Windows 8.1 compatibility chart

[Bradfo69]

I really wanted to get this unit downgraded to Windows 7 but, Staples said they couldn't do it. (At least in store.)

Gary, I usually use my Moncha DAC when I'm using Spaghetti so, you have a little interest in me getting this to work. Incidentally, Spaghetti installed fine but, when I tried to set up the hardware, it locked up a little because of course, the drivers weren't installed for the Moncha DAC. What doesn't make total sense is that Moncha reports "Device Connected" at the bottom of the screen when I'm in Moncha. I haven't actually hooked anything up to a laser yet to test it. I've just been sitting in my office all day, installing programs and trying to get it set up the way I want. Quickshow, Beyond, Live Pro, Spaghetti, LaserBoy, Audacity, Spider Player, Virtual DJ, so far have all been fine. Not sure how it's going to go for LSX, Showexpress, Phoenix 4.1 and the Layla drivers yet. I won't be putting LD2000 on it since I don't have a QM that works in a .net box at this point.

[JohnYayas]

Are you using the 2.2.2.2 version of Spaghetti? That version should also work with Fiesta and QM2000 but I have not been able to test with either of those lately. If it is locking up when detecting hardware I am certainly interested in finding out why. I'm going to leave it to Michal to help you out getting the drivers installed for Moncha. Let me know if you still have problems once they are installed. In the meantime I'll log a bug to test what happens when there are no Moncha drivers installed and handle it appropriately. I used the Showtacle SDK so it SHOULD handle that sort of thing but I don't know for certain. It's been a while since I tested with Moncha so I should probably regress through all of the cases now that I think about it. Thanks for this reminder.

[Bradfo69]

I think I got it thanks to Tom's Hardware Guide. I got to a command prompt and was able to get it to let me boot into the "new" control panel and turn off checking for signed driver certificates. Then was able to install them. I'm going to try the same for the Fiesta DAC next. Then I'll check Spaghetti (yes 2.2.2.2 - just downloaded it this afternoon) and also hook it up to a laser.

[Bradfo69]

Yes... it detected it this time. Looks like Spaghetti is fine. Although... tortellini alfredo is really my preference.


(Oh and it was your suggestion to get into safe mode that helped solve it. Thanks!)

[JohnYayas]

Glad I could help!

[White-Light]

Glad you got it sorted.

Like what? I haven't found anything in 8.x that I can't do in 7. I am not saying you are wrong but I my experience doesn't match your claims. There might be some drivers that don't work but that happens with every OS.

Some things are missing such as a right click to get File Properties. I'm not sure if you can pull file properties up elsewhere, but it's certainly hidden elsewhere if you can which makes something simple far more difficult. It's almost as if MS has tried to make more advanced features of the OS less accessible to prevent those with no knowledge from accessing them whilst at the same time making it more difficult as a result for more advanced users.

Also, everything about Win 8 is convoluted such as hidden program menus on the r/h side of the screen as well as the normal start menu, plus those horrible tiles. Many things that took 1 step on Win 7 and before take multiple steps on 8. Why complicate things? The simple program menus in previous versions was easy to find and quick to use. For tiles, I can understand the usefulness of tiles for mobile applications but for desktop it's horrible. The trouble is MS tried to make 1 OS to fit all, and it doesn't work well for desktops. They'd have been better sticking to dedicated Desktop and Mobile / Tablet versions that could exchange data and to giving you all versions on your Windows Disk, so you bought one, you got them all. Anyway I diverge the thread and it's just my 2 cents, but I can't see myself leaving Win 7 now except to MAC.

[JohnYayas]

I boot to my desktop with Win 8.1. If I want file properties I right click on the file and there is a properties menu item right where it always has been. I don't use the Start screen, I use the Start Menu which is the same as Win 7. It doesn't really sound like you have used Windows 8 enough to really know what it can or can't do. You might have to add a $5 or free utility to have the old start menu like you have in Win 7 but that's it. I hate having to use a 3rd party item for my start menu but I have to say that I installed it the same day I installed Win8 and have NEVER had a problem with it. I have to say you sound a little silly complaining about things that aren't even true.

[norty303]

I bought a brand new Lenovo Y510p with Win8 and it came pre-installed with a 3rd party start menu!

[Bradfo69]

This was Michals response this morning just in case anyone needs it for reference:

Hi Brad,

The only thing you need to do is to enable 3rd party drivers. This is the way:
http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-...-in-windows-8/

After that, you can install the drivers (and you don’t have to do this again).

Best regards,
Michal Pokluda
Showtacle Ltd.

[White-Light]

I boot to my desktop with Win 8.1. If I want file properties I right click on the file and there is a properties menu item right where it always has been. I don't use the Start screen, I use the Start Menu which is the same as Win 7. It doesn't really sound like you have used Windows 8 enough to really know what it can or can't do. You might have to add a $5 or free utility to have the old start menu like you have in Win 7 but that's it. I hate having to use a 3rd party item for my start menu but I have to say that I installed it the same day I installed Win8 and have NEVER had a problem with it. I have to say you sound a little silly complaining about things that aren't even true.

I've only helped someone else who had Win 8.1 installed and was using desktop interface and you couldn't get file properties to appear via right click.

Like I said I also find it convoluted - things that take 1 click in Win 7 take several in Win 8. I'll be quite honest, I don't like it, I don't know of anyone that does like it personally, tiles are a stupid idea - maybe of some value on a phone or tablet, but stupid on a desktop, I love the desktop and personally, until and unless MS reverse policy and produce a true Desktop OS again, I'm sticking Win 7 or if forced to going MAC. I see no future for myself with Windows if it continues in the current direction. It's an OS that's compromised by trying to meets of mobile users in the one OS.

It's obviously popular in any event, as they having to give Win 10 away free to try to encourage people to take up the new Windows format!