Solved update to windows 8.1

[ethel]

Hello Everyone, I am not sure if I should be asking this on 7 forums, but here goes. My niece has a Samsung Laptop with Windows 7 Home Premium installed given to her, but she has always liked windows
8, I do not know why, cannot stand it myself. Anyway I have been trying to find out how much a legitimate
copy, product key would cost, as she is only 17 years old, and I do not know how much it is. When I look
on Microsoft's site it is just showing new pcs, mainly windows 10, when she is just after the software. Sorry
before hand if I should not be asking here.

 

[Ranger4]

I don't know where where you are in NSW, but have you thought of contacting some of the computer stores near to you to see if they may still have a copy of Windows 8.1.

It does seem that none are listed on the web & even if they are the site cannot be found or you are switched to Windows 10.

If you don't have any success, which seems very likely, your niece may have to stay with Windows 7 or go to Windows 10.

It's not advisable to buy Windows from Ebay or from overseas sites that advertise on line as you really do not know what you are buying.

 

[DavidE]

i see 8.1 available at Newegg for $ 140-200 usd, i'm in the US.
windows 8 operating system - Newegg.com

Why does your niece want/like Win 8 ?

I use Win 7, 8.1, and 10
I can make 8.1 or 10 look very similar to 7.

Is it just the GUI she likes ?
There's pro's and cons to all...

EDIT: just clicked the newegg link i posted and only the $200 version is listed

 

[ethel]

Thank you for the replies. I do have a local computer store in Windsor who built my pc. I may give them
a ring, and see what they can do. I do not know why she preferred windows 8, personally I think it sucks.
If they cannot do anything I will ask her to try from newegg. Thank you.

 

[DavidE]

Yea, if you have local reliable store, that's where i would start.
I don't know if purchasing from Neweeg is available for her/you in AUS.

I don't want to comment on what Win version(s) i prefer, i know i would say it wrong and get blasted

 

[ethel]

windows 8.1

Thank you DavidE, I will apologize for my remarks about windows 8, do not wish to offend anyone.
I will phone my pc store.

 

[DavidE]

no apology needed for me about Win 8.
i think most folks hate it, and it was a flop because MS Mgt would not put back the start menu that everyone knew how to use till W8.

I try to help family and friends with Vista to W10 (and here at SF)
So, i try to learn and use these OS's as best i can.

Someone i know and helped for many years called me with a problem a few days ago.
She had Win 7 (for years)
Someone else worked on her PC, and replaced W7 with Linux :shock:

I did manage to fix her problem, but told her to call the person that replaced W7 with Linux for any further problems.
I probably should try to learn Linux better, but at my age and ability ...

 

[ethel]

linux

Hello DavidE, I also had a go at Linux mint cinnamon a while ago, and whatever I did wrong I ended up
with the pc wanting to shutdown on startup. It took me days to remove every trace of it, and re-install
windows 7, but what a relief when 7 was back. I will stay with windows 7 until the end.

 

[DavidE]

:roflmao:ha ha ha

if i get called for that, i'll send her to you, so i can watch and learn. You are the guru

here's some tutorials that should help with reinstalling Win 7 (or Windows).

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Clean Install Windows 7

 

[ethel]

linux

Thank you for saying that, but actually it was pretty hilarious trying to get it out of here, because it had
2 partitions, 1 deleted easy and the other was the nightmare. Apart from that I did not understand about
three quarters of its programs, would just sit here and laugh, and think what does one do here. It was like
a different language to me.

 

[DavidE]

Here's another tutorial, i do a diskpart clean whenever i get a new drive or re-use an old drive.
Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

I've never installed Linux as "bare-metal". i only use it as a VM running in W7.
If diskpart clean doesn't remove everything, you can ask for help in the tutorial.
Shawn (Brink) tut author knows a lot more than me and may have an answer.
If not, there are many experts here that might know the best way to clean a drive from Linux.

One tool you should get is the MiniTool bootable Wizard.
It's a great tool to have, and it's free.
Bootable Partition Manager| MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition

 

[ethel]

linux

Thank you DavidE, I think my playing with Linux is well over. I will stay with windows 7. When it ends
and I decide what to do later, I will come here for help. I will not give myself horrid events with systems
I know nothing about.

 

[Layback Bear]

I also use this program that David suggested.

Bootable Partition Manager| MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition

After trying Linux it was necessary to clean all the junk out.

Jack

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yep Linux grub is a fun one to clean since windows doesn't even see linux on a disk

 

[ethel]

linux

Thank you everyone for the post for the mini tool. Hello Thrashzone, Linux Grub was the hardest thing
to get rid of, I do not even remember how I got it out. I was thinking at the time, what is this thing, a grub
to me is a caterpillar, but got a good laugh out of it all, and you learn from your mistakes, do not go there
again.

 

[SIW2]

I might install the newst version of Deepin, it looks beautiful.

Deepin

 

[DavidE]

ethel

You're welcome.

If you're not aware of it, Win 7 has about 3 years till end of life and Win 8.1 has about 6 years till end of life

Here is the MS lifecycle info:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet

 

[DavidE]

I might install the newst version of Deepin, it looks beautiful.

Deepin

I can't read anything on that link/site

 

[ThrashZone]

I might install the newst version of Deepin, it looks beautiful.

Deepin

Hi,
Another reminder that we need translators

 

[ThrashZone]

Thank you everyone for the post for the mini tool. Hello Thrashzone, Linux Grub was the hardest thing
to get rid of, I do not even remember how I got it out. I was thinking at the time, what is this thing, a grub
to me is a caterpillar, but got a good laugh out of it all, and you learn from your mistakes, do not go there
again.

Hi,
Yep a little beer in a cup was all it took to catch grub's or was it slug's dang I'm now

Mini tool can see and format a disk with linux grub
Only question will it be successful
On a doa ssd mini tool could not so it got returned to crucial for a replacement.
Zorin is supposed to be good but I have not yet tried it this is to a English site
Zorin OS - Your Computer. Better.