Crazy Eights? Come on, Microsoft! - Comments Page 2

I'll ignore Windows 8 until Microsoft upgrades it to run Office 2003 and Access 2007.

EDITOR'S NOTE: As I said: "Microsoft warns that Windows 8.1 Update is “compulsory;” if you don’t install it, you won’t be able to install any future FEATURE updates, although you will continue to get security-related “critical” updates." But I can't think of a good reason to remain at 8.0...

For the way I use my computer, I can't think of a good reason for not remaining at XP. Whatever "FEATURE" updates are, I probably don't want or need them. The most surprising thing about 8.l, and what compelled me to revert to 8.0 was when I tried to play a hand of FreeCell, I was directed to a store where I was asked for a fee. I was afraid I would be asked for fees to use any MS software. So, I backed off.

I may have it wrong, but I have read that if you have updated to 8.1, then you have to instal Update 1 to continue to get security updates. I take it that if you are still only on 8.0 then you are OK. I have read too many horror stories about the 8.1 update bricking the computer during the install, and have avoided it. I find 8.0 runs fine, I have learned how to use it and have no desire to risk an update to 8.1 that may or may not install properly. being a senior, I am not competent enough to deal with a pile of problems should they happen while updating to 8.1.

EDITOR'S NOTE: That's not correct. You'll need Windows 8.1 Update as a baseline for future Win8 service and support. I think that problems like the one you mentioned are rare, and shouldn't prevent you from moving forward to the latest Win8 updates.

Bob, I read your email articles each and every time they come in. I trust your insight and as mentioned in my original post, am not that confident that I can correct a problem during the update to Win 8.1 should it occur. Having said that, I shall try, on your advice, the 8.1 update and hope for the best. I regularly backup using Acronis, and will do a full system image before downloading the 8.1 update to be sure that I can revert back to where I am now. My other concern is that I have become comfortable with 8.0 and am now going to have to learn how to navigate the OS after the update as it is, I am told, different than 8.0. This whole thing is a pain in the back side, but I guess change is for the better, right? Thanks again for your comments to my original post, and getting me to move forward, albeit reluctantly. Cheers, and keep doing what you do for us less than tech competent computer users.

I'm extremely frustrated by 8.1 After I loaded it, my keyboard quit recognizing my typing, and my sound (original on this 15 month-old laptop) is disabled. Microsoft could avoid much of these complaints and frustrations among their customers...if they wanted to. They don't...

Bob, Just FYI, I finally upgraded to Win 8.1, and with no problems, at least not yet. I do find in the week since the upgrade, that my computer is slower, however, I am able to find my way around, with the help of a Google search to fix an annoying need to log on with a password. Just want to say thanks for convincing me to get it done.

I tried updating to 8.1 but after waiting what seemed like hours, it said upgrade failed.
I'm unsure how to proceed now.

Like a number of other people I was unable to upgrade from Windows 8 Pro to 8.1....because Windows store won't recognise me as system administrator---I have tried a few suggestions off the web, including trying to download from another site manually, but none have worked so far.
Does anyone know of a fix?