Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO images

Computer Help and Discussions The Lounge
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http://windows.micro...S/windows-8/iso

Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO files (.iso) are provided as an alternative to using Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup. If you are on a PC running Windows and want to install the consumer preview on another partition, another PC, or a virtual machine, we recommend you download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup and use the built-in tools for converting an ISO image into installation media, such as a DVD or USB bootable flash drive. You can find additional information, including a list of supported upgrades, in the FAQ.

A guide to the install process for anyone giving it a whirl ...

http://arstechnica.c...isual-guide.ars

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Downloaded yesterday, haven't yet installed. Have someone tried it yet?

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=34713&view=findpost&p=211305

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Shane did, maybe he'll report his experience here.

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Windows 8 Consumer Preview is like an ugly Vista.

Even the most simple task requires switching between the 'desktop' and 'Metro' interfaces. The experience is not seamless at all; it just convinced me that Metro is only skin deep (and what an ugly skin it is! Big blocks of color to not constitute an "interface")

The removal of the start menu is annoying; as I previously had shortcuts to my most-used folders pinned there. With it gone; I'm constantly ending up in Metro interface when I don't want to be. I'm sure this would be easy enough to get used to.

I miss the old desktop search, accessible from the start menu. The new "Start Screen Search" only lists apps, which means you need to navigate through the search categories with the arrow keys before being able to locate a file. Windows 7 ordered search results by relevancy, Windows 8 seems to place them in the most frustrating order - simply to screw with your head.

The only redeeming feature of Windows 8 is the speed. It feels much more responsive than Win7. Win8 boots faster from a traditional SATA (moving-part) hard drive than Win7 can boot from an upmarket SSD (solid-state drive)

Windows 8 it also much less "naggy" than Windows 7. It doesn't tell you to install an antivirus, nor do you have to confirm delete actions before they occur. In this sense, if Microsoft would give the option of entirely disabling the Metro interface (without loosing the "metro-in-desktop" niceties using a registry hack) it would almost be worth the upgrade.

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Apparently ViStart can give you the start menu back. read about it here....

http://www.ghacks.net/2012/03/02/vistart-restores-start-menu-disables-metro-ui-in-windows-8/

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Manual way: http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-pick/how-to-get-a-windows-7-start-menu-in-windows-8-20110914/

now only if windows would add an option to disable it :unsure:

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virtualbox it http://www.extremetech.com/computing/120493-virtualizing-windows-8-consumer-preview-is-a-breeze-with-virtualbox

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Hazel, but I prefer Classic Shell for that. I heard it works in 8, & if so, I like it much better.

Anyone tried it yet?

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Manual way: http://www.geek.com/...ows-8-20110914/

now only if windows would add an option to disable it :unsure:

That worked in the Developer Preview. The registry key doesn't exist in the Consumer Preview.

I've been running it on my laptop on a spare harddrive. I like certain things, such as the new Task Manager, the new file transfer interface, and even don't mind the Ribbon in Windows Explorer. However, with a mouse and keyboard, the metro stuff doesn't come naturally. A touch based laptop or tablet will work awesome from what I've seen, but it's going to take the hardware to make it awesome.

Sorry I've been gone for so long - school/life has been hectic.

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Nice to see you back CT.

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I've been running this as a new install on a spare hard drive today, but I could not get sound out through the headphone output on the front of my desktop. Speakers yes, but no headphones.

After going through every nook and cranny in the settings, the headphone setting is just inactive. I even thought it may not be working, but on getting back to my XP drive, it's working fine.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

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I'll look around for info for you Dennis.

I'm running Win 8 in Virtual Box and don't have any headphones at the moment to help you troubleshoot (borrowed by a family member :))

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Thanks hazel.

I'm googling for similar in Win7 with this OS being so new.

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Quick link to my Win 8 desktop...early days!!

post-1555-0-63882600-1331193668_thumb.png

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Changed it already :lol:

post-1555-0-99230700-1331195160_thumb.png

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Hazel & others, should I vbox 8? I fear I'll hate it can I default to desktop instead of metrolaunch

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Nergal I just right-clicked on those big metro squares and took up the offer to make them smaller :)

Using VB for Win 8 I can have the desktop as above and the start (metro) area. You'll get used to it after a play.

Dennis is installing it to the hard drive.

Take your pick and dive in :lol:

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I've installed it first time to my old hard drive, choosing to keep all programs, which will obviously "upgrade" your OS.

Took forever, and failed.

Then installed it to a partition on the same drive, and that was quick and worked fine.

Then lastly, knowing that it worked OK, installed to an empty partition on my new System drive.

This was done by booting with the CD (you can run it from within your current OS), and then following the prompts which take you through choosing keyboard language (US English or nothing), inserting the activation code, selecting "Install", and choosing new installation or keep current programs etc,,

If you choose "New Install" (words to that effect), you then get an option window asking where you want to install it, and a list of available drives and/or partitions.

I was relieved to see that choice appear the first time I did it. :)

That's more or less the order of things, and outlined for those thinking about having a whirl with Win8. It's your choice as to whether you install over your current OS or not, but my advice, don't if you have the option to do a new install to another drive or partition.

Once installed as a dual boot system, the Win8 logo loads first as you boot, but does take you to a choice of Operating Systems page.

And I've fixed the headphone issue.

Anyone want to know how? (hazel?) :)

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Hazel, I haven't used 8 yet, although I recently downloaded it to play with. What are some of the bugs or weird things I should be aware of? What should I know about it?

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Changed it already :lol:

I have to say that for a state of the art OS, that's a really crap image of a fish.

They must have used Tux Paint.