Tech Tip: How to fix Windows Updates for Windows 8

Description: This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to troubleshoot and resolve errors when Windows 8 is failing on installing an update from Windows Update.

First try this Microsoft Fix-It:

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9830262
 

 If that doesn't solve the issue try the following:

1. Right click on the task bar and go to Task Manager. (Alternatively press Ctrl+Alt+Del and select Task Manager.)
   
   
   
   
2. Click on More Details at the bottom left and then click on the Services tab on the right.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Scroll down to wuauserv or Windows Update.
   
   
   
   
4. Right-click and go to Stop.
   
   
   
   
5. Now open up Computer by clicking Start and Computer.
   
   
   
   
6. Navigate to C:\Windows by double clicking on Local Disc C:\ and then Windows.
   
7. Scroll down until you see the folder SoftwareDistribution.
   
   
   
   
8. Rename the folder to something else: IE: SoftwareDistribution-OLD.
   
9. Now restart your computer and try Windows Update again.

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

New features in the Windows 8.1 Start button

Description: This blog post gives a description of new functions in the Windows 8 start button.

Microsoft has an update of Windows 8 called 8.1. One of the most popular features on it is the re-addition of a Start button.
 
Some of the new features it comes with are:

1. It's a visible button that takes the user to the Start Screen with a left click.
   
   
   
   
2. Right clicking on it will provide a number of features such as:
   
   
   • Shut down options.
     
     
     
     
   • Quick and easy access to various Management features (e.g. Control Panel, Run window, etc.)
     
     

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech Tip: How to boot into the Desktop instead of the Modern User Interface in Windows 8

Description: This article will show you how to tell Windows 8 to start on the desktop as opposed to the Modern User Interface.

1. On the Modern User Interface click at the hotspot in the lower right corner
   
   
   
   
2. Click on Search on the toolbar.
   
   
   
   
3. Click on Settings
   
   
   
   
4.  In the search box type schedule
   
   
   
   
   • Click on Schedule Tasks
     
     
5. At the Task Scheduler screen select Task Scheduler Library
   
   
   
   
   • On the right under Actions click on Create Tasks
     
     
6. At the Create Task screen name the task, here we're naming it Show Desktop at Logon. You can choose what you like.
   
   
   
   
7. Click on the Triggers tab
   
   
   
   
   • Click on the New button
     
     
8. On the New Trigger screen click on the down arrow and select At Log On
   
   
   
   
   • Click OK
     
     
9. On the Actions Tab click on New
   
   
   
   
10. At the New Actions screen for the program/script name enter explorer
    
    
    
    
    • Click on OK
      
      
11. Click on OK on the Create Task window.
    
    
    
    
12. The next time you restart you will be taken to the desktop.

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech Tip: How to create a Picture Password in Windows 8

Description: This article will show you how to create a picture password for entry into Windows 8 that uses dots (single clicks) or dragged lines instead of a word as a password. Designed for the touch screen, this method can be utilized on any platform using Windows 8 using either a touch screen or a mouse.

1. Click on the hotspot in the lower right corner to activate the charm menu.
   
   
   
   
2. Click on the Settings Charm.
   
   
   
   
3. Click on More PC Settings.
   
   
   
   
4. Under PC Settings click on Users.
   
   
   
   
   • Click on create a picture password.
     
     
5. At the welcome to picture password screen click on Choose picture.
   
   
   
   
6. Select the picture you are using for your lock screen background.
   
   
   
   
   • Click on Open.
     
     
7. If this is the picture you intend to use click on Use this picture.
   
   
   
   
8. You will now be asked to create a pattern using 3 strokes. The strokes can consist of either a single mouse click (a dot) or a dragged straight line. Both are shown below.
   
   
   
   
   • You will then be asked to repeat the pattern and save the password.

Click here to watch a video on this topic!

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Microsoft announces Windows 8 release date

Yesterday, Microsoft officially unveiled the release date for its next operating system. Looks like Friday, October 26^th is when you’ll finally be able to get your hands on the Windows 7 follow-up. Windows President Steven Sinofsky made the announcement yesterday during Microsoft's sales meeting. This date holds true for both new PCs and upgrades, though there’s still no mention if this includes Microsoft's tablet, Surface. Seemingly, we’ll have to wait a little longer for that...

Source: Microsoft