Upgrade from w7 to w8.1?

[Deleted member 219079]

I have following drives:

SSD (64GB)	has OS and stupid programs who force themselves to be installed to the OS drive
HDD#1 (1TB)	has most of my programs, all of my documents/media
HDD#2 (1TB)	has some programs, all of my games

I need help on:
Can I run w8.1 with 64GB drive? W7 runs it well, but I can't have stuff like Visual Studio.
Can you suggest trorent links? (Not a typo, thus you can not link this to illegality)
How can I transfer all the register marks and uninstallers and start menu directories and appdata of the programs I have on my HDD#1 and HDD#2? Is there a program for that?

 

[redsew]

I believe the rule states that you still can't talk about illegal distributions of files on here...

And before I get any further, can I ask you why you're wanting to go to windows 8.1? If you're planning on gaming, I suggest you to stay on Windows 7, especially for games like WarCraft 3. I know there are a lot of issues with games on the newer versions of windows, and not only that, but many programs in general. Also, the usability of Windows 8 seems to be really terrible in my opinion, and it just looks way too terrible as an operating system.
And transferring files, I would suggest you to just keep them in the original HDD? You seem to have all the drives installed perfectly fine, I'd just keep them all there and just fill out the second hard drive while remaining the first hard drive with important files and the solid state drive with operating system and crucial every day usage programs.

 

[Deleted member 219079]

I believe the rule states that you still can't talk about illegal distributions of files on here...

I wasn't talking about "illegal distributions". Mods can't just expect I'm talking about illegalities if I say a word they don't understand. If one edits my post without asking what that words means, I'll report him.

And transferring files, I would suggest you to just keep them in the original HDD?

Ofc I'm keeping 'em there ^^ I mean my registry is on OS drive, and installing new OS requires formatting of OS drive, so I lose my registry which had the markings about my software on HDD#1 and HDD#2.

And before I get any further, can I ask you why you're wanting to go to windows 8.1? ...

W8 has app support. W7 is more of an unorganized product when it comes to services and entertainment. I'd love Netflix app ^^

 

[Dr Super Good]

Can you suggest trorent links? (Not a typo, thus you can not link this to illegality)

I am pretty sure you can download it from Microsoft (not as a torrent however, Microsoft uses their own distribution systems which are non peer to peer). If you have a Windows 8.1 licence of the appropriate edition you can install it and then use that licence and you are good to go.

Here it is I believe. Run the program to create an installation medium and you are good to go. If you want to upgrade use the appropriate upgrade client system and most things should transfer from your current Windows 7 installation. The upgrade client also gives you an option to purchase a licence at the time but it might be more expensive than a clean install with a licence purchased somewhere else.

Microsoft allows you to download all its consumer software completely free (so much for them being an evil company!). The only catch is to use some of the software properly or to use it commercially you need a valid licence which is not free. If you can get your Windows 8.1 licence key cheaply then you can use it to authenticate your Windows 8.1 installation.

Do be aware that some licences are restricted to what you can do with them with only ones like "Ultimate" allowing you access to almost all the functionality but that is up to what functionality you truly need. For example low end licences of 8.1 64bit have rather restrictive licence set addressable memory limits however that would only affect you if you plan on running a server or doing specialist tasks (no consumer system needs >16 GB of RAM). If you plan to administrate several hundred computers from a single Workstation it is recommended to use Windows 7 Ultimate as that generally comes with features that help do that.

If you are enrolled with an academic instate subscribing to DreamSpark you can pick up some OS licences for free. This includes both expensive server versions as well as personal versions such as Windows 8.1. I would strongly recommend taking advantage of this if you can as Windows 10 will be around soon so it is best to avoid spending money on an OS that is already passed half-life.

 

[Deleted member 219079]

Not gonna buy the license which costs more than hundred euros. Not gonna use a filty demo either, I'm fine with my w7 in that regard. I might even buy w10 if it has cheap starting prices like w8 did.

 

[Dr Super Good]

Might I recommend you Linux? It is free.

 

[Deathcom3s]

I'm still unsure as to why you want to upgrade to Windows 8.1. If you don't want to pay for the upgrade, why bother? Windows 7 works absolutely fine for everything.

 

[~Void~]

I'm still unsure as to why you want to upgrade to Windows 8.1. If you don't want to pay for the upgrade, why bother? Windows 7 works absolutely fine for everything.

This. If you want to try it before you buy it, I think you're pretty much out of luck.

7 has everything you need. If you're buying a new computer or want to spend the 100 bucks, get 8.1 OEM. A few things to get used to, but I think it's a better OS once you're acclimated.

I was hesitant about the metro screen and a bunch of the features, but it's not really a big deal. I never ever used the start menu in 7, but since I set up the metro screen to work for me in 8.1, I'm hitting the start key for everything. It won't alt-tab you out of games or anything either, it's really great.

There's also the need for a Microsoft account, the built-in store, and all the whoopee social media family la la dumbass content, but it's all easily avoidable if you don't want to use it.

Another issue is that when you get a BSOD, you can't tell why unless you're familiar with the error. All it gives you is the name of the error, and it seems like it's designed so goofballs in the office won't have a heart attack when they see something that looks technical and not familiar (I apologize for IT-related cynicism... >_>).

I say go for it!

 

[Deathcom3s]

Windows 8 is really a solid OS. You just need to ignore the incessant moaning and whining about metro, and try it. I just have no reason to switch, but I will make the upgrade to 10. I have really enjoyed the tech preview.

 

[Deleted member 219079]

Might I recommend you Linux? It is free.

Oh yes you can recommend it, I've actually tried it couple of times ^^ But I couldn't install some simple program like Chrome or something with it so I had to remove it lol...
What are the advantages of using Linux? (Other than you spending more time trying to figure everything out)

@fladdermasken : Have you not heard of Trorent B.V.? It's a fantastic company, and I wanted some contact links to them. I already said it's not a typo, can you not believe me at anything?

Windows 8 is really a solid OS. You just need to ignore the incessant moaning and whining about metro, and try it. I just have no reason to switch, but I will make the upgrade to 10. I have really enjoyed the tech preview.

I actually enjoy the metro As I said I'd love for example a Netflix app.

 

[GhostWolf]

I never ever used the start menu in 7, but since I set up the metro screen to work for me in 8.1, I'm hitting the start key for everything. It won't alt-tab you out of games or anything either, it's really great.

This. I am so annoyed with the people around me, who keep requesting me to get them Windows 7, because Windows 8 is so terrible, when in fact they just can't get used to changes.

There's also the need for a Microsoft account, the built-in store, and all the whoopee social media family la la dumbass content, but it's all easily avoidable if you don't want to use it.

You actually don't need to be connected to Microsoft, the option is just hidden in a really annoying Microsoft-y way - once you click on the option to connect with a Microsoft account, there is a small option at the bottom to skip it and make a local account.

As to the dumb content - first thing I do when I install 8.1, is go to the installed stuff menu in Metro, and uninstall everything that is uninstallable. That goes a long way in making a clean Windows installation.

---

Now about the topic, I know a guy that can help you, he is called The Search Engine. Good luck!

 

[redsew]

Actually that is incorrect!
He is not called "The Search Engine" but he is called "Google"!

Haha, anyways, I like the classic format better of an operating system.

 

[Deleted member 219079]

The google answer Known in hive!

Why no "let me google that for you"? ;o

Google is known for linking to malicious sites.

About the answer DSG said, how limited is the demo?
Can I:

• Use it for unlimited time
• Install and play wc3 on it
• Use jassnewgenpack
• Use Ccleaner
• Not be stalked by ms
• Install unlimited amount of programs (limited to HD capacity ofc)
• Install custom themes
• Have 8GB of ram (you said it can support up to 16 but I'm not sure whether you talked about the demo)
• Install SRWare Iron and set it to def. browser instead of IE
• Run ePSXE (the PS1 emulator)
• Use Asrcock extreme tuner (It modifies fan speeds and toggles CPU energy saving on/off, can also manually set voltages)
• Use Trorent and not be attracted by agencies more than in w7

?

 

[Dr Super Good]

What are the advantages of using Linux?

It is a full OS that works on practically everything for free. It is great for old computers which commercial OS is no longer supported (eg XP) and are not worth getting a commercial OS for (or is not supported by new ones).

Only problem is the lack of gamming (few commercial games support Linux) however I do believe that to be starting to change. I also do know that practically every console emulator will work on Linux.

It is especially useful for companies as using Linux can save you millions on licencing fees for massive server farms or offices.

 

[Velmarshal]

Skip 8.1 and hope that 10 isn't a complete fuckup. If it proves otherwise, go linux, that's what I'm planning at least.

 

[Zwiebelchen]

Skip 8.1 and hope that 10 isn't a complete fuckup.

It should be good. Microsoft follows it's tradition of "one good, one bad" sine releases.
98 was good, 2000 was bad. XP was good. Vista was bad. W7 was good. W8 was bad. So W10 must be good ... if we don't count W9, which was never released to the public...

No, seriously, there is literally no reason why you would want to upgrade from W7 to W8.1.

 

[Deathcom3s]

I have really liked the W10 tech preview, and it has been extremely stable for me. I'm sure it will be great.

 

[Dr Super Good]

There was nothing wrong with Windows 8 technically. It just got a lot of hate due to some radical UI changes.

 

[Deathcom3s]

There was nothing wrong with Windows 8 technically. It just got a lot of hate due to some radical UI changes.

Indeed. Windows 8 and 8.1 are great under the hood, it was just the Metro screen and a few other UI quibbles that got everyone up in arms.

 

[Zwiebelchen]

There was nothing wrong with Windows 8 technically. It just got a lot of hate due to some radical UI changes.

Yeah, but isn't an OS primarily about it's UI?

And the UI of W8 wasn't just 'bad', it was a steaming piece of shit. I could go on and on about what is wrong about it and how it drives me insane (I have W8 on my laptop) and makes me hate any minute with it, but I'll just list the three biggest flaws that really made me wonder if there is anyone at microsoft who QA'd this to a public audience:

1) Starting programs from the app screen usually launches a mobile-friendly version of said program. Well HOW DARE YOU TO OPEN YOUR BROWSER THROUGH THE APP MENU!

2) The App menu is clunky and terribly organized, also it can not be closed. Open apps go to the top-left corner of the screen and sometimes remain there hidden(?) without you noticing. It tries to be a replacement for the old windows button, but fails terribly in that regard. Every fucking software installed spams a shitload of giant icons in it instead of a single neat sub-menu.

3) WHO THE FUCK thought it was a good idea to hide the shut down command in the SETTINGS MENU that is HIDDEN and can only be opened through an unintuitive mouse gesture?


I literally made the test and placed 3 random family members in front of my laptop right after I got it. The only thing they had to do: figuring out how to reboot the laptop. None of them found it within 10 minutes of search. I had to show them. This shows a severe lack of QA and customer testing.

 

[Dr Super Good]

Yeah, but isn't an OS primarily about it's UI?

No? An OS is primarily about it managing the hardware it is using. I think you are referring to the windows management system which is only a small part of the OS.

 

[Zwiebelchen]

No? An OS is primarily about it managing the hardware it is using. I think you are referring to the windows management system which is only a small part of the OS.

Still, the UI is what makes the communication between the underlying mechanics and the user. It's what I have to deal with the most.
If the UI sucks, an otherwise good OS is not a good OS, as it fails in terms of communication. And there's nothing wrong judging the design of an OS.
Design matters. You don't buy a car if it isn't appealing to your eyes.

 

[redsew]

Earlier in this post, someone mentioned Linux...
And mentioned that Linux isn't good for gaming? Or something along those lines.

I just remembered SteamOs existed, maybe give that a try? Its run by linux and they made it to operate with some Steam titles I believe. And I wouldn't be surprised if Valve starts pushing games to be released on that system as well.

 

[Deleted member 219079]

Can stream os run Warcraft III? Plz answer someone :/

 

[Deathcom3s]

SteamOS hasn't been released to the public in a working state. Your best bet for Linux gaming is probably a Debian-based flavor of Linux, with Wine for Windows Gaming. It actually works pretty well, it just takes a bit of work.

 

[Deleted member 219079]

Debian-based flavor of Linux

Hmm..?

I'm interested in trying that OS on my secondary PC, which has Intel Core 2 Duo + Nvidia 8400 GS and 4 GB ram. Could it perform well on Hearthstone and Warcraft 3? Maybe even League of Legends or SC2?

Also I'm not familiar with installing some Linux flavours and stuff >.< I only installed Ubuntu for those couple of times, how does the installation of Desbian thingy differ from it, if at all?

 

[Deathcom3s]

Ubuntu is Debian-based, so just go with Ubuntu. If you're new with Linux, then Ubuntu is probably your best bet.

 

[Deleted member 219079]

Okay, I still need to figure out if I actually would manage to get the gaming going on...

Hmm, does this 2 year old guide still work?
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2025...de-for-sane-people-with-limited-patience.html

 

[Deathcom3s]

I gave that article a brief read through, and it all appears to be relevant still. A few things may have changed, but the fundamentals still apply.