After a few months of pc troubles I was eventually talked into getting a new one by the family.I wished that I had stuck to my guns & got a new hard drive.Windows 8 won't let me install the printer ,won't accept office 2010 & worst of all 4D extra the Husqvarna software .Husqvarna head office is nearby but their help only managed to get it onto my husbands pc which runs Vista premium after a few times of trying but not on my Windows 8 .

I was one of the first Cutie to comment on this post. Today I have read all the fascinating replies from Cuties. Thank you 'rescuer' for your wonderful knowledge. Your name is so apt as you are always there to rescue.
I have a very old desktop that has XP. I dread the day it will suddenly die. DH bought a laptop some time ago with Windows 7. Thank goodness we had XP put on that - so at least I have a backup for my embroidery. I have read with interest the problems that Windows 8 is causing. Hopefully the next version will iron all the problems out. ** 4 all.

I personally won't go any higher than XP. They all suck after that. Got it on a new computer.

I believe printer companies have adjusted their driver programs by now for Windows 8.

SQ

I got windows 8 in Dec. Love it. Try installing in compatibility mode. Right click setup or install, You get a list of choices. Look it up in help file how to do this.

Lamkin

3 comments

by killiecrankie 24 Jul 2013

Thank you wish they would provided information you need instead of pages of stuff in every language you can think of that isn't needed

by rescuer 24 Jul 2013

You should not have to use compatibility mode to install Office 2010. You may have to stop the print spooler if the installation hangs or stops responding.
Compatibility mode may (or may not) allow you to use your printers. Sometimes functionality is limited -- ie. the scanner may not work.

by sandyqueen 24 Jul 2013

I bought Window8 for dummies as I like a book, read, mull over, read again then go to computer to try stuff. Been computing on personal computers since 1980 so only had to learn very few new terminology words. My book was $9.00. I'm in my mid 70's but will try most anything.

SQ

I have heard that there will be a new Windows 8.1 which is suppose to fix some of the problems with Windows 8. I too am still running XP. I love it. If it crashes on me I might learn how to knit.LOL When I have to use my DH's, it runs Vista, I get confused, Don't know what I would do with "Windows 8"
Don't you think think Computer people would stop and remember why we use these things before they change everything. I think they are just very expensive toys these days.

These reasons are why I still am using XP. I have a back up machine and hope I can continue until they get it figured out. Again Microsoft thinks they are the only smart people in the universe and you must use their products. What ever happened to open source?

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of good news.
**Warning** this comment will be filled with "Geek" stuff.
You can "downgrade" your computer to Windows 7 and Microsoft has a path for that -- but only if you purchased a Windows 8 Professional machine. They do not support a "downgrade" from Windows 8 Home version. Even if a "downgrade" is possible, the drivers for your new machine may not be available for Windows 7 and none of the vendors seem interested in fixing that right now. There are major issues with "downgrading" (including problems with BIOS and partitioned hard drive space recovery) and I DO recommend you hire a professional -- especially if the post your are reading is confusing. If you just purchased your machine from a store like "Best Buy" "Staples" "Office Depot" or similar store, you may be able to get them to "downgrade" for you. Many will charge a fee. If you purchased it from WalMart, that won't be an option.
More bad news -- Windows 7 Professional had an XP emulator built into it (kind of like a second personality) instead -- Windows 8 has something different called "Hyper V" to emulate Windows 7 only and it does not have USB functionality -- so it is of no use to Embroidery machines.

You CAN still purchase computers with Windows 7 on them -- it is just a special order. If you decide to do that, pay the extra and get Windows 7 Professional.
I wish I could be more help. It will be months before any backward compatibility will be available in Windows 8 for printers and such. It will (most likely) never happen for embroidery machines.

5 comments

by pcteddyb 23 Jul 2013

As always, geek speak or not, you have the answers. We appreciate you.

by killiecrankie 24 Jul 2013

Very interesting info but I live in Australia.I have decided to get a new hard drive for the old laptop if possible & keep it for my embroidery.

by rescuer 24 Jul 2013

I am afraid I don't know the name of shops in Australia, but if you have a shop that sells computers and they also have an in-house tech support area -- they should be able to help you "downgrade" if you decide to go that way.
I am sure you can get a new hard drive. That is the best solution and I hoped you could still do that. If you have the old hard drive, take it with you to match things with the new hard drive. Good luck!

by rescuer edited 24 Jul 2013

You should be able to use Office 2010 by installing it as a regular app. If you have trouble -- let me know and I will try to find some steps or a video link for you to watch.

by killiecrankie 25 Jul 2013

Thank you.When I first had trouble we asked around friends & family if they could recommend where to go.One suggestion was a certain placethat came to you but they wanted $158 per hr ,more if they had to replace anything.Guest what happened.We have got the back off the laptop & unscrewed the flat plate cover over the hard drive but it only lifts up slightly so I'm not game enough to lift it anymore.I was hoping to find out exactly what type of hard drive it was ,so I could go looking for a new one.

Well , computers are a real headacke.. I had XP for so long about 5 years and it worked so nice with all my programs for embroidery... one day I got a virus and my hubby could not bring it back... he has built many computers so he does know what he is doing.. now I am using windows 7.. still find is so different to use, but I am at least up and working... some parts work great others take getting use to..

1 comment

by killiecrankie 24 Jul 2013

Right from the beginning we had someone to help with computers & I learnt a lot from him but sadly he is well into hie eighties & he is losing it.

After reading the awful reviews on Windows 8 decided I never wanted it. I bought my Lap Top when you could still get Windows 7...but can't get some of my older programs to work with it as it's only Windows 7 Home Edition. But wasn't worried as I intended to get a new Desk Top with Windows 7 Professional. So a few weeks ago was searching to find one that was still Windows 7 and did find a refurbished (refurbished by Microsoft) Dell Windows 7 Professional, haven't had the time to get it up and running yet so still don't know if all my older programs will work but am hoping they will.
With my Windows 7 Lap Top I had to download some drivers to get my printer to work (it's around 7 years old and works great) I did manage to get my printer/scanner up and running fine. Try goggling how to get some of you programs to run with Windows 8...that's what I did with Windows 7 and was able to get thing up and working.
Muffy :)

1 comment

by killiecrankie 24 Jul 2013

I did find a driver for the printer but I couldn't get the how to install it info saved ,so I tried to do it on husbands laptop but it would only open the info for vista.The driver is downloaded but I still have to find out how to install it.Easier to use his laptop for printing

I understand your pain!! My DH, who understands computers, hates his Windows 8. I too bought him a book about it and he said the book was the only thing that kept him from going crazy!! And, like I said, my DH knows his computer stuff! Find a book about Windows 8, with lots of good reviews and purchase it - you should have to do it but, it may just help a bunch!! Good luck, Laura*

1 comment

by killiecrankie 24 Jul 2013

I borrowed Dummies windows 8 & another similar one from the library but they didn'thave the info that I really wanted

I just got a new computer also about 2 months ago. I am still trying to learn some things. I just went to the bookstore and bought a book and am reading it to help me. Windows 8 would not install me printer either. I went to HP and was able to get a download that installed my printer. I am still learning. It is so much different than my XP. And like you said no book or any type of printed instructions. Good luck with your new computer. Joyce

I just got a Windows laptop and have not had a bit of trouble with it. It automatically found and connected to my printer. My PED Basic works perfectly with it. In my Documents folder, I set up subfolders for ITH, Red Work, Applique, Alphabets, and New Embroidery. I save my designs and place them right in the folder they belong in. There is a read me file within the computer you just have to locate it. For me Windows 8 was an easy transfer from XP. Good Luck it's just a learning curve. Susan

1 comment

by sandyqueen 24 Jul 2013

Amen I had xp on one machine (older) and windows 7 and transitioned just fine.

SQ

oh yes for that same reason, we bought one of the last windows 7 laptops. Even when they told us in the shop they thought windows 8 was so much better. We are happy we were able to buy this one. Hope your problems will be over soon. Or perhaps you can install windows 7 version on it?

I'm so sorry to read about your PC troubles. Rescuer on this site has a lot of knowledgeable information about computers, maybe if she sees this post she can help you out. Good luck with all of your husband's appointments. I know what it's like driving in Sydney traffic - I hate it! Love and blessings Chris, Newcastle, Australia.

1 comment

by killiecrankie 24 Jul 2013

They have messed up his appointments & wanted us back again next week to change his dressing when the GP did it last week.Luckily the 11 car pile up on the Hawkesbury bridge occurred the day before

Oh I feel so much for you. Have forbidden my husband to touch my mac and do any up-dates again. Last time all my designs get mixed up (from the big folders down to the 3rd row). Newer versions are not always a progress for the user (wish I could get my old i-Photo back).
Hope you get everything to work properly...
Greetings, Bettina

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1 comment

by killiecrankie 24 Jul 2013

Don't know if it was just coincidence or not but in June I went to the Quilt & Craft show at Darling Harbour & while I was there husband decided to print an envelope but it didn't work.It would have been quicker to do it by hand & my laptop might still be working.

I had some problems with Vista. so my husband wiped it clean and instaled xp. you may find some one can do this for you and install a copy of Vista.
Hugs Pam.

This is exactly why I do not want a new computer. I am sure that some of the Cuties will be able to help you. Good luck :) Hugs Sarah.