Windows 8: Update Not Suitable For Old PC


\Mossberg talk Win8: upgrades need to be cautious not suitable for old PC
If you want to upgrade your computer to Windows 8 system, it is well prepared to meet the difficulties and disappointments, especially if your computer has more than 1, 2-year-old age , even if it is technically able to meet the basic conditions for running the new system version, but still problems.
I fully understood, because it took a full week last week and shift two big and repercussions very good PC to upgrade them to Windows 8 system, a Lenovonotebook 2008 , there is a 2009 HP can touch screen notebook. Can only say that the ideal is full, the reality is very cruel, very optimistic about the results, lost a lot of features to know these two computers running Windows 7 is very good, and fully meet the minimum configuration requirements of running Windows 8.
Undeniably, Upgrade new PC will have a better experience, because these new PC manufacturers are already pre-loaded with Windows 8 systems, has joined the new system software patch. I was too slow in responding, I upgraded two computers do not have a patch models provide manufacturers. This phenomenon may be because their hardware does not meet the more stringent standards required of Windows 8.
For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad X301 notebook touchpad can not be used for scrolling in Windows 8's new tablet-style start screen environment, can not perform the operation of certain gestures in Windows 8. For HP Touch Smart 300 is its touch screen every time is not precise enough or sensitive to reliably execute Windows 8 touch screen gestures. In addition, the microphone does not work. Also, in order to let my HP computer stop the frozen state, I had to run a program to erase most of the software has been installed, including HP and Microsoft programs.
For the old section of the PC, take full advantage of the functionality of the new version of the operating system is not too realistic, this phenomenon is normal, and very large changes in Windows 8. But to my surprise, I actually need to get over so many obstacles and difficulties can find two PC can not work with the new system, I think that the Microsoft software will tell me, but they did not.
Of course, I think I am also part of the problem, if I have to consider fully, then go to Lenovo and HP Home and check, may find these models to be the manufacturers considered unsuitable for upgrade.
For example, HP's information page, there comes to things is not suitable for upgrading my Touch Smart, after I finished entering worn have been quick to see the official product serial number, display the results: "HP is not testing the aircraft type and for this reason, HP can not provide upgrade instructions or Windows 8 drive, if you try to upgrade, you may lose the basic functionality and stability. "sad reminder, I note that this information has been upgraded before.
Explains: any PC computer need to ensure that the hardware and software are running good, it is very important that some of the old section of PC models in our product list, including a spokesman from HP Touch Smart 300 2009 can not be take full advantage of the extended new features Windows 8. "
Similarly, the association spokesman said: "distance X301 release has been five years, Lenovo decided not to support Windows 8 upgrade and touchpad hardware does not support all the functions of Windows 8."
Microsoft would also provide the software upgrade assistant, and it may also have warned my problem can be seen in the relevant pages. Box of the Windows 8 Pro DVD I only recommend to run this function, check the manufacturer's website, and these words are printed on the back cover at the bottom, only a small line of words.
My problem is that too much trust in Microsoft's Windows 8 installation software. I have too much expectations on the installation software, it also checks the PC to determine whether you can run the new operating system, and tell me if there is some incompatibility. Indeed, it has to find the one that is the Bluetooth function of the machine, it told me to uninstall these software before running it, I faithfully listened to the recommendations.
I asked Microsoft why install software without warning, I may run into other incompatibilities, an official told me it just does not know the performance of each model, which is why it is recommended that users go to look for the manufacturer instructions and warnings reason.
In addition, the installation machine itself, I found a lot of problems. HP machine, it can not work with the DVD or the downloaded version of Windows 8.So, I can convert the downloaded version to 4G USB flash drive to get it to work (it needs at least 3G flash drive).
Within the deadline, that is the end of this month, you can purchase by download Windows 8 upgrade, priced at 40 dollars , or purchased through the DVD, priced at $ 70 . These are just the high-end Pro version, there are some added features require the user to enter the company website. Microsoft has not released the end of the normal price, but I think the standard version of Windows 8 at least $ 100 dollars , the Pro version of Windows 8 is about 200 U.S. dollars .
The most basic requirements of running Windows 8 is a 1GHz or faster central processor, at least 1G or 2G of memory, depending on your PC is a low 32 digits or 64 digits demanding higher these installation The machine will tell you. You also need to leave at least 16G or 20G of free storage space, which is still dependent on your PC is 32-bit or 64-bit, in addition, also need an image processing system can manage is called "Direct X9 with WDDM driver Microsoft image standard.
In two models of the testing process, the actual installation to spend about two hours, but I spent a whole day or more time to adjust each machine and get a Windows 8 and its built-in app upgrade. For example, after the completion of the installation process seems, I found Both machines have no Wi-Fi network connectivity, I had to turn off the firewall in order to restore it, and then upgrade my antivirus software.
The problem is even more serious in the HP machine, I thought that it would be easier, because of the contrast it is updated models models, and there can be a touch-screen. HP computers, Windows 8 the beginning it is very "naughty", I do not even open the app, may not return to the start screen, which is the main interface of the system, and the computer frequently freezes. I can only run once "Refresh", this is the Windows 8 comes with a program, you can re-install the system, and will not erase your data files, but all of the third-party Windows program escape the robbery, in addition to The new type of app you purchased from the Microsoft online store. "Refresh" Let my HP up and running much better, but the microphone function is lost, and the old section of the touch screen showing functional performance is not very satisfactory.
Regardless of so many tedious questions, the most troublesome is that I lost a lot of procedures, such as the HP touch screen software suite, Google Chrome browser, iTunes, and Windows Live Essentials, Firefox, and so on, I have to spend more time to re-install these Software.
All in all, the two machines running Windows 8 speed is very fast, but slightly clumsy, and the boot speed is much faster than before.
A little bad, per machine than in the past lost 12G to 13G of free storage space is really lying also was shot. This is mainly because the install the opportunity to collect non-compatible files to a special folder called Windows.old. You can delete this folder to restore the space, or Windows system will automatically delete it after 28 days.
Tips you users, and sincerely hope that all new PC, loaded Windows 8 system, I believe that most people will still be common sense out the card. If you do not have a new machine, or even only one has been used three years of the PC would like to advise you or behave, a loyal installed before Windows system.