Microsoft confirms it’s dropping Windows 8.1 support

From Infoworld -

Microsoft confirms it’s dropping Windows 8.1 support.

 

Here’s how this works – If you have Windows 8.1, You must update to Windows 8.1 Update (Yes, someone named it Windows 8.1 Update).   This will insure you get future security updates in the near future.

Keep updating until you see the power symbol and the search icon in your Metro screen!  And then keep updating …don’t miss any updates so you are covered on future updates.

See our troubleshooting information on getting updates if you have problems.

 

More Tips on updating issues-

• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/install-latest-update-windows-8-1
• Remove third party software
• Run Bleachbit
• Run a registry cleaner
• Remove your anti-virus, update Windows and then reinstall (See our Malwarebytes link below)

If the installation fails, try the following-

Run CMD as administrator
Type the following: dism /online /remove-package /packagename:Package_for_KB2919355~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.3.1.14
After this finishes, type: dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
Retry the upgrade again.

 

Error 0x80071a91?  Try this update. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2939087/en-us

 

Windows 8.1 Update 1 Malwarebytes prevents IE11 and MS Office from opening

Here’s a solution from the Malwarebytes forum  if you experience IE11 or MS Office from opening-   https://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=146368

An unnecessary path to tech: A Bachelor’s degree

An unnecessary path to tech: A Bachelor’s degree.

An excellent article on education and technical careers from Computerworld.  TCAT Shelbyville”s CIT program has a 98% retention and 92%+ placement.   Is a degree worth the money?  Yes, after you start your technical career.  Your education in technology cannot end once you start your career.    Are certifications worth their weight?  Absolutely.  If you know the hands-on.   The three, academia, certifications and hands-on is the fastest way to a career in IT.

ReFS – Data Protection – Windows 8.1 and Server 2012

NTFS.  You’ve worked with it for years.  Microsoft’s NTFS is not being replaced by ReFS.   ReFS is available for Windows 8.1 and Server 2012.  What if you have extra drives and need the data protection?  ReFS may be for you. (or Storage Spaces ~See upcoming article)

ReFS is the Resilient File System that makes disk more reliable and works like this.

• Uses checksums to detect if your data is changed
• Able to detect and recover from corruption
• Data is written to a new part of the disk if the above is the case
• Recovers without limiting availability of the disk
• Integrity data streams can also be enabled
• File system metadata is protected
• No chkdsk
• Handles 1 Yottabyte ( 1 quadrillion GBs?)

While the boot volume should still be in NTFS, this file system is ideal for servers and workstations that need extra data protection.  The other drives can ideally be made ReFS.

More information from Microsoft

Windows Storage Spaces and ReFS – Is it time to ditch raid for good? via Betanews

 

 

Dell DDA – Upgrading from Windows 8 to 8.1

Having a problem uninstalling the Dell Data Access Software and upgrading to 8.1?  Here’s some tips -

 

• Dell’s recommendation for upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1  Link
• If the software does not uninstall properly, run Microsoft’s fix-it to uninstall the program (Link)  you may also run a registry cleaner that can clear the software from your registry.

 

Our Solution – This may not fit your needs.  Always backup your data.

• Uninstall the Dell Data Access software  (We had 15 pcs that had remains left after the uninstall
• Reboot
• Make sure the software is not listed in the Programs and Features list
• Navigate to C:\program files and C:\program files (x86)
• Remove the files under the subfolder ‘Dell’  that are related to the Dell Data Access software
• If you cannot, open the task manager and click on the details tab.
• Find the process TDMService.exe, right click and end the process tree
• Immediately delete the .exes in the above subfolder – you may have to end the process (the process may restart)
• Delete the files manually (Only the protection files and folders)
• Run the microsoft fix-it above and/or a registry cleaner
• Reboot
• Install Windows 8.1

It seems this is a problem that has many fixes – The above is our fix that worked for us…

 

Other tips that may help once Windows 8.1 upgrading starts -

Remove 3rd party software

Disable the anti-virus software

Run cleaners and defrag

The dangers of using outdated software

 Outdated software contains security flaws which cybercriminals can use as avenues to infiltrate the corporate network.

The dangers of using outdated software.

Microsoft Surface Pro-ready for manufacturing, business and industry

The Microsoft Surface Pro has proven to be versatile in the workplace.  Mr. Arnold our Industrial Maintenance instructor uses the Microsoft Surface Pro to connect to nearly a hundred PLCs, motors, robots and other industrial components.

So why is this tablet perfect for business and industries?

External DVD Attached through USB port

USB EasyLINK to transfer files from one computer to another

The Windows below shows the USB EasyLINK software (loaded on the USB device)

Many industrial components require a floppy disk drive – (Above and Below)

What if you need to expand your USB with a USB hub or two?

IT personnel can attach a Wireless Spectrum Analyzer or multiple wireless cards for site surveys or other wireless needs.

 

   

Four Wi-Fi Nic cards shown above

Multitasking (above)

Joining a domain (above)

Connect an external drive, card reader or multiple USB drives at the same time.

Use all of your Windows based software…now why was the Surface a bad idea?  It’s not…