Windows 8

Here's a collection of links, notes and information on Windows 8 on the topic of recovery, creation of recovery DVDs, USBs and so on.

How to get System Properties?
- Go to the desktop
- Click on the Windows Explorer file manager icon.
- In Windows Explorer, right-click on the Computer icon and choose Properties.
- Information displayed include:
Windows 8  Product ID
Processor (CPU)
Memory
Computer Name
Workgroup

How to Open Charms
- Windows + C

How to get into BIOS
- For Toshiba P70, when PC is restarting, press F2

How to delete a wifi profile?
- In the Command Prompt, type:
   netsh wlan delete profile name="network_name"

How to Connect to a Hidden Wireless Wifi.
- On the Task Bar, right click on the network icon and select: Open Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on: Set up a new connection or network
- Choose: Manually connect to a wireless network
- A dialog box appears, fill in the following:
    Network name: the router's name that you set
    Security Type: eg Personal WPA2
    Encryption Type: AES
    Security Key:  the one set on the router
    Check: Start this connection automatically
    Check: Connect even if the network is not broadcasting (Need to ignore the warning about privacy issue). If this is not checked, then hidden SSID networks cannot be connected automatically)




Windows 8 Recovery

Search - Apps: " Recovery"
- Recovery Media Centre
Search -Settings: "Recovery"
- Refresh Your PC
- Remove everyhting and reinstall Windows



How to Create Factory Recovery USB Flash
- go to Charms
- Search for: recovery
- Run: Create a recovery drive
- Uncheck "Copy the recovery partitions from the PC to the recovery drive (512MB required)
- If Check the above options, USB needs to be 32GB at least.


How to use Factory Recovery USB Flash
- This assumes the recovery partitions are not copied. So this USB can only use to fix the system, or recover if the recovery partitions are still on the PC.
- Restart Computer and change BIOS (press f8) to boot from USB first.
- Restart Computer and follow instructions.
- Select Language, then Keyboard, then choose "Use a device". The options are:
   EFI USB Device
   EFI Network
   EFI DVD/CDROM
- Choose TroubleShoot, which has this options:
   Refresh Your PC
   Rest Your PC
   Recovery Tool
   Advanced Options
- In Advanced Options, there are:
   System Restore,
   System Image Recovery,
   Automatic Repair,
   Command Prompt,
   UEFI settings
- "Choose EFI USB Device"



Links:

How Do I Use Windows 8 Recovery Disc?
http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1653296/windows-recovery-disc.html
- Vendors may ship for free the Windows 8 recovery discs.

Create installation disc (DVD) for new laptop. Windows 8
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/1755-73-create-installation-disc-laptop-windows

Windows 8 Tip: Create Recovery Media
http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/windows-8-tip-create-recovery-media-144098

Factory Recovery Media
http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/22219-factory-recovery-media.html

How to Create a Recovery USB Flash Drive in Windows 8
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

Official Toshiba site: I’ve lost my Recovery Discs or didn’t have any in the box when I purchased my computer.
http://www.mytoshiba.com.au/support/item/69