned it to the seller. Fortunately the return went smoothly, and here I am back on my ole pc. Not sure what my problems are, but I am going to try a few things over the next day or two and see if I can isolate the problem and that if fails I might just ride off into the sunset (after taking a hammer to my computer).
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JOHN HOWLAND, THE AT PRO, THE PAS, & THE TWO AMIGOS!
John Howland sent me his update (Size Does Matter) to the Malamute Saloon last week but thanks to my pc problems it did not get posted on time… think you will find his latest a good one. As usual he can’t let the two amigos (Wally and Harry) go without a few choice words, and his reference to the current state of the PAS is most definitely worthy of your time.
To read John’s latest diatribe click on the Malamute Saloon link above and scroll down to today’s date!
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might just ride off into the sunset.
Stout Standards 
Windows 8 is such a big difference from windows 7. I have been working in the IT field for many years but I still find myself struggling sometimes with finding the settings I want on Windows 8. I can tell you that I just bought my wife a Windows 8 laptop with a touch screen. So far we have all enjoyed it. The touch screen does make it easier to do quite a few things and if you are familiar with the iPad or any other touch screen device it does make Windows 8 seem a bit more familiar. Even more so than I thought it would.
Hi Gary…
Not familiar with any of the touch screen items. Not smart enough for a smart phone either. I think I can get comfortable with Windows 8, but I need to find out why my pc’s (both the old and the new one I bought) wouldn’t boot right away. It’s possible the new PC was a lemon, but now I am thinking it might be something else….
I have been trying to fix this problem now for six weeks. Once my pc is up and running it’s terrific. Just frustrating having to hit the on/off button about ten times for it to finally take.
If the manufacturer says it doesn’t recommend 8.1, I would hold the manufacturer accountable. The software is good once you get used to it. I have 6 computers in the house. Three run windows 8, while the others run windows 7. If you want to give me a budget and important specs, I can recommend a good manufacturer. Too often HP, in an effort to maximize margins, will use parts that are CRAP, for the lack of a better word. I have been building my own desktops since the 90’s and I have had the same experience with HP. Pure garbage. I did buy a couple HP notebooks over the years and was equally frustrated with bad fans and failed hard drives; I just bought an HP sleekbook re-manufactured for $300…that’s as big a risk I am willing to take with HP.
Jamie I am sure you are right, but over the years I have had pretty good luck with HP. I forwarded all them on to either my wife or my grandkids, and only bought a new one because I wanted to keep up with things. The one I am working on now works great once it boots up. I just cannot find a solution.
I have also heard from a lot of people that building your own computer is the way to go. I am just not that tech savvy, and have a feeling it would be a total disaster.
Lastly I have no clue why MS would change it’s OS the way it did with Windows 8.
Dick: Did you check your Bios battery in the Pc. This battery retains all of your settings. If it gets weak it would cause problems. If you are unaware of a PC bios battery look it up on Facebook. Just a thought.
Hi Archie, good to hear from you.
I did not check the Bios battery because I have no clue what it is. I will look it up however. Thanks for the tip. Is it something that can be accessed and replaced?
Most of the Bios batteries are shaped like a car remote battery…… the thin round disk type. You may have to look in the system instruction manual to see where it is located on the motherboard. It also could be a failing power supply in the computer.Hope you can get it working like it should.
Thanks Robbie… me too.
There is a video on UTube that shows you how easy it is to replace the battery. Search for PC bios battery. I meant to say UTube not Facebook. There’re available at stores like Walgreens, CVS or Radio Shack under $5 dollars.
Funny you say that…I was just watching it. Will give it a try tomorrow and see if it helps.