Windows 8 How-To Posts: MSDN Dr Z Blog

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The following 30 tips from the Dr Z collection at MSDN Blogs. Take a look.Windows 8 How To: 1. Switch Between Metro UI and Desktop Mode
Windows 8 How To: 2. Switch Between Apps or Snap Apps
Windows 8 How To: 3. How to Power Off Your Device
Windows 8 How To: 4. Show and Access the Control Panel
Windows 8 How To: 5. Show and Access Administrative Tools
Windows 8 How To: 6. Show All Apps
Windows 8 How To: 7. Switch Between Windows Accounts and Local Accounts
Windows 8 How To: 8. Set up a Picture Password
Windows 8 How To: 9. Set Up a Printer
Windows 8 How To: 10. Customize Metro UI – App Tiles and Groups
Windows 8 How To: 11. Install Language Packs for Multilingual Support
Windows 8 How To: 12. Show and Use “Run” Command
Windows 8 How To: 13. Show and Use cmd Prompt (DOS Mode)
Windows 8 How To: 14. Show and Use PowerShell
Windows 8 How To: 15. Show and Use Desktop Applications
Windows 8 How To: 16. Install .NET 3.5 and Windows Live Essentials
Windows 8 How To: 17. Add New Tab or New InPrivate Tab in Metro Style IE Browser
Windows 8 How To: 18. Configure WiFi Connection and Airplane Mode
Windows 8 How To: 19. Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives
Windows 8 How To: 20. How to Start Windows 8 in Safe Mode
Windows 8 How To: 21. Install and Uninstall Metro Style Apps
Windows 8 How To: 22. Enable or Disable Sharing Between PCs Using HomeGroup
Windows 8 How To: 23. Find and Use Windows Help and Support
Windows 8 How To: 24. Show and Configure Free Anti-Virus App (Windows Defender)
Windows 8 How To: 25. Show and Enable Split Touch Keyboard (On-Screen)
Windows 8 How To: 26. Set up Remote Desktop Connection
Windows 8 How To: 27. Backup your Files Using File History
Windows 8 How To: 28. Restore Files Using File History
Windows 8 How To: 29. Restore System to a Previous State Using Restore Point
Windows 8 How To: 30. Restore your Device using Refresh and Reset

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Nice list Ted.

Jerry

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Thanks Jerry. Found this and thought it might help.

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How to create a Windows 8 Recovery Disk (Both CD/DVD or USB)

Ghack’s article on creating a Windows 8 repair & recovery cd/DVD;
How to create a Windows 8 system repair disc

Paul Thurrott’s article on a USB recovery disk creator option;
Windows 8 Tip: Create Recovery Media
(To find the Windows 8 recovery media creator, enter recovery in Start Search and then change the view to Settings. The option you’re looking for is listed as Create a recovery drive in the search results)

According to the bootable recovery USB interface one can do a refresh install from the boot environment. One will be asked to insert their original Windows 8 DVD. There should be minimal disruption to user data and applications.

I would recommend creating a full fledge install disk on either USB or DVD instead, as they also provide
the same recovery options as those created from within the OS itself.[/SIZE]

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Thanks Clint. Nice additions. There have been a couple of questions about this.

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Disable the Windows 8 Lock Screen
type “gpedit.msc” in the run box (win+r), then and navigate to the following location:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization.
Double-click on the policy called, “Do not display the lock screen.” Change the option to “Enabled,” and then click OK.

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How to Do a Clean Install with Windows 8 Upgrade
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The WindowsEightForum has an article that will show you how to do a clean install of the Windows 8 upgrade version from a formatted disk.

There are several caveats here;
1 Must have created a bootable install disk of either USB or DVD type. (must be a boot install obviously)
2 Will need to perform an OS “refresh” after you have just clean installed. (not an issue as it’s quick and easy)
3 You will not retain the licensing rights to your previous OS.

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OK, so this is similar to the double install trick in Win 7. This may work for those who have purchased a new HD to replace their original HD.

The other possibility if you do have a previously installed and licensed, qualifying OS is to format during the installation. After you choose Custom Install, on the next screen choose Advanced Disk Options, then highlight the partition and choose Format. Once the Format is finished, the installation will continue on a newly formatted partition. You will see there is also a lack of a windows.old folder.

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The method shown above for removing the lock screen must be for Win 8 Pro. When I try it it says the command GPEDIT.MSC is unknown.

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These were originally posted prior to Win 8 official release. It is possible some of them do not work in the official release.

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GPEDIT.MSC is only available in the Pro or Enterprise versions of Windows 8. GPEDIT has never been available in the Home versions of Windows.

Joe

--Joe

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