Related
I have limited PPC knowledge, and even less when it comes to codes and programming...so pls bear with me.
I'm wondering if there is a way/app/tweak/regedit to do any of the following:
- utilize a 3rd party music player (ie Nitrogen) directly thru the music tab of TF3D
- utilize the weather radar directly thru the weather tab instead of adding an extra today screen tab. (I was able to put the app thru the weather tab BUT not able to hide the today screen tab)
- utilize a different browser directly thru the internet tab (ie Skyfire) instead of Opera.
Basically, I would like to know if and what is the way to tell the TF3D tabs to point to a USER specifed app...and be able to interact with such app directly thru manila files
Thnx for the knowledge.
"Knowing is half the battle!" - famous American Soldier
I've written this guide for those interested in the new x86 port of Honeycomb. The hardware side of x86 is a bit tricky so not every machine works out of the box, but most of the basics should work.
I will follow up with my attempts at rooting this device. Previous x86 builds of Android had root enabled but it appears these ones don't.
Android 3.2 x86 Review
PXD Thread Corporation China Tablet
1.6Ghz Intel Atom/1GB RAM/60GB HDD/10.1" Capacitive Screen
Before you install decide whether you will be multi-booting or running Android exclusively. If you are multi-booting, check out the many threads on various forums and Google.
Step 1: Download latest Android 3.2 from android-x86.org. Don't download anything from androidx86.org as they are out of date and merely copy what is posted elsewhere. When downloading Android 3.2, download an appropriate version for your hardware. If you have a tablet with a touchscreen, grab the Tegra release. If you have an EEEPC, grab the EEPC release. There is a generic version for any old hardware. Note that I have only installed Android on x86 Intel. I have not tried with AMD.
Make sure your HDD has no partitions. The Android installer is very picky about partitions. If you boot using a Windows 7 install DVD and choose "Repair Computer" and open Command Prompt, these are the basic commands to wipe your disk. (Backup First!!!)
diskpart
list disk
(usually disk 0 is always your internal, but check list to make sure just in case you have external plugged in)
select disk 0
clean
exit
Ignore any diskpart errors, the clean command will have cleaned enough for Android to work.
Boot into Android installer. Select disk partitioner. You will use arrow keys and Enter to navigate. Highlight "New" and make new partition. Now highlight "Bootable" and hit Enter. Then you MUST highlight "Write" as so far the partitioner is just visualizing everything. It will ask you to type "yes" to confirm. Once complete you can highlight Quit and go back to Android installer.
Format partition as Ext2. If you want read/write access for debug you can enable that. But note this is development only, it doesn't give you root or other ability. Say yes you want to install GRUB. You can optionally make a fake SD card, once I figure out how to make it active it will make things run smoother for you. Many apps refuse to run without SD. (The x86 info pages on developers website have old info posted that dates back to android 1.6, so I need to see if updated info exists as far as mounting fake SD.img)
Ethernet is broken in many builds, but WiFi does work for a select few chipsets. Mine is a AR5B95 Half Height and WiFi works out of box.
If WiFi works for you latest builds should have complete Market Access (The Tegra does for sure as that's what I'm using) so you can login using Google id. Once you login with your id you will see an application crash, it's Exchange Services process. This is a bug, it can't be fixed but everything still works. You can check gmail, go to market, etc.
Do note when you access the market, you will not see the full market like your phone sees it. It seems the Tegra (and possibly other) builds are tagged as "Tablet" so Android Market filters and only shows "tablet approved" apps.
The good news about the x86 branch is that USB Flash support is there so you can put files, APK's on a USB flash drive and use File Manager to browse to /mnt/USB/. If your USB device is not recognized, did you have it plugged in while booting? Android won't always see it that way. Unplug and plug back in and Vold should catch it.
Don't try and install launchers, as the system may not allow you to select them and leave the system in a rather awkward position. Workaround: If you do try a launcher and you can't get back home, click on the clock in the lower right corner and you should be able to scroll over a few options. A link to settings should be there, and from settings you can uninstall any launcher that caused a problem and start again. I did find that ICS Launcher did work, but that was the only one.
Allot of apps simply don't work. It depends how they were built. Many were built specifically for ARM CPU and so panic when run on x86.
The built in keyboard isn't that great, at least on my tablet, so you can install extra keyboard from market or directly from apk. AI Type is a good keyboard. Text prediction is a trial, but the keyboard itself is free.
My next post will be to list applications I have tried and what the status is. I have a bunch I am trying.
I also want to figure out how to enable root on the device, I may try and pick up a USB to USB cable and see if ADB can pick up the connection so I can use ZergRush and root the device. I did see an app to enable adb over wifi but it needs root..which is a chicken and egg scenario.
Compatibility Report
Android 3.2 Honeycomb x86
I'll start this report off with an interesting find, although probably not unexpected. I purchased a 64GB flash drive and it's formatted as FAT32. Android does not recognize it. My A-DATA 32GB it did recognize. Same with my Lexar 16GB.
Known Bugs:
Android x86 has bugs with default actions. If you have multiple applications that can handle various file types, normally you will receive a pop-up menu asking you to select the application you want to use. In Android 3.2 x86 this doesn't happen and instead the screen will dim as if it's trying to load the menu option.
Some applications like Documents To Go work perfect if you open them from the launcher. However if you open a document directly they will crash.
Don't queue too many apps for installation as some apps will cause x11 server (windows manager) to crash or require restart. You will notice this happen if the screen or UI elements stop responding. The screen will go black and the Android logo will shimmer on the screen as the system reset the window manager.
This list is not complete, as I have time I will test more apps. If anyone has a request that I test certain apps let me know.
Tested Applications:
A.I. Type Keyboard - OK
Adobe Reader - Launches without issue unable to test with PDF file
Advanced Task Killer - OK
Alchemy - OK
App Brain - OK (Note even though App Brain will show you market items you could install, Market will refuse the install due to "Tablet mode")
A Torrent - Launches OK but warns about no SD Card - Unable to test further
Barcode Terminal - OK but Barcode Reader crashes when trying to launch (ZXing Barcode Reader)
Battery Indicator - OK
Battle.net Authenticator - Launches OK Will complain regarding system status (non-retail/rooted)
Bejeweled 2 - Crashes
Better Terminal - Launches OK basic commands returned no errors
Bunny Shooter - Intro Scenes work but actual game load crashes
Concise English Dictionary - OK Needs to download dictionary data files first
Contact 2 Sim - Runs but unable to access SIM Card (not unexpected although my tablet does have a sim slot with sim in)
Documents To Go - Launches OK but "prefers" SD card
Dolphin Browser Beta For Pads - Crashes silently
Dolphin Player - Native x86 media player, launches ok but doesn't play any media thus far
Droid Mini Golf - OK Game play works although very basic (hint: lame)
Ghost Commander - OK
Glow Hockey - Crashes
Hotel Mogul - Crashes
Kingsoft Office - OK - Tested browse function - ok thus far
Monopoly - Crashes
Europe Navigon - Crashes
Netflix - Launches but nothing but black screen then notification that application not responding.
NFS Shift - Crashes
Norton Security - OK
Norton Utilities - OK
OfficeSuite - Launches OK
Packages Tracker Pro - OK
Plants VS Zombies - Crashes
Player Pro - Launches but complains no sd card
PrinterShare - Launches and seems to function, no network printers to test
Quadrant - Runs some of the time but can crash from time to time
SlideIT Keyboard - Launches OK
STCom (Star Trek Communicator App) - OK
Stupid Zombies - Crashes
Tetris - Crashes
Ttorrent - Launches but complains no sd card
WiFi File Explorer - OK
Picsel Smart Office - Crashes
Regina 3D launcher - crashes
SPB 3D Shell - Crashes
5001 amazing facts - ok
Assasin's Creed HD - Launches but complains of missing sd
Backstab HD - crashes
Fifa 12 - crashes
Guitar Hero 5 - Launches and game works
Guitar hero 6 WOR - launches but goes portrait mode in small windows
nfs shift - crashes
kaspersky mobile security - crashes
pocket cloud remote - crashes
Sygic navigation - complains of missing sd card
talking tom cat - crashed
weather services pro - crashed but then opened? then crashed again for good measure
imediumshare premium - crashed
androzip - ok
Montezuma 2 - launches and game plays
Mozilla Fennec - crashes (beta)
Fancy Widgets - ok
opera mini 5 beta - crashes
spb tv - launches can accept Eula - very low res- opening channels does nothing
fruit ninja - crashes
eBay android - launches ok - was able to sign in
start-up auditor - launches
Google staff pick for tablets:
IMDb - ok
realcalc - launches - goes portrait works
top free:
dolphin browser hd - launches - can go through start-up config goes portrait and does load pages
weather Chanel launches and can accept Eula - selected city and everything loaded
i test the game aasaulter,flick shoot basketball, 2 player fishing , paper toss they works.
Someone have tested other apps or games?
Hi, very strange thing here: On my Surface, the website www.atv.at (an austrian TV broadcaster, contains many Flash videos) doesnt show the videos, instead an Adobe Flash Button appears. YES, I am using the Desktop IE! And YES, Flash is enabled (it's working on other Websites!)
On the the Surface of my colegue, the videos show up and play!
How is that possible? There are 2 versions of flash right now through a windows update, I tried it with the updated flash player from MS and without (uninstalled the windows update).
So my question is: Can anyone try the site (its in german language, but just klick on the forward buttons to play the videos) and tell me if its working or not?!
And: How can I remediate this?
It was a bit slow to load, but it played for me.
Do you have the Compatibility List Updates option disabled in IE? If so, you may need to manually add the site to the Flash whitelist. Windows RT does not, by default, allow playing Flash on arbitrary sites; MS instead provides a whitelist of sites that are known to work and be safe. This whitelist is part of the Compatibility List for IE, which by default will be updated automatically from MS (but you can turn the automatic updating off when you set up the machine, in which case sites added since your system was built won't be included).
got it
All right guys, found the issue: When you startup IE the first time it asks you about "recommended settigs" - as an IT pro, I don't use that on desktop machines and so do I on the surface. But that was indeed the reason why IE didn't download the compatibility list. After resetting IE you'll get asked again and this time the special website is in the list and flash works.
BUT: Didn't MS say that this compatibilty list is just for use on the Modern-UI IE 10? From my experience now that's wrong: It also influences the desktop version!
Yours B.
Ask questions for the Microsoft surface and only the Microsoft surface go here. They can range from hardware to software questions. Please try not to repeat questions. And please answer them in a nice way. Don't put people down because they don't know how to create a folder or something simple. and DON'T SAY GOOGLE IT!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Samsung galaxy s2
Rom: Jedi knight 6
kernel: Jedi kernel 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
global questions from germany
software
1. why does imap in the windows rt mail app works not correct, i think there must be a restriction for sync of max directorys, so the app is not usable, i missing many directorys from my german 1and1 mail hoster (the same on desktop pc win8 pro)?
2. why does the surface rt go offline on 5% battery, shutting down os and no oppinion to start the tablet with the less power?
3. why i cannot deinstall apps from windows rt app store?
4. how i can global disable live titles?
5. very great powershell v3, but i missing "powershell ise", will it be available in future?
6. how i can switch my language from my default osd-keyboard between writing this words (from german to english), i found no key on osd for this?
7. how i can change to different skydrive-accounts in metro-app (the mapped 7gb ist wrong, based on @outlook-com), becouse i have a another old account with 25gb, based on @web.de)
8. does in future coming a fix which enable automatic osd-keyboard in desktop-mode?
hardware
1. when will be the fifth cpu kernel available from the tegra3 for less processes like reading ebooks or surfing the web?
2. when will the stuttering problems on many games will be fixed (like jetpack joyride, baller etc.)
1. Is there any way to run streaming audio (Google Play, or Pandora) in the background? Only way I have gotten it to work is to use small split screen window.
2. Is there a way to customize the snap setting on the size of multi task windows? We should be able to make open app window whatever size we want.
Is there a hack that would allow us to snap two programs side by side 50/50?
1.any usb-serial adapter that will work with the surface Rt?
2. Any usb data modem / stick that works with the surface ?
everal said:
software
1. why does imap in the windows rt mail app works not correct, i think there must be a restriction for sync of max directorys, so the app is not usable, i missing many directorys from my german 1and1 mail hoster (the same on desktop pc win8 pro)?
2. why does the surface rt go offline on 5% battery, shutting down os and no oppinion to start the tablet with the less power?
3. why i cannot deinstall apps from windows rt app store?
4. how i can global disable live titles?
5. very great powershell v3, but i missing "powershell ise", will it be available in future?
6. how i can switch my language from my default osd-keyboard between writing this words (from german to english), i found no key on osd for this?
7. how i can change to different skydrive-accounts in metro-app (the mapped 7gb ist wrong, based on @outlook-com), becouse i have a another old account with 25gb, based on @web.de)
8. does in future coming a fix which enable automatic osd-keyboard in desktop-mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) do you have the correct imap prefix set? How many folders do you have?
2) probably because deep cycling the battery under 5% reduces overall battery life
3) you can't? http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-surface-rt-tip-deleting-apps
4) http://superuser.com/questions/496906/how-can-i-remove-live-tile-updates-in-windows-8
5) possibly never, but I agree that would be awesome
6) don't understand - keyboard should use your global language setting
7) you could always share your bigger skydrive's account with your smaller skydrive account - that should make the space accessable from the smaller account. Do that in the skydrive web interface.
8) ?
the_tyrant said:
Is there a hack that would allow us to snap two programs side by side 50/50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that would work well with app resolution issues. However, it may be possible to do something like this. If you want to do research or something with ie, etc. Just go to the desktop. Snap still works. Take a look.
the_tyrant said:
Is there a hack that would allow us to snap two programs side by side 50/50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take the two apps that are loaded on the desktop and drag one to far top left, and drag one to far top right. Then the two will be side by side.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Samsung galaxy s2
Rom: Jedi knight 6
kernel: Jedi kernel 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
everal said:
1. when will be the fifth cpu kernel available from the tegra3 for less processes like reading ebooks or surfing the web?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is already happening, it is entirely transparent to the user.
everal said:
2. when will the stuttering problems on many games will be fixed (like jetpack joyride, baller etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will probably depend on the game devs. Games like jetpack joyride stutter and lag on my i5-2310 desktop computer when using touchscreen inputs.
schettj said:
1) do you have the correct imap prefix set? How many folders do you have?
2) probably because deep cycling the battery under 5% reduces overall battery life
3) you can't? http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-surface-rt-tip-deleting-apps
4) http://superuser.com/questions/496906/how-can-i-remove-live-tile-updates-in-windows-8
5) possibly never, but I agree that would be awesome
6) don't understand - keyboard should use your global language setting
7) you could always share your bigger skydrive's account with your smaller skydrive account - that should make the space accessable from the smaller account. Do that in the skydrive web interface.
8) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) where i can set, here my infos to the imap-syncing issue...
(i think there must be a restriction to the count of directorys, becouse new emails in the exist directorys are synct correct.
i have only a overall of 20 root-directory and a 222 down-under-directorys
i missing a count of 14 root-directorys with 71 down-under-directorys
2.) ok thanks, so how i can configure a first warning at 10 percent and the second at may be on 6 percent?
3.) i know, but i miss a deinstall-routine direct from the app-store, not from the metro-ui
4.) thanks that is new for me, i must play with local group policy...
5.) i hope to
6.) the problem is i'am a german user with a german os, but offen i write english text in different forums, so the dictionary is not automaticly set to "english", very very bad for the typing process...
7.) how does it work, how does i share my bigger account to my smaller account?
at the moment i mapp my bigger account through the windows explorer with the following path: https://d.docs.live.net/xxx
8.) i mean when i start in desktop mode the cmd and i would typing no osd-keyboard will be enabled automaticly, i must push the icon in the tray-list to start the osd-keyboard
1. when will be the fifth cpu kernel available from the tegra3 for less processes like reading ebooks or surfing the web?
This is already happening, it is entirely transparent to the user.
- i don't think that is possible today, becouse the main cpu tact is reduced to 1,3 ghz instead of 1,7 ghz becouse the companion core with 500mhz is not usable, so they reducing the main cores to reach a good battery lifetime
--------------------------------------
2. when will the stuttering problems on many games will be fixed (like jetpack joyride, baller etc.)
This will probably depend on the game devs. Games like jetpack joyride stutter and lag on my i5-2310 desktop computer when using touchscreen inputs.
- ok thanks so i can only hope that the devs will soon fix this big problem
everal said:
- i don't think that is possible today, becouse the main cpu tact is reduced to 1,3 ghz instead of 1,7 ghz becouse the companion core with 500mhz is not usable, so they reducing the main cores to reach a good battery lifetime
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thinking and knowing are 2 different things, Not all Tegra3 SoCs are clocked to 1.7GHz 1.3 or 1.4GHz top clock is quite standard.
Got my Surface yesterday and installed all the updates and restarted it a few times, battery lasted without any problems. Last evening it was about 50% and then this morning it was turned off and I notices that the battery was completely drained over night. Something must be wrong I guess?
everal said:
1.) where i can set, here my infos to the imap-syncing issue...
(i think there must be a restriction to the count of directorys, becouse new emails in the exist directorys are synct correct.
i have only a overall of 20 root-directory and a 222 down-under-directorys
i missing a count of 14 root-directorys with 71 down-under-directorys
2.) ok thanks, so how i can configure a first warning at 10 percent and the second at may be on 6 percent?
3.) i know, but i miss a deinstall-routine direct from the app-store, not from the metro-ui
4.) thanks that is new for me, i must play with local group policy...
5.) i hope to
6.) the problem is i'am a german user with a german os, but offen i write english text in different forums, so the dictionary is not automaticly set to "english", very very bad for the typing process...
7.) how does it work, how does i share my bigger account to my smaller account?
at the moment i mapp my bigger account through the windows explorer with the following path: https://d.docs.live.net/xxx
8.) i mean when i start in desktop mode the cmd and i would typing no osd-keyboard will be enabled automaticly, i must push the icon in the tray-list to start the osd-keyboard
1. when will be the fifth cpu kernel available from the tegra3 for less processes like reading ebooks or surfing the web?
This is already happening, it is entirely transparent to the user.
- i don't think that is possible today, becouse the main cpu tact is reduced to 1,3 ghz instead of 1,7 ghz becouse the companion core with 500mhz is not usable, so they reducing the main cores to reach a good battery lifetime
--------------------------------------
2. when will the stuttering problems on many games will be fixed (like jetpack joyride, baller etc.)
This will probably depend on the game devs. Games like jetpack joyride stutter and lag on my i5-2310 desktop computer when using touchscreen inputs.
- ok thanks so i can only hope that the devs will soon fix this big problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So... to trigger the warning sooner or change auto shut-down:
1. Search battery, tap "Settings" on the searchbar.
2. Tap "change battery Settings"
3. In the following screen, tap "Change plan settings", then "change advanced power settings"
4. In that window, tap the "Battery" option
5. There are options that say "Low battery level" and "Critical battery level" you can change low battery level to change when the notification shows, and critical battery level to change the auto shut-down. I only turned critical to 4% to avoid doing a "dirty" shut-down, so as not to damage the system.
If I helped, please hit thanks!
Is there a way to get movie\tv info to show on your own videos in video app?
I like having the info with purchased movies and tv shows in the xbox video app. Does anyone have any tips to get your own ripped videos to display information in the video app? Or a different app that can do it? I use xbmc on my htpc which would work great but all they have in the app store is the xbmc remote.
Will I be able to connect my Samsung Note 2 to this directly and be able to read/transfer music and mp4 movies?
stevessvt said:
Will I be able to connect my Samsung Note 2 to this directly and be able to read/transfer music and mp4 movies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most definitely. Just put it the Note 2 in "mass storage" mode. It'll show up like a flash drive does. Copy 'em over and u r done.
Can you use a pen stylus on Surface RT
Hey all,
I have searched the internet and correct me if I am wrong that Surface Pro comes with stylus.... But I really want the surface RT because of the thinner design and the longer battery life compared to Surface Pro but I really wanted to use a stylus so I can write notes on the screen in meetings. I was thinking of the Samsung ATIV as it has SNote and stylus included and has full windows 8 but there is something about the Surface.
Has anyone used a stylus and not one of the filthy fat things you use on an ipad, the actual one that look like a pen with a small nib.
Thanks
I have, and they are ok, but you have to keep your hand up, which you wouldn't have to on the surface pro.
This is really disapointing, so is it only the Surface Pro that see the tip of the pen and cuts out other touch on the screen?
Might have to get the Samsung ATIV instead but I love the Surface RT.
Surface RT has only a capacitive touchscreen. It doesn't have a stylus digitizer at all. The only kind of stylus that will work with it is one that mimics the capacitive characteristics of a finger, and if your hand is on or near the screen at the same time it has no way of telling that you're using a stylus vs. making a multi-touch gesture.
For those of you missing Windows 8.1, congratulations, you just found the solution.
Download
OneDrive http://1drv.ms/1SGHo5e
MEGA https://mega.nz/#F!ks8gjaZT!oQx3xt9ET0nXe8JbKDvtsA
Features
1.Windows is fully updated as of February 2016.
2.Surface February update included (solves most speaker popping issue)
3.Based on Surface Pro 3 image. Full stock-like Surface branding (desktop background, out-of-box experience).
4.Windows activates with the embedded product key. Fully legit. I cannot guarantee if yours couldn’t activate though.
5.Bloat free with about 3 GB saving: (Microsoft devices are shipped bloat-free? Think again.) | Only 6 metro apps included (Camera, IE, OneDrive, PC Settings, Photos, Store). The rest can be downloaded from Store | Trial Office removed | Speech data removed.
6.Languages included: English, French, Spanish. Since it is Windows 8 Pro, you can download any other language later.
7.Fully working refresh and reset functionality.
8.WinRE from vanilla Windows, touchscreen driver included.
9.Pagefile takes less space: 400 MB. It can grow to up to 8 GB, a reboot brings it back to 400 MB.
10.Various Windows tweaks | File Indexing paused on battery | Verbose messages, you get more information in boots and shutdowns | No startup programs delay | non-certified DLNA devices are supported | Custom resolution script added (open C: drive, its there. Just double click.) | "Get Windows 10" system tray icon disabled.
11.Some drivers from S3, SP3, SP4, and other OEM devices (kudos to them for releasing their Skylake devices with Windows 8.1 drivers).
12.Latest Intel iGPU driver (version 4380 Beta).
NOT working
1.Windows Hello. As expected, Windows 8.1 does not support Windows Hello.
2.The buttons are mapped differently | Power --> Volume Down | Volume Up --> Power | Volume Down --> Start
3.Surface app | You cant adjust pen sensitivity | You can't configure the pen top button action through the app. You can still customize it manually with AHK.
FAQ
Q: Camera app crashes / BSOD
A: You need to disable the IR camera. You can do that either via the BIOS or Device Manager.
Q: The pen button doesn't work after the first setup
A: You may need to re-pair the pen. Go to PC Settings > Bluetooth and remove the Surface Pen. Create a new pairing by pressing the pen top button for 7 seconds, it will show up on the Surface, and just pair it.
Q: How did you get the embedded Windows 10 product key to work with Windows 8.1?
A: Actually I have no idea. It just worked.
Q: Are the "not working" issues going to be fixed?
A: For the buttons, its up to Microsoft to release a Windows 8.1 compatible driver, and we have no other source as Microsoft has modified Intel's driver. If you know how to remap the buttons (either via editing the driver, Registry, or AHK), please share it with us and I will include it in the next version. For the Surface app, I believe it is simply because the Windows 8 version of Surface app was not updated for the Surface Pro 4 (and will never be), so don’t expect that one.
Q: Why did you go with the beta driver for the graphics?
A: The latest release version, 4352 and 4364, are practically unusable. I experienced blank screen in video playback and some random BSOD. No choice really.
Q: When Intel has released the new driver, do I need to wait for the next version of the ROM?
A: No, you can just download and install it yourself without waiting for me to upload an updated ROM. The new version should pop up here, download the ZIP version for Windows 8.1, and install it using the "Have Disk…" method. Step-by-step guide http://www.windowscentral.com/how-install-intel-beta-graphics-drivers-surface
Q: How do I remap the pen buttons manually?
A: Go browse /r/Surface in Reddit, they have comprehensive guides on how to use AHK with the Surface Pen.
Q: Do I need to wait for your next ROM to get Windows updated?
A: No, you can just update normally via Windows Update
Q: You idiotic luddites should just upgrade to Windows 10 rather than shoehorning Windows 8 to the cutting-edge device that clearly does not deserve the old, ****ty Windows 8. Also, I am a Windows 10 fanboy.
A: Before you get angry and all that, I actually *do* want to upgrade to Windows 10. I mean, how cool is that to login with your face? However, it is hampered by quite a lot ergonomic usability issues, bugs, and the general quirkiness of Tablet Mode. As of today, Tablet Mode is nowhere near final. Not even the Task View has proper animation in Tablet Mode, it already tells how half-assed the Tablet Mode is.
How to install
BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP!!! This will format the entire disk. No data will be preserved! Its also advised to remove the microSD card during the process.
0. Get a keyboard and USB hub if you don’t have the Type Cover.
1. Download and extract the package
2. Set up the ISO image on a CD or USB stick. If you use Rufus, set it on "MBR for UEFI computer" (only for the USB stick, the Surface will be set up as GPT)
3. Boot it on the Surface
4. Enter cd /d D:\scripts
5. Enter diskpart /s part.txt
6. Enter apply D:\Images\install.wim D:\Images\winre.wim
7. You can repeat the step #6 just to be sure
8. Reboot, unplug the USB stick.
Signed up on xda just to express my gratitude for this great tutorial and release. Everything worked a charm with full touchscreen support and I am so glad to finally have Windows 8.1 on my Surface Pro 4! No more forced windows updates sucking up my bandwidth, more free space on my hard disk, and the only gaming app that I use for my ps2 games (PCSX2), finally runs at 60fps (can you imagine on windows 10 the emulator would drop between 40-50 fps)!!! Thanks again for making my day!
ptrkhh, did you by any chance figure out how to configure the power and volume buttons???
For now I'm using volume up button to turn the tablet on and off and the power button to turn the volume down.
Fan-damn-tastic!!!
Like the other person above, I made an account just to express my EXTREME gratitude for the amazing work that was done.
I just got myself a surface book for dirt cheap, fantastic device, horrible OS. I'm not one to shy away from randomly screwing with things, so on my research for windows 8 installs for the Book, I found this absolute GEM of a post.
Downloaded the image, and threw it on my Surface Book and here's what happened:
a) installed flawlessly
b) activated instantly
c) everything that works on the Pro, works on the book. The keyboard and mouse work too!!!
d) The BIG one... the DETACH...... IT WORKS!!! Hold the detach button like normal, and, granted it seems to take a second or so longer than it did on Win10, but it releases JUST fine.
e) the dual batteries. I didn't test it for long, but Win8 seems to drain the base battery and leave the tablet battery alone.
f) the power /vol buttons do the same thing as the pro4, but i really don't care. Actually, the Book doesn't have a windows button on the tablet, so the vol down button doing that is actually a HUGE plus for me. Screw the volume controls!
g) i have not figured out the nvidia drivers yet, but i also haven't tried too hard yet. So that's a negative so far.
h) Front camera does weird infared things. It will be disabled.
I would imagine even if i get the dual gpu to work, if i start a program with the nvidia, and disconnect the screen, it will probably go all fubar and need a hard restart. The latch seems to run independently from the rest, and without software watching it, it WILL do what you tell it to, period. (my assumption, haven't tried it yet)
Battery life has not been tested much yet.
Device manager shows 2 unknown devices. I'm assuming one is the GFX card, the other one, probably the detatch button. If that's not it i have no idea. Really don't care though.
Updates pick up on new driver versions just fine. (again, so far)
I have the i5 version w/dual gfx. I have no idea what will and won't happen with the i7, the i7 with nvidia, or the newest performance base with the better nvidia gfx. I doubt much will be different, but much as I did, proceed at your own risk!
I hope this was useful, and if it was, let everyone know it works!!!!
If anyone wants, I can post an update after I finish setting it up, and had some real-life usage of it. If not, my feelings will not be hurt!
Awesome!
Works almost perfect on my Surface Pro 4.
But somehow it cannot auto rotate and the touch keyboard is not popping up (even in metro apps).
Does anybody know how to fix that?
Edit: you have to reboot and remove the keyboard before windows boots to get it working.
The OneDrive link is dead, can you get a new link? Mega isn't working for me
Would this work on a surface 3?
Surface pro 4 BSOD
Hi, I have the i5 version surface pro 4 and when i use the image above or a fresh copy of windows 8.1 pro it finishes installing then blue screens with internal power error. Any ideas as to get past this.
Cheers
I have the same problem.
When it finishes installing, I get a blue screen saying there is a problem with the BCD. I tried booting with a Windows 10 ISO to use the startup repair tool to fix it, but it says it can't. I've tried it 3 or 4 times; it did work once, but I wanted to try a different Windows, so I wiped it. Now I can't get it to work again. I did all the diskpart stuff, and the apply, all seemed to work until final boot = bsod. The apply.cmd is supposed to do the configuring, I think. Anybody else had this problem?
Surface Pro 4 factory restore
Hi" have you tried going to the Microsoft site and downloading the factory image. Just take the ISO and make into USB bootable. It will install everything and recreate all partions. Hope this helps.
Does anyone know If this will work on Surface pro 6????
I ran into an issue with my Surface pro 6 that gives me the BSOD every time I connect my type cover!!! I tried everything! I ran all the diagnostics and went through almost every safe steps and was able to fix the corrupted files. I even did all the driver diagnostics!!! It is very frustrating because I even did a factory reset and I'm still having the same issue... I'm hoping to be able to safely downgrade to Windows 8.1 to see if it fixes the issue, then upgrading to Windows 10 again. That's the last thing I can think of.
Does it work on SP4 2017???
I have the same problem.
When I tried to install this ROM on my Surface pro 4 2017, it gives me the BSOD.
Commands do not work, it says right no the first: "The system cannot find the path specified"
i also have the same problem on my surface pro 6
How to install a version of 8.1 on SP4-SP6
If you get that INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR, you most likely have a Kaby Lake processer which only supports Windows 10. The only version of 8.1 that works on a Kaby Lake Surface Pro 4+ is Windows Server 2012 R2.
asking for drivers
ptrkhh said:
For those of you missing Windows 8.1, congratulations, you just found the solution.
Features
1.Windows is fully updated as of February 2016.
2.Surface February update included (solves most speaker popping issue)
3.Based on Surface Pro 3 image. Full stock-like Surface branding (desktop background, out-of-box experience).
4.Windows activates with the embedded product key. Fully legit. I cannot guarantee if yours couldn’t activate though.
5.Bloat free with about 3 GB saving: (Microsoft devices are shipped bloat-free? Think again.) | Only 6 metro apps included (Camera, IE, OneDrive, PC Settings, Photos, Store). The rest can be downloaded from Store | Trial Office removed | Speech data removed.
6.Languages included: English, French, Spanish. Since it is Windows 8 Pro, you can download any other language later.
7.Fully working refresh and reset functionality.
8.WinRE from vanilla Windows, touchscreen driver included.
9.Pagefile takes less space: 400 MB. It can grow to up to 8 GB, a reboot brings it back to 400 MB.
10.Various Windows tweaks | File Indexing paused on battery | Verbose messages, you get more information in boots and shutdowns | No startup programs delay | non-certified DLNA devices are supported | Custom resolution script added (open C: drive, its there. Just double click.) | "Get Windows 10" system tray icon disabled.
11.Some drivers from S3, SP3, SP4, and other OEM devices (kudos to them for releasing their Skylake devices with Windows 8.1 drivers).
12.Latest Intel iGPU driver (version 4380 Beta).
NOT working
1.Windows Hello. As expected, Windows 8.1 does not support Windows Hello.
2.The buttons are mapped differently | Power --> Volume Down | Volume Up --> Power | Volume Down --> Start
3.Surface app | You cant adjust pen sensitivity | You can't configure the pen top button action through the app. You can still customize it manually with AHK.
FAQ
Q: Camera app crashes / BSOD
A: You need to disable the IR camera. You can do that either via the BIOS or Device Manager.
Q: The pen button doesn't work after the first setup
A: You may need to re-pair the pen. Go to PC Settings > Bluetooth and remove the Surface Pen. Create a new pairing by pressing the pen top button for 7 seconds, it will show up on the Surface, and just pair it.
Q: How did you get the embedded Windows 10 product key to work with Windows 8.1?
A: Actually I have no idea. It just worked.
Q: Are the "not working" issues going to be fixed?
A: For the buttons, its up to Microsoft to release a Windows 8.1 compatible driver, and we have no other source as Microsoft has modified Intel's driver. If you know how to remap the buttons (either via editing the driver, Registry, or AHK), please share it with us and I will include it in the next version. For the Surface app, I believe it is simply because the Windows 8 version of Surface app was not updated for the Surface Pro 4 (and will never be), so don’t expect that one.
Q: Why did you go with the beta driver for the graphics?
A: The latest release version, 4352 and 4364, are practically unusable. I experienced blank screen in video playback and some random BSOD. No choice really.
Q: When Intel has released the new driver, do I need to wait for the next version of the ROM?
A: No, you can just download and install it yourself without waiting for me to upload an updated ROM. The new version should pop up here, download the ZIP version for Windows 8.1, and install it using the "Have Disk…" method. Step-by-step guide
Q: How do I remap the pen buttons manually?
A: Go browse /r/Surface in Reddit, they have comprehensive guides on how to use AHK with the Surface Pen.
Q: Do I need to wait for your next ROM to get Windows updated?
A: No, you can just update normally via Windows Update
Q: You idiotic luddites should just upgrade to Windows 10 rather than shoehorning Windows 8 to the cutting-edge device that clearly does not deserve the old, ****ty Windows 8. Also, I am a Windows 10 fanboy.
A: Before you get angry and all that, I actually *do* want to upgrade to Windows 10. I mean, how cool is that to login with your face? However, it is hampered by quite a lot ergonomic usability issues, bugs, and the general quirkiness of Tablet Mode. As of today, Tablet Mode is nowhere near final. Not even the Task View has proper animation in Tablet Mode, it already tells how half-assed the Tablet Mode is.
How to install
BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP!!! This will format the entire disk. No data will be preserved! Its also advised to remove the microSD card during the process.
0. Get a keyboard and USB hub if you don’t have the Type Cover.
1. Download and extract the package
2. Set up the ISO image on a CD or USB stick. If you use Rufus, set it on "MBR for UEFI computer" (only for the USB stick, the Surface will be set up as GPT)
3. Boot it on the Surface
4. Enter cd /d D:\scripts
5. Enter diskpart /s part.txt
6. Enter apply D:\Images\install.wim D:\Images\winre.wim
7. You can repeat the step #6 just to be sure
8. Reboot, unplug the USB stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear ptrkhh,
Thank you very much. Without your excellent work, people can still not use SP4 installing Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012(based on Windows 8.1 framwork and also working with Windows 8.1drivers). Because there are many versions of both Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012, I was tring to collect the drivers that SP4 can work.It is hard to find touchscreen driver from vanilla Windows, and there so many drivers to test from S3,SP3,OEM. Could you please share the Surface Pro 4 drivers for Windows 8.1 separately, or give us a guide to lead to download each drivers. Hope you have a nice day
repo006 said:
Dear ptrkhh,
Thank you very much. Without your excellent work, people can still not use SP4 installing Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012(based on Windows 8.1 framwork and also working with Windows 8.1drivers). Because there are many versions of both Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012, I was tring to collect the drivers that SP4 can work.It is hard to find touchscreen driver from vanilla Windows, and there so many drivers to test from S3,SP3,OEM. Could you please share the Surface Pro 4 drivers for Windows 8.1 separately, or give us a guide to lead to download each drivers. Hope you have a nice day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thank you, it means a lot to me. Unfortunately I no longer have the device nor copies of the driver. Quite surprisingly many drivers are actually available online, you may want to consider using the software called "Snappy Driver Installer" (SDI), it is able to find drivers suitable for your device. The ones I formulated myself are under the folder "bastard drivers.rar", which is not many if I remember correctly.
For the touchscreen functionality in particular, it needs the graphics driver. Once you have the graphics driver installed, touchscreen should work instantly.
How much free ram is there after a fresh install?
I have ram shortage issues in Win10 with my 4GB Pro4. I'm not a fan of Win10 either but I sure wish I could just disable crap and free up the ram instead of downgrading.
Does the front webcam and mic work ok? I use mine frequently. Thanks!