Windows 8

Hidden Image-based Backup Feature In Windows 8.1

Naz IT and User Support, Random and Misc.

I briefly expressed my displeasure at Microsoft’s decision to remove the ability to make backup images from within Windows 8.1 in my last post. As it turns out, however, I was mistaken and the feature is indeed available to users, though it’s not where you would expect to find it.

It’s interesting that the image-based backups feature was not available in previous Windows 8.1 builds but has returned in the RTM build. Even more interesting is where it’s located.

In the screenshot below you can see that image-based backup is missing in the Recovery options in Windows 8.1 RTM.

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Instead, it’s hidden in the File History setting in the Control Panel.

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To access it, right-click on the Start button and launch Control Panel. In the search box on the top right hand corner type “File History” and click on the File History setting. Notice the “System Image Backup” link in the lower left hand corner. It works just as it did in Windows 8 with the option to making a backup image and storing it onto an external drive, DVD, or network location.

What I have below is a screenshot of the File History window taken from a previous Windows 8.1 build (a Windows 8.1 Enterprise evaluation downloaded from the Microsoft website) which shows the feature to be missing in the build. Looks like Microsoft had a change of heart at the last minute and decided to add the feature after all.

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Windows 8.1 RTM Leaked Build

Naz Random and Misc.

I’ve been using Windows 8 from the Consumer Release Preview – a fact I’m actually quite proud of. I’ve only just realised, however, that I haven’t really talked much about my experience with the new OS here on my blog and hope to make that right starting with this post.

For one reason or another I’ve skipped all previous Windows 8.1 leaked builds but with the “RTM” build hitting the Web I finally gave in to the hobbyist within. As an IT enthusiast who actually quite likes the new OS I’ve been keeping up with news on the improvements in 8.1 mainly over at Paul Thurrott’s Supersite for Windows and ZDNet.

Even though I was familiar with most of the changes in 8.1.before trying the leaked build it’s nice to experience the changes for myself. And yes, Windows 8.1 is definitely a better experience for me.

I’ve taken a few screenshots of some of the changes which I personally quite like along with some notes on my thoughts here and there.

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First and foremost, the return of the Start button! I’ll never know why Microsoft left it out in the first place.

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Right-click on the Start button to shut down your computer and also access some advanced options.

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You can choose to have your Desktop wallpaper as the background on your Start screen. Definitely a good move from Microsoft as it makes the transition from Desktop to Start screen a lot easier on the eyes.

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Two more sizing options for tiles on the Start screen – large and small. Large tiles are especially good for Live tiles. Continue reading →

vSphere Client 5.0 for Windows 8

Naz Apps in Focus, Virtualization , , ,

I upgraded one of my computers to Windows 8 today. It seems the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant had falsely led me to believe that vSphere Client 5.0 was compatible with the new OS, when in fact it wasn’t.

Try as I might, I just couldn’t get it to install and compatibility mode was of no help either. I tried a few other things too but let’s cut the chase and get to the point here.

In my search for a solution I came across a blog post with direct links to a number of vSphere Client installation files. I can confirm the vSphere Client v5.0 Update 2 is compatible with Windows 8.

UPDATE: This is also works with Windows 8.1 RTM

UPDATE: This is also works on WIndows 10 1507, 1511 and 1607