6 Great Tricks for Windows 8 that You Probably Don’t Know

I'm warming to Windows 8, however its another steep learning curve.

This article shows you how to :

1. Disable lock and startup logon screen
2. Take and save screenshots (Windows Key + PrtScn)
3. Stop Files opening in Metro (only if you really need to)
4. Display Admin Tools
5. Control Automatic Maintenance
6. Customize Search Applications

Windows 8 - add a network folder that isn't indexed to a library

To add a network folder that isn't indexed to a library

If you have a network drive but want to access it via the shortcut of library, such as a software repository then there is a workaround from Microsoft.  This involves adding a local dummy folder and then remapping it as follows:

1. Create another folder within that folder, for example c:\share\music.
2. Select the subfolder you just created, tap or click the Home tab, tap or click Easy access, choose Include in library, and then select the library to which you want to add the folder.
   
   
   
3. Delete the folder.
4. Run CMD (Command Prompt) as administrator.
5. Enter mklink /d, and then enter the path of the folder you just deleted and the path of the network folder. For example, mklink /d c:\share\music \\server\music. This creates what is called a symbolic link. (more info on symbolic link command here)

Roles Error and Features Error in Window Server Manager

Roles Error and Features Error in Window Server Manager - can be a real pain.

You can do anything to fix it and it relates to Windows update getting its knickers in a knot. 

 

In some cases Ive found that installing Hotfix for Windows (KB947821) sometimes helps.  Its the only thing Ive found that avoids a complete OS reinstall.

 

1. Download the right KB for your OS http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=947821#method2
2. Run the Microsoft Update Readiness Tool on the problematic computer.
3. You open the %Systemroot%\Windows\logs\CBS\Checksur.log file after the scan was completed.  this shows you what is the problem.
4. Most of the time if you run windows update normally after a reboot all comes right.
5. If not then check corrupt information in the files. Here are some samples at the bottom of this post on how to manually fix them: