Windows 8.1

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I am new to windows 8.1 and using an iso that includes November 2014 update roll up.
I need to install .net3.5. Enabling it in Features on a running system it downloads the file, where is it downloaded to, Software Distribution, and what type of file is it, an executable, cab file or other?
I need to update the image, do i need a Servicing Stack and the latest CU only or do i need to add all the updates in the updates downloader tool.
What would be the install order on a running system, install .net 3.5 then the SS and CU as per usual?
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I am using this post as a temporary location for 8.1 related uploads. Before running any file check them through as they may disable things you need to use, i run them as they are but users can cherry pick bits that suit them.

Download from Here
 
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I just updated an older version of Win8.1 Pro using NTLite Live. I installed 17 new updates. NTLite skipped 4 of them, saying that they were no longer applicable to my system. One was for Defender. One was for DDA (?). One was a fix for a hotfix. The last had to do with Work Folders.

When I check Task Scheduler, SetSQMTask is not there.

So that leaves me with a few possible conclusions:

1) It could be that Microsoft tries to installed SetSQMTask in fresh installs of Win8.1. In my case here, this was not a fresh install, and maybe a component removal or a later Feature Removal (IE11) prevented an Update from installing SetSQMTask.

2) It could be that one of the skipped updates would have installed SetSQMTask.

3) It could be that I'm totally wrong and Microsoft is not sneaking in SetSQMTask.

If the last is the case, then I don't know where SetSQMTask came from.

Will have to see what PhsMu says.
 
Ok, first, no signal of that task on a fresh, out-of-the box standard windows 8.1 pro install (esd, update 3).

Running windows updates, though my internet is not that fast, so that may take a bit.
 
Eh, I got no SetSQMTask, even after updating. Unless is related to Secureboot (which doesn't apply to legacy machines such as DualCore Pentiums), then it didn't come from windows updates on my end.
 
Thanks for testing. That is very interesting, 'cause if I recall correctly, I saw SetSQMTask on a fresh boot of a 'Lite'd iso in my VM.

(I don't use Secure Boot either. The update crashes the NTLite build. (Or it did 6 months ago.) So that update isn't it.)
 
I confirmed PhsMu 's findings. When I install a Win8.1 Pro U3 image with only KB's integrated into it, I do not see SetSQMTask in the Task Scheduler.

It is only after I do removals with NTLite that it shows up.

What do you suppose is causing that? (Am going to run such a wim in VBox now , just to make sure I am correct here.)
 
Okay, well now I feel fairly stupid.

I just ran a version of Win8.1 Pro U3 on VBox, where I had 1) installed Updates, then 2) removed Fonts, Languages and Keyboards and then 3) removed Components.

I don't see SetSQMTask there either.

So it appears that SetSQMTask only a appears (a little play on words for you non-native English speakers) when I use the wim to refresh an existing Win8.1 Pro - an existing one that has already been 'Lited.

My solution for now, which seems to be working well, was to use NTLite Live on my existing Win8.1 to install the last few new updates.

And then I used the Live to remove one or two components that the latest version of NTLite can now remove.

It would be nice to start totally fresh with a new install of Win8.1. But I have some licensed programs that complain when you activate them too many times. And if I were to start fresh, I would have to activate my programs again. As I might upgrade to a Ryzen 3 soon (don't need it, but can't beat the price of a 6 core), and will have to reactive my programs after that, I don't want to over-activate them now.
 
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pmikep There isnt a 6 core Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5's are 6 core. There is a new 6c/12 fred 3500 coming which may sitat 150-160usd.
W8.1 and w10 builds before 1903 dont have scheduler fixes for Ryzen CCX layouts, only w10 1903 has it.

Refreshing, activating programs, the age old issue. :(
 
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Correct. I meant the third version of Ryzen. It's the 3500 I'm looking at. So far it's $199 USD. When/if it comes down to $160, I think I will ***have*** to buy one, 'cause it's such a deal.

But... are you saying that Win8.1 will not work at all with a Ryzen 3500? Or just not work as optimally?

I really, really do not want to go to Win10. I've read that Linux is now supporting direct I/O to GPU's. I wonder if I could run my video editor in a VBox Win8.1 and get direct hardware GPU support through a Linux Host?
 
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The 3600(190gbp) and 3600x(229gbp) are here already, the 3500 is due. The 3400g(4c/8t, 140gbp) uses a single ccx and uses updated ryzen 2000 series cores. 8.1 "should" work on that lot because it has native usb3 drivers, its why i can install 8.1 on coffee lake but not w7. Windows update will be blocked and may cause you problems, it can be unblocked.

The new chiplet design has 2 4c ccx's inside where as the 3200g and 3400g have 1 ccx. 8.1 "should" work on 2x ccx's but it wont be optimal but will more than likely be better that bulldozer cores.
 
Look at swapping your current fx cpu for a 63xx or 83xx, you wil get extra horsepower and the cost will be cheaper than 3000 + board and ddr4 ram. Ram prices are going up again, see the news section. You can keep 8.1 and you may not have to rectivate paid for programs probably because its just a cpu change.
 
Interesting. I have lost count of what's available after my Phenom II X4 came out. I checked MSI's compatibility list, and it shows that my mobo will work with the Vishera 8300. Only $90. Might be worth a try. 8 cores gotta be better than 4. And a lot more onboard cache.
 
i swapped a single core for a triple core athlon x3 and the differ, it was a cheap and very worthwhile upgrade :)
Put a Ryzen 3000 on a 400 series board and you gonna need a bios update. X570 boards are damn expensive. Ram prices are going up.
Had a look on newegg, look at the 8320 and 8320e, 20usd dearer than the 6300. If you were bothered by the fx's performance you would have gone to ryzen ealier on but you stuck with fx so just get a beefier fx. Keep to 95w and try to get one with the big arse Wraith cooler. 100usd or 500+ for ryzen 3000? Check your power supply voltages and if they are in spec you'll be good to go :) though i will be inclined to keep an eye on them during the first few weeks after upgrading justin case.
 
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Yeah, the 8320E is 90$ on Amazon. Apparently it comes with an older cooler (not a Wraith). But considering that my Phenom is a 125 W unit, and the 8320E is 95W (when not overclocked) my current cooler, or whatever comes in the box with the 8320E should be fine. I'm gonna give it a few days before ordering to see if the price drops as the Ryzen 3XXX series hits the market. For what I do, the 4 extra cores and more onboard cache should suffice. (My video program is very good about using my GPU. So not much change with a CPU upgrade there.) And the best news - I don't have to pay MS for a new garbage OS.
 
3000 will only affect 2000 prices, older stuff isnt usually affected, if it is it wont be by much, 10$ or so. Dont wait for too long because they will disappear.
If it was me i would buy now and not look back, 90usd/gbp aint to be sniffed at :). If you are running vm's, streaming and who knows what else and your system bogs down and you can justify 8 cores go for it. Review at Hexus.
I cant justify more than 4c/4f whatever the price. I am looking at 2c/4f pentiums at £60 :)
 
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Clanger, do you know if I can just pop the new CPU in a running Win7 and Win8.1 installation and it will fire right up? (Hopefully Windows would find the proper HAL PnP thingie and update itself.) Or does it take a true fresh install for the new CPU to be recognized?
 
A cpu swap wont require a fresh installation or reactivation of your current os. See the underlined step below.

Check motherboard cpu support list, it should tell you which cpus are supprted in each bios revision. Update if needed.

Check the security sticker on the cpu box before you do anything, if it looks like its been opened do not use and return.

Start pc, open Device Manager, you have to uninstall each cpu core. System will want to restart, do not restart, turn off, do not restart.

Unplug pc from mains supply. Press the power/on switch once or twice, this eliminates any curent still lurking in your system.

Open pc and follow anti static procedures.

Unplug cpu cooler fan and remove cpu cooler. Cpu will be stuck like wotsit to the cooler, best done on a system that has been running to help loosen the old cpu paste. Removing cooler will prolly pull the cpu from the socket and you may end up with bent pins.

Fit new cpu, if reusing existing cooler remove any paste from base. New cooler will have paste on it already, remove if using alternative paste.
Fit new cooler, make sure mountings are secure. Connect cpu cooler fan to motherboard connector.

You may want to clean the case interior and fans as the case is open anyway, clean cpu fan if reusing existing cooler.

Close case, check all connections make sure they are nice and firm.

Start pc. Pc wil want to restart to finish installing your new cpu, restart. OPen Device Manager to make sure your 8 new cpu cores are all installed.

Check psu voltages to make sure it is within specs as you have a more powerful cpu. Check regularly during the 1st week.

If all has gone well then Robert is your mothers brother.
 
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I ended up ordering the FX-8350. It was $10 more, but included the Wraith cooler, which everyone says is better/quieter. And I suppose if I ever upgrade to a Ryzen later, I can put the cooler on that.

The TPD is the same as my current Phenom II X4. So no power problems there. And no need to overclock. The 8350 runs faster stock than my X4.

I didn't select the 8350 initially because it wasn't listed on MSI's list of compatible CPU's. But that was for the A0 version of their BIOS (I have the latest already). I saw lots of people on youtube running my mobo with the 8350, and the ppl in the msi forum say it will work with the latest BIOS.

Should know in a week.
 
8350 product page. Fingers crossed :) There is only a 200mhz overclock on that so i wouldnt even bother o/c'ing it. The Wraiths for AM3/3+ and FM2+ are rated up to 125w, they are slightly different to the Wraiths for Ryzen 3000 but they are capable coolers so make sure there is plenty of airflow.
Hopefully thats you sorted and best buddies with 8.1 for a few more years. :)
 
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