8/11/2012 Your PC’s CPU isn’t compatible with Windows 8 – Error Explained

Some people who are trying to install Windows 8 Release Preview are reporting an error. This error has been reported even by those who could run Windows 8 Consumer Preview on the same machine. While installing Windows 8 Release Preview , you may see the following error message:

Your PC’s CPU isn’t compatible with Windows 8

 

So what has changed since the Consumer Preview? Let us check what this error is and what Microsoft is saying about it.

As we can see, this error is related to CPU requirements for Windows 8 Release Preview. So to install Windows 8 RP, your CPU (processor) must support these features – PAE/NX/SSE2 .

Let us see what these means.

“No-eXecute (NX) is a processor feature that allows marking of memory pages as non-executable. The feature allows the CPU to help guard the system from attacks by malicious software. When the NX feature is enabled on a system, it prevents malicious software code from being placed in accessible regions of memory to be executed when control reaches that memory location. Windows 8 requires that systems must have processors that support NX, and NX must be turned on”

“Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2) is a previous standard that is supported in Intel and AMD processors. All processors that support NX also support SSE2.”

“To use the NX processor feature, the processor must be running in Physical Address Extension (PAE) mode. PAE is a processor feature that enables x86 processors to access more than 4 GB of physical memory on capable versions of Windows. “

The processor requirement won’t impact customers on modern systems, or on systems that meet logo requirements for Windows 7 because these systems have PAE-capable 32-bit processors that support NX and allow NX to be turned on. Only a small set of customers who have Windows 7 running on very old 32-bit processors without PAE/NX support will be impacted.

Check if your system  Supports NX or SSE2

To check this, there’s a Windows Sysinternals tool Coreinfo , a command-line utility. You can get it from here. Running this from the command line, will provide the required info - need to download coreinfo software.

A supported processor feature will have the * character displayed next to the feature name, and a - character if not supported.

“If PAE is displayed as not supported in Coreinfo output, your system has a processor that is not PAE-capable, and cannot support NX. If PAE is shown as supported, but NX is displayed as not supported in Coreinfo output:

· Consult the feature set published by the CPU manufacturer to determine if NX is supported by the processor on your system.

· If the processor on your system does have the NX support, then your system may have misconfigured BIOS setting for NX support option.

If NX is supported on your system, can be turned on from BIOS settings if its not turned On.”

So check the BIOS and enable NX (“No eXecute bit”) or the equivalent XD (“eXecute Disabled”) feature in the BIOS settings. Look them in Advanced or Security options in BIOS. They may be referred by various names according to BIOS manf. They can be named No Execute Memory Protect, Execute Disabled Memory Protection, EDB (Execute Disabled Bit) , EVP (Enhanced Virus Protection) or by some oth name. So check for these.

If the BIOS doesnt show any of these option for NX , then check with BIOS manf for any BIOS updates which might have added this. Very old processors may not include this feature.

Error 0×0000260

A related error is also seen in when trying to install Windows 8 in a VM with an error 0×0000260.

“If the Virtual Machine (VM) is hosted on a system that supports NX, you must enable PAE/NX in the virtualization product’s settings or configuration manager when setting up the Windows 8 virtual environment. “

For more detailed info on PAE/NX/SSE2 requirement for Windows 8, Microsoft has published a Whitepaper -  PAE/NX/SSE2 Support Requirement Guide for Windows 8

This document details the processor support for the PAE/NX/SSE2 requirement in Windows 8, error cases and scenarios that customers encounter when machines fail to meet the requirement, and what to do to install Windows 8 on their PCs. The information provided in the document applies to Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

Microsoft’s Bill Fill explained in detail about this error in The Answers Forum. He starts with apology for the inconvenience caused by this issue and thanks the users for trying out the Release Preview. Further he says that Microsoft may contact a few of those who reported this issue if further info is needed as it may be a bug and has to be corrected before RTM.

Then he describes what exactly has changed since CP as users who could run the CP on their machine encountered this issue while installing RP on the same machine.

What has changed in Windows 8 RP, since CP

We did make changes in the upgrade detection logic since the CP. The changes revolve around the default installer and how it checks for precise CPU features before continuing. Windows 8 requires the NX capabilities of modern CPUs. This is done for security reasons to ensure that malware defense features work reliably. This is important as we want to ensure that people can feel safe using lots of different software including desktop apps and apps from the Windows Store. This means some very old CPUs will not work with Windows 8. In the CP we did not block the installer for the NX feature. Based on CP telemetry we felt adding the block to setup was warranted to respect people’s time. It is better to get it over with quickly, even if it is disappointing.

We also used the telemetry to get some handle on how many CPUs would fail the NX requirement so we could be sure enforcing NX presence was responsible in the ecosystem. We learned that less than 1% of CPUs did not have NX capability available and configured correctly and out of those 0.1% did not have the NX capability at all. Based on this we feel that enforcing NX presence is a good thing to do since it results in better malware defenses. Thus we now enforce NX presence in the kernel boot sequence.
We didn’t make any change related to PAE detection, but it is good to note that PAE is a pre-requisite for NX on 32 bit processors due to how NX is implemented in memory manager page tables.

We did change SSE2 instruction set detection based on telemetry from the CP and Windows 7.
The result for users at large is their PC is more reliable. We do not check for SSE2 in the kernel boot sequence,;however, if your CPU has NX it also almost certainly has SSE2.

Workaround

Before trying this workaround, please check & configure NX in BIOS. The the workaround uses the ISO to install.

“Download the ISO and burn it to a DVD or create a bootable USB flash drive. Boot from the media that you created. If your CPU does not support NX you will see a code 5D bluescreen before setup starts. This is rare, but if it happens we won’t be able to help you run Windows 8.

This workaround may succeed because Windows contains two installers: the end user installer (setup.exe at the root of the Windows DVD) and the commercial installer (setup.exe found in the \sources directory of the Windows DVD). The commercial installer runs when the PC is booted from DVD/USB media and does not perform the NX/SSE2 checks and attempts to enable NX/SSE2 on supported systems.”

This issue has been explained in detail by Microsoft. If someone getting this error, he or she can refer this and try the workaround.

@Atulplayer

8/09/2012 How to Install Windows 8 RTM on Your Computer

 

Windows 8 has been finalized and it is made available gradually through different channels. For those who are new to Windows 8 and would like a detailed step by step tutorial on how to install it on their computers and devices, we have created this guide. We will cover the following: how to burn your Windows 8 image to a disc or create a bootable USB drive, how to install Windows 8 and how to go through the initial configuration screens.
UPDATE: The article includes instructions relevant for the final version of Windows 8 (build 9200).

What to Expect from Windows 8

If you are not familiar with the novelties introduced by the new release of Windows 8, first check out video which summarizes some of the most obvious changes.

Installation Prerequisites

First, you need to download the final version from Microsoft or purchase it through one of the official channels available.
If you want to burn the .iso image on a disc, check our tutorial: The Complete Guide to Burning Disk Images (ISO & IMG) In Windows 7. Also, if you want to create a bootable memory stick with the Windows 8 setup on it, don’t hesitate to read this tutorial: How to Make a Bootable USB Drive to Windows, Linux or MS DOS.
If you want to run Windows 8 in a virtual machine, the only free software with which you can use is VirtualBox. When starting the Create New Virtual Machine wizard, select Windows 8 as the operating system and Virtual Box will adjust its settings so that everything runs smoothly.



If you still have issues, check this guide on what settings must be turned on: You need to have hardware virtualization enabled if you want to run Windows 8 in Virtual Box.
In order to install Windows 8, you need to have a valid product key, appropriate for the specific version you are installing. You also need a Microsoft account. If you don’t know much about it and how it helps you to have one, check this article: Simple Questions: What is a Windows Live ID or a Microsoft account?.

The Windows 8 Installation Procedure

First, you need to boot your computer using your Windows 8 installation disc. If you are using a virtual machine, boot from the .iso installation image.
Windows 8 takes a while to load the setup files, during which you will see mostly a black screen, similar to the one below.



Once the necessary files are copied, the setup starts by asking what language, time, currency and keyboard input settings you want to use. Make the selections you prefer and click Next.



Click the Install now button to start the installation.



You are asked to enter the product key required to activate your Windows 8 installation. Type the product key you purchased and click Next. If you have purchased a retail version of Windows 8, the product key will be found in the packaging of the installation discs. The same product key will be later on required to activate Windows 8, after the installation is done.



You are asked to read the license agreement. Check the "I accept the license terms" box and click Next.



You are asked to choose between making an upgrade or a custom installation. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)".



Now you are asked to select where you want to install Windows 8. Select the partition you desire and click Next. If you are installing Windows 8 in a virtual machine, or on a new computer you need to first create the partition. Therefore click on Drive Options.



Then, create the partition using the New button.



Specify the size of the partition and click Apply.
NOTE: Windows 8 has approximately 10GB of space without any special extras installed. If you want to install other applications, you should make a larger partition for it. My recommendation is to go for a minimum of at least 20 - 25 GB.



You are asked to confirm if you are OK with Windows 8 creating an additional partition for its system files, that will be used for boot and recovery. Click OK.



Make sure the correct partition is selected and click Next.
NOTE: At this step you can also format the partition where Windows 8 is going to be installed, prior to pressing Next.



The installation finally starts. The setup will take a few minutes to copy all the required files and install the operating system.



Once the installation is done, the Windows 8 setup will automatically reboot your system. Then, you will see the progress of the preparations made for your first login. In order for this process to finish, you might need to go through another reboot, depending on your computer’s hardware configuration.

Personalizing the Windows 8 Installation

After the reboots are done, Windows 8 will require some time to get things ready.



Then, you are asked to personalize your Windows 8 installation. Start by giving a name for your computer. If you type some "unauthorized" characters like $, %, &, you will be notified appropriately. Also, choose the background color you prefer. Once done, click Next.



If you are installing Windows 8 on a laptop or device with a wireless network card, you are asked to select the wireless network to connect to and type the appropriate password for connecting to it. On a computer or device connected via cable to the network, you won’t go through this step.
Next, you need to choose if you want to use the Express settings Windows 8 comes bundled with, or you want to customize your installation. Let’s get our hands dirty and see what happens if you click Customize.



First, you are asked if you want to turn on file sharing or not. Select the option you prefer.



Then, you are asked about the default behavior of Windows Update and that of security features like the SmartScren Filter. Change the things you are interested in and click Next.



Next, you are asked if you want to send different types of information to Microsoft. Set things according to your preference and click Next.



Then, you are asked about troubleshooting options and what you want to turn on. Also, you can set if apps can use your name and account picture and if they are allowed to access your location. Set things as you wish and click Next.



Finally, you get to the "Sign in to your PC" screen. To experience Windows 8 to its fullest, it is best to use your Microsoft account (also known as Windows Live ID to sign in. Type your Microsoft account and click Next.



NOTE: If you would rather not sign in using a Microsoft account, click on "Sign in without a Microsoft account" link at the bottom of the window and follow the instructions shown by the setup wizard.
Then, you are asked to enter your Microsoft account password. Type it and click Next.



Then, you can provide an alternate e-mail and phone number to recover your account password, in case you forget it or it is changed by unwanted guests. Provide the requested details and click Next.




Windows 8 takes a while to prepare your computer and all the settings.



While the preparations are made, you are shown a brief tutorial about how to access the new charms bar - one of the most important changes in Windows 8. I recommend that you pay attention to the instructions being shown at this stage.



Once the tutorial ends, you are shown further information about the progress of the Windows 8 customisation via a few colored screens and messages.



Once everything is done, you are shown the Windows 8 Start screen.



If you press Win+D or click on the Desktop tile, you can view also the classic desktop.



Welcome to your first Windows 8 experience!

Conclusion

As you can see from this article, the Windows 8 installation starts in a very similar way to that of Windows 7. However, the closer you get to your first login, things change dramatically and the new user interface takes the stage. To learn more about Windows 8 don’t hesitate to read the articles we published in our Windows 8 section.

@ Atulplayer

4/06/2012 Anonymous Hackers released their own Operating System

Anonymous-OS Live is an ubuntu-based distribution and created under Ubuntu 11.10 and uses Mate desktop.

Created for educational purposes,
to checking the security of web pages.
Please don’t use any tool to destroy any web page :)
If you attack to any web page,
might end up in jail because is a crime in most countries!
*** The user has total responsibility for any illegal act. ***


Thanks to all author tools!
———————————————————————————————
Here some of preinstalled apps on Anonymous-OS:


- ParolaPass Password Generator
- Find Host IP
- Anonymous HOIC
- Ddosim
- Pyloris
- Slowloris
- TorsHammer
- Sqlmap
- Havij
- Sql Poison
- Admin Finder
- John the Ripper
- Hash Identifier
- Tor
- XChat IRC
- Pidgin
- Vidalia
- Polipo
- JonDo
- i2p
- Wireshark
- Zenmap
And more


Including Broadcom BCM43xx wireless driver.


DOWNLOAD

4/03/2012 Frequently asked questions windows 8

Windows 8 Consumer Preview:




Frequently asked questions



Here are answers to some common questions about Windows 8 Consumer Preview. We'll update this list with more questions and answers, so check back later.

What is Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

Windows 8 Consumer Preview is a prerelease version of Windows 8 that focuses on people and apps and gives you powerful new ways to use social technologies to connect with the people who are important to you. It's Windows reimagined. Windows 8 Consumer Preview is built on the rock-solid foundation of Windows 7 and has the security and reliability features you expect from Windows, but we’ve made it even better. It’s fast, and it’s made to work on a variety of form factors—especially the new generation of touch devices.

Here’s your chance to be one of the first to try it out. We'll be using information from preview users to make the final product even better.

For detailed product and feature information, download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Product Guide (available in English only).



Is Windows 8 Consumer Preview ready for everyone to try?




We strongly recommend that only experienced PC users download Windows 8 Consumer Preview. Before you download the preview, you should weigh the pros and cons of installing software that's still in development. If you install the preview release, you'll get to try out the many new features, but you might also encounter errors that you wouldn't encounter using a released version of Windows.


You should consider downloading the Windows 8 Consumer Preview only if all of the following apply to you:


•You like to use the latest software and enjoy experimenting with new technology.
•You're comfortable backing up a PC, formatting a hard drive, and installing an operating system from scratch.
•You feel comfortable troubleshooting PC problems yourself.
•You don't mind updating software frequently.
•You have the installation or recovery media and the knowledge to restore your previous operating system after you're done testing Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

Are there risks to installing Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

Yes. Windows 8 Consumer Preview is stable and has been thoroughly tested, but it’s not the finished product. Your PC could crash and you could lose important files. You should back up your data and you shouldn't test Windows 8 Consumer Preview on your primary home or business PC. You might also encounter problems like:

•Software that doesn’t install or work correctly, including antivirus or security programs.

•Printers, video cards, or other hardware that doesn’t work.
•Difficulty accessing corporate or home networks.
•Files that might become corrupted.

You should carefully balance the risks and rewards of trying out the Windows 8 Consumer Preview before you install it.



How do I provide feedback?

The best way to provide feedback is to participate in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview forum. On this dedicated forum, you'll find thousands of other Windows enthusiasts who are testing our product, posting their experiences, and participating in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview online community. In particular, if you think you've encountered a problem that you'd like to have addressed in future releases of Windows 8, post a “Bug Report” about your issue on the Windows 8 Consumer Preview forum. In your post, describe what you encountered, any text or messages that were displayed, and other information that would help us reproduce your issue in our own testing environments. We're monitoring the Windows 8 Consumer Preview forum and might ask you to post additional information to help us improve the experience.

You can also provide feedback by participating in the Windows Feedback Program and help shape the next generation of Windows. Learn more.


Where do I go for Windows 8 Consumer Preview support?

We’ve created some online forums where you can ask questions and get answers from other Consumer Preview testers and Microsoft support professionals. (Wedon't offer technical support for prerelease software, including Windows 8 Consumer Preview.)



•Visit the Windows 8 Consumer Preview forum

•Visit the Internet Explorer 10 Consumer Preview forum

•Visit the developer forums for building apps

•Visit the IT pro forums for Windows 8 business features



Downloading and installing

What are the system requirements for Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

Windows 8 Consumer Preview works great on the same hardware that powers Windows 7:



•Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster

•RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
•Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
•Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device or higher

Additional requirements to use certain features:



•To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch.
•To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
•To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768.



What happens when I download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup?

When you download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup, the following happens:

1.Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup checks your PC to see if it can run the consumer preview, and provides a compatibility report that you can save or print (make sure your devices are connected to your PC and turned on before you run the Setup program). The Setup program then selects the optimized version of the download (up to 25% smaller) that is right for your PC (32-bit or 64-bit).

2.The built-in download manager lets you start, stop, and resume the download at any time.

3.Once Windows 8 Consumer Preview is downloaded, you choose how and when to install it. You can install on the current drive or you can make an ISO or bootable flash drive for installing Windows 8 Consumer Preview on another partition, virtual machine, or another PC (requires Windows Vista or Windows 7).



Is there an alternative to using Setup? Can I just download an ISO image?

Yes. As an alternative to using Setup, Windows 8 Consumer Preview is also available to download as an ISO image.

Where do I download developer tools and samples to build apps?

Free developer tools and samples are available from the Windows Dev Center downloads page.

Can I upgrade from previous versions of Windows to Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 8 Consumer Preview from Windows Developer Preview, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, but you might not be able to keep all of your files, programs, and settings. The following table shows what you can keep during an upgrade depending on the current version of Windows running on your PC:



Current operating system:  What you cankeep

Windows Developer Preview

•User accounts and files

Windows 7

•Programs

•Windows settings

•User accounts and files



Windows Vista

•Windows settings
•User accounts and files


Windows XP

•User accounts and files


Warning

If you create installation media, start your PC from the media, and then install Windows 8 Consumer Preview, you won't be able to keep your files, programs, or settings. You must install Windows 8 Consumer Preview using the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program to move files and settings over to Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

What languages is the preview available in?

Windows 8 Consumer Preview is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, and Japanese. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program will automatically detect your current language selection. If you don't have one of these languages selected, you can choose the language you want to download.



Note

If you install Windows 8 Consumer Preview in a language that's different from the language currently on your PC, you won't be able to keep your programs or settings.

How large are the Windows 8 Consumer Preview download files?

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program will check to see if your PC can run Windows 8 Consumer Preview before downloading either the 32-bit (x86) or the 64-bit (x64) version and will select the architecture that’s currently installed on your PC. If you prefer to choose a different architecture, you can download an ISO image. The table below shows the sizes of the download packages when using Setup.


Will my devices and programs work with Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

Windows 8 Consumer Preview should work with the same devices and programs that work with Windows 7. In some cases, the device or program might require an update or you might need to uninstall some programs, and then reinstall them after installing Windows 8 Consumer Preview. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program will scan your PC to determine what's compatible and provide a report that you can save or print. Make sure your devices are connected to your PC and turned on before you run the Setup program. If you want compatibility info for a specific device or program, see the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Compatibility Center.



How do l install Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

You have a few options for installing Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

•Run the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program from the PC where you want to install the preview. (Setup checks to see if your PC is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows and provides you with the correct download.)

•Run the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program and use the built-in tools for converting an ISO image into installation media, such as a DVD or USB bootable flash drive (requires Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows Developer Preview). You can then use this media to install the preview on another partition, virtual machine, or another PC.

•If you don't want to use the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program, you can download an ISO image and use it to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview.


Do I need a product key to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

If you install Windows 8 Consumer Preview using the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup program, you won't need to enter a product key—the setup program automatically provides the product key. If you create installation media, start your PC from the media, and then install Windows 8 Consumer Preview, you'll need to enter this product key: NF32V-Q9P3W-7DR7Y-JGWRW-JFCK8.



Can I uninstall Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

No. To go back to your previous version of Windows, you'll need to reinstall it from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC.



What is a Microsoft account and do I need one to use Windows 8 Consumer Preview?

A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you use to sign in to Windows. You can use any email address, but it's best if you choose the one you already use to communicate with friends and sign in to your favorite websites. You don't need a Microsoft account to use Windows 8 Consumer Preview, but we highly recommend that you use one. When you sign in to your PC with a Microsoft account, you’ll connect your PC to the people, files, and devices you care about. (If you need an email address, we can give you one for free.)



When you sign in with a Microsoft account, your PC is connected to the cloud and:


•Your friends’ contact info and status automatically stay up to date from places like Hotmail, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn as soon as you connect those services to your Microsoft account.


•You can get to and share your photos, docs, and other files from places like SkyDrive, Facebook, and Flickr.
•Your personal settings are synced to any PC running Windows 8 Consumer Preview that you sign in to, including your themes, language preferences, browser favorites, and apps.
•You can get apps in the Windows Store and use them on any PC running Windows 8 Consumer Preview that you sign in to.

If you've already installed Windows 8 Consumer Preview and didn't sign in with a Microsoft account or you don't have a Microsoft account and want to get one, follow these steps:



1.Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.

(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Settings.)



2.Tap or click More PC settings.



3.Tap or click Users.



4.Tap or click Switch to a Microsoft account.



Where can I get more information about consumer security software providers?

Windows 8 Consumer Preview comes with Windows Defender which provides antimalware protection to monitor and help protect your PC against viruses and other malware in real time. If you want to install other antimalware or antivirus software, visit the Security software providers for Windows 8 Consumer Preview page to find out what works with Windows 8 Consumer Preview.





Apps and the Windows Store

Hide all Do I need a Microsoft account to use the Windows Store?

Yes. With a Microsoft account, you can see all of the apps you bought from the Store and you can install any of those apps on up to five PCs.

To sign up for a Microsoft account:

1.Open Windows Store, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.

(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Settings.)



2.Tap or click Accounts and preferences, tap or click Sign in, and then tap or click Don't have a Microsoft account?



I got an app from the Store but can't find it on my PC. Where is it?

After apps are installed, a tile for the app appears on the Start screen. If you don't see the tile for an app, you can try searching for the app on your PC:



1.Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.

(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)



2.Make sure the search is set to Search Apps, and then enter the name of the app.

If an app doesn't appear in the search results, you can reinstall it on your PC:

1.Open Windows Store, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Settings.)
2.Tap or click Accounts and preferences, tap or click View your apps, and then choose the app you want to reinstall.



How do I use my apps on other PCs?

You can install any of the apps you bought from the Store on up to five PCs. To install one of your apps on another PC:

1.Open Windows Store, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Settings.(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Settings.)
2.Tap or click Accounts and preferences, tap or click View your apps, and then choose the app you want to reinstall.



I'm having trouble with an app. How do I get help for it?

If you're having a technical problem with an app, you can contact the developer of the app for support. To view the developer's support info:
1.Open Windows Store, and go to the app's description page.
2.Tap or click App support to see the developer's support website or contact info.

If you have questions about Windows Store, you can get answers from other Windows users and Microsoft technical support in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview forum.




Internet Explorer 10 Consumer Preview



Why don’t toolbars and add-ons work?

Internet Explorer 10 provides an “add-on free” experience. It supports HTML 5 for video content, but you can't install toolbars and add-ons in Internet Explorer 10.
If you are viewing a webpage that requires an add-on or uses Flash, you can view the content by opening the website in Internet Explorer for the desktop. To do this, swipe in from the right edge of the screen (if you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen), tap or click Settings, and then tap or click Use the desktop.



Where do I find my favorites?

Internet Explorer 10 doesn't use the traditional Favorites from previous versions. Instead, you can pin websites to the Start screen or open a list of pinned sites and frequently visited sites using New tab. If you open Internet Explorer for the desktop, you can use the traditional Favorites, but you can’t access the pinned sites from the Start screen.



How do I view a website in Compatibility View?

To view a website in Compatibility View, open Internet Explorer for the desktop, and then click the Compatibility view button in the address bar.



How do I set my default web browser?

1.On the Start screen, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
2.Enter Default programs, and then tap or click Apps.
3.In the search results, tap or click Default Programs.
4.Tap or click Set your Default Programs.
5.Choose the browser you want from the list.
6.Select Set this program as default, and then tap or click OK.



I can't find the Internet Explorer 10 tile on the Start screen. How do I get it back?

Internet Explorer 10 might have accidentally become unpinned. To pin it back to your Start screen, follow these steps:
1.Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
2.Enter Internet Explorer, and then tap or click Apps.

3.In the search results, swipe down on the Internet Explorer icon, and then tap Pin to Start.

(If you're using a mouse, right-click Internet Explorer, and then click Pin to Start.)



If you set a browser other than Internet Explorer 10 as the default browser, the tile for Internet Explorer 10 won't appear on the Start screen. To bring it back, follow these steps:

1.On the Start screen, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)
2.Enter Default programs, and then tap or click Apps.
3.In the search results, tap or click Default Programs.
4.Choose Internet Explorer from the list.
5.Select Set this program as default, and then tap or click OK.
Use the earlier steps to pin the Internet Explorer tile back to the Start screen.



Where do I go for more help with Internet Explorer?

If you have questions about or want to provide feedback on Internet Explorer, visit the Internet Explorer 10 Consumer Preview forum.

@AtulPurohit