Windows 8 Discussion - Dell Users Experience/Feedback

 

Information About Windows 8

• Windows 8 Upgrade Checklist

1. Before You Begin
2. Back Up Critical Files
3. Create Recovery Discs
4. Update Critical Drivers
5. View General Issues with Windows 8 Upgrade
6. See If Your System Supports Windows 8
7. Software Support
8. Check Printer Support
9. Upgrade to Windows 8
10. Install Updated Drivers
11. Activate Windows 8

• Windows 8 Upgrade Troubleshooting

• Secure Boot and Windows 8
• Microsoft Office 2010 Starter
• Graphics Control Panel Disappears
• Dell Webcam Central
• Antivirus Software
• Bluetooth Issues
• DVD Playback Not Supported in Windows 8
• Windows Media Center
• Touch Compatibility with Windows 8
• TV Tuner Card Loses Function
• Upgrade Installation Versus New Windows 8 PC
• Intel Rapid Start Causes Blue Screen

• Dell Computer Support for Windows 8

• How to Determine Your Computer Model
• Select Your Computer Type
  • Alienware
  • Inspiron Desktop
  • Inspiron Laptop
  • Vostro
  • XPS
  • Latitude
  • Optiplex
  • Precision
• Dell Installed Software Support for Windows 8
• Dell Printer Support for Windows 8
• How to Upgrade to Windows 8
• Get Windows 8 Drivers for Supported Dell Computers

Note: Most computers that came with either Windows Vista or 7 will probably run Windows 8 of the same bit natively. The system requirements for Windows 8 are almost identical to Windows 7. Dell will not provide specific Windows 8 drivers for models outside the list however.

• Dell Preinstalled Software for Windows 8

• Dell Printer Support for Windows 8

• Dell Windows 8 upgrade offer

• What is the Windows Upgrade Offer?
  • Microsoft is providing an upgrade program available to individual customers who want to purchase their new PC now with Windows® 7 and upgrade to Windows 8 Pro when it’s available.
• Am I eligible for a Windows 8 Pro upgrade?

• To be eligible for an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, you must meet these guidelines:

• Purchase a qualifying Dell system between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013.
• For a system to be considered qualified, it must have one of the following four operating systems installed: Windows® 7 Home Basic, Windows® 7 Home Premium, Windows® 7 Professional or Windows® 7 Ultimate.
• Note: Offer must be redeemed prior to February 28, 2013. Certain features of Windows 8 may not be available when an existing Windows 7 system is upgraded. Driver updates may also be required. Commercial and public enterprises are not eligible to participate.

• Windows 8 Upgrade FAQ

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I see we don't have a proper public discussion on Windows 8 on the Dell Microsoft OS Forum. Such a debate will help out Dell users and Dell likewise.

The reason I am creating this discussion is I am wondering what other brave Dell users are thinking of trying or currently using the Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

What systems have you attempted installation on, have you had any installation woes and found a way to resolve them?

What is your general opinion on Windows 8, do you like it? Have you tried it with keyboard and mouse, have you tried it with a touchpad and finally have you tried it with a touchscreen?

What do you like about Microsoft's changes to this Operating system and what do you hate?

Tell us what model of Dell and whether you are trying the 32 bit or 64 bit version.

I personally have tried it on a Desktop XPS 8300 (keyboard and mouse) 64 bit and a Laptop Latitude D820 (touchpad) 32 bit. I have hated Windows 8 on both units and reverted them back to Windows 7. I have one installation of Windows 8 on a virtual machine. Actual Windows Manager improved the usability of Windows 8 (and 7) for me. 

I have yet to try it out on a touchscreen device which arguably the new OS will run the best on.

The Windows 8 release preview is out and may be downloaded and tried out here.

Before trying out Windows 8 ensure that you have the previous version of Windows Reinstallation DVD. For Windows Vista and Windows 7 you may also use the retail .isos with phone activation if you have the 25 digit product key to hand. Ensure that you understand everything in my wiki A Clean Install of Windows. This will tell you where to download all the files you need for correct of Windows XP, Vista and 7. Also don't feel afraid to contact technical support in your country to request the Dell Reinstallation DVD. In the US there is a form here

Alternatively for newer systems you can create the recovery USB/DVD with Dell DataSafe Local Backup as instructed in this video here. I personally always recommend having the OS Reinstallation DVD. I don't like the Dell Factory Settings or the Dell Local DataSafe.

Another way on a sufficiently powerful system (8 GB of RAM or superior) is to use Oracle VirtualBox and to install Windows 8 within it. Give the Windows 8 virtual machine 3.5 GB of RAM.