Thread: Power8 - Start menu replacer for Windows8

I just got my Compaq C740EM back from the technician - it should be good to go. Did a clean install of Windows 8 RP, and am now installing Power8 v.1.0.2.0.msi - will see how it goes, and how it compares to my computer sitting next to it, running Start8.

Lovely - Windows protected your PC from running strange software..... easy to get around this. I don't remember seeing this message before. Strange.

Wow - finished the install, and there is a tiny rectangular box at the bottom left, that is apparently my new Start menu. First impression - why is it so small? Maybe I can make it larger later on?

Even stranger - I expected to see a list of my programs.... all that's there is Firefox and IE. OK, go up to "Start Menu", then click Programs. My suggestion - haven't worked with it yet, but I really want to click on the "start button", look up, and click on the program. This seems to take too many steps. It's going to take me a while to get used to this.

Enough playing.... I guess the next step is to install my Windows updates. I need to think about this for a while. I'll leave it in place, as I do want to see how it's better than what I'm used to, but all I really wanted was for something to work just like things do in Windows 7. .....and that tiny rectangle - can I make it at least as wide as the icons for IE, Explorer, etc?

Originally Posted by Mike Myers

If I'm right about all this, then was it Power8 that gave the list of programs in a horizontal "bar", where you scrolled horizontally to find what you want? If so, I didn't like that.

Nope, we have no horizontal programs bar Screenshots of Power8 are available at power8 - Yet another Start menu replacer for Windows 8 - Google Project Hosting

When the PC restarted, Power8 was gone. I guess I need to change the settings, so it starts automatically?

Nope, just need to select "auto start". Suggestion - make this the default.



Hmm, "Block Metro Features" .....sounds promising.

Didn't read the second post...

Originally Posted by Mike Myers

Wow - finished the install, and there is a tiny rectangular box at the bottom left, that is apparently my new Start menu. First impression - why is it so small? Maybe I can make it larger later on?

Soon you will be able to. This is planned for 1.1, I hope during October.

Originally Posted by Mike Myers

Even stranger - I expected to see a list of my programs.... all that's there is Firefox and IE.

The list of Programs is made up based on what you have launched already. This is essentially how Windows XP - Windows 7 works.

Start menu above the list gives you "overview" of what you got installed, but using practice from Windows7, start typing the name of program you need and launch it.

At the moment you may need to launch the application you need at least once using Windows itself to make it always appear in the start list, but this will be changed in future. Till 1.5 we have plans to make this menu even more flexible.

Originally Posted by Mike Myers

When the PC restarted, Power8 was gone. I guess I need to change the settings, so it starts automatically?

Nope, just need to select "auto start". Suggestion - make this the default.



Hmm, "Block Metro Features" .....sounds promising.

Auto start by silent default - is trick viruses do But I'm thinking about a kind of message box for the user - about auto start, auto update and so on.

Block Metro Features blocks active corners. Metro is still accessible via Win key.

I messed up.

I got a large box of a "buffer overflow" I think, but I assumed it was from my trying to get the sound to work on the laptop again. I closed that window, and Power8 was gone.... If it happens again, I will get a screen snapshot for you.

The computer, running Win-8, didn't have any sound. I updated the drivers, but no luck. I then found this link:
sound not working compaq presario c700 (conexant) - Microsoft Answers

I tried all the trouble-shooting tips near the bottom, and something there is what apparently caused Power8 to have the problem.


Not expecting anything to work, I tried the thing the other guy said worked - put the laptop to sleep and woke it up, and sure enough, it has sound again. Not very loud, but sound. The more I mess around with all this, the more puzzling it all becomes. Sorry I didn't capture the error screen - will try to re-create it. I know it will be helpful to you.

Got it!

It came up when I went to the Power8 box, and tried to go to Control Panel

I took a photo of it - will now try to do a screen capture.

Top of box says Power8

"System.OverflowException: Value was either too large or too small for a Ulnt32........

Lots of other stuff after that.

I'm too sleepy to do much more. If the screen capture will be helpful, just post your Google+ name here, and I'll get it to you. I shot it with my Nexus, so it's a good, clear photo. (I can't do a "print screen" as I've got a European keyboard on this laptop, and it's real confused right now about what key does what function...... something I'm trying to fix along with the other issues.)

Hi!

Unfortunately I have read this only now. Hmmm, I thought I'm subscribed to this thread >_<.
Okay, Mike, try this build please: http://power8.googlecode.com/files/ConnexantFixTest.7z

If it succeeds you may use it on daily basis, but don't touch last settings tab - it's under construction ))