Advice sought re new W8 machine

[RCSolomon]

I could have subtitled this "3 things I hate about W8". I just bought a new desktop with W8. I knew there would not be a "start" button for easy access to all programs, so I wasn't surprised; but this was bonehead move number 1. Yes, I realize that from the W8 screen, right-clicking will take me to "all apps," but it would also be more convenient to have that from the desktop. #2: no POP support. Utterly stupid because it means I can't use Outlook with W8! OK, I can forward all my POP mail to my gmail account, but I would prefer to use both, for separate purposes (business and personal). #3: no control panel for easy access to my printer. It turns out that File Center (a handy program for scanning, faxing, etc.) doesn't recognize the printer, so the twain driver probably isn't installed. No way to get to the printer details to update the driver, cancel a print job, see what's in the queue, etc. W7 was a dream compared to this. Any suggestions to fix these issues would be most appreciated.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Welcome to the Windows Forum.

The easiest to do would of course be to format that machine and install W7 on it.

I do not know anything about W8, but I am surprised by your statement (#2) "no POP support". What email protocol is then supported on W8? IMAP?

I would go ahead and install Outlook, and see what configuration options it gives you.

[MANEMAN]

How to Access POP3 Email Accounts in Windows 8 - (A Workaround)

This, and links to many similar guides to help you customize Windows 8 to look and behave more like Windows 7 can be found here on the forum. Click on the links below.

"If it aint broke yet, - fix it until it is" :)

(Or just install Windows 7 like Pat said.)

http://forums.window...showtopic=50248

http://forums.window...showtopic=50382

[AlanHo]

There is no problem whatsoever using Outlook - and all MS Office programmes - in Windows 8. This will give you the standard pop3 connection.

If you don't like the lack of a Start button - install Stardock Start8 Desktop add-on. http://www.stardock....t8/features.asp

This will give you the best of both Worlds with a Windows 7 desktop and a Windows 8 interface at your choice. I find it an excellent add-on and well worth the $4.99.

I am surprised at your problem with the printer - there is a full Control Panel like the one in Windows 7 with a section called Devices and Printers that will answer your needs. This opens up to a window showing all the devices connected to your machine - right click on your printer and you get a drop down menu with all the links required.