Need Major Windows 8.1 Help

PaulaJedi

PaulaJedi

Survivor
☀️ Zenith
We bought a cheap laptop to program remotes. We heard Windows 8 was bad, but we figured, how bad could it be? Well, Windows Mobile Device center won't install on this thing. It's Windows 8.1. Here's what happens: Double click the icon, I get a gray box for a few seconds then poof, it disappears into the space/time continuum. Upon trying again, the cursor just twirls for a few seconds then poof, gone. Without WMDC, the remotes hooked up via USB are not seen.

Things I've tried:

Removed the antivirus software and turned off firewall
Ran in various compatibility modes
Made sure net framework was installed
Did a clean reboot (i.e. NOTHING in memory but essentials)
Refreshed the machine, although I haven't done a full reinstall

I've googled all day yesterday and tried absolutely everything I could to no evail. The suggestions on Microsoft don't work, either.

We threw away the box. Can't send the laptop back.

Someone said that I wouldn't be able to downgrade to Windows 7 because Windows 8 machines are built for Windows 8 only. Is this true?

I don't think this cheap laptop has a hard drive. It's silent. It must be flash memory. Not sure if that's an issue or not.

What a huge waste of money.
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Any ideas?
 
There is software you can purchase to change it over to a MAC.

I have windows 7 on all my machines. But it is a constant battle. I would not recommend installing a Microsoft operating system to anyone. You do know they partnered with NSA don't you?
 

It's too late. The NSA knows everything about all of us already, so it's pretty futile, but back to Windows....

He was using a Mac laptop, but the programming software for the Universal Remotes doesn't come in MAC format.
So, he had a dual operating system installed and the Windows side wasn't stable.

We're gonna give the 8.1 P.O.C. (piece of crap) to the kids and he's going to reformat an old laptop. Not sure why he didn't do that to begin with.

I don't have any problems with Windows 7. This thing has never crashed. I leave it on 24x7. Ok, I lied -- I had a fancy video card that started overheating after a year, so I don't waste money on super fancy video cards anymore. (Wasn't a Windows issue). I bought one slightly less fancy and it works like a champ. No heat issues. :)

Anyway, like I said, can't change it to a MAC because of the remote software.
 

If I wanted to be funny, I'd say Windows 8 itself is the problem. I like Windows 7, it runs smoothly just like XP.

That said, I'm personally using Ubuntu on my home computer. It's definitely my favorite OS, It rocks. No more Windows for me at home. Except for the occasional gaming.

Too bad your software doesn't work on Mac, it would have been an easy choice.
 
Num7 said:
If I wanted to be funny, I'd say Windows 8 itself is the problem. I like Windows 7, it runs smoothly just like XP.

That said, I'm personally using Ubuntu on my home computer. It's definitely my favorite OS, It rocks. No more Windows for me at home. Except for the occasional gaming.

Too bad your software doesn't work on Mac, it would have been an easy choice.
Click to expand...

My Windows 7 has been flawless with what I do. I'm just afraid to spend the $100 for Windows 7 only to find out it isn't compatible with this cheap Acer laptop. Maybe I'll Google the model number and see if others have tried.

We can't use other operating systems because the Universal Remote Control software is only written for Windows. :( Otherwise, we'd MAC it all way. :)
 
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