Replies to post #32043 on Dream Machine

[PMS Witch]

You really need to know if your problem is hardware or software. Determining this can take a ton of time. Here's a shortcut. . .

Install another copy of Windows 8. If this "Virgin" system exhibits the same quirky behaviour, you know the problem is with your hardware -- otherwise, it's a software issue.

Download an evaluation copy of Windows 8 from Microsoft and burn an installation DVD.

Evaluation Windows 8 Enterprise

BUT DON'T JUST INSTALL IT!!!

You don't want to harm your current system.

Create a Virtual Hard Disk, and install it on this VHD. The Evaluation Windows 8 Enterprise allows this. I'll outline the steps. . .

In Disk Management, Click Action, and select Create VHD. When the Wizard opens, pick a location, set the size to 8GB, and use Fixed size. It will take 1 to 2 minutes. Remember this .VHD file name and location because you'll need it later.

Boot your system using your Evaluation Windows 8 DVD. Enter the Country and Language information and watch for the screen that says "Install" BUT DON'T CLICK INSTALL!

When the Install Screen appears, press Shift-F10. This will open a Command Prompt window. In this window, enter the command

DISKPART

AT the DISKPART> prompt(s) enter these commands, substituting correct values for your drive letter, folder, and FileName.

DISKPART> Select Vdisk File=C:\Folder\FileName.VHD
DISKPART> Attach Vdisk
DISKPART> Exit

Type another "Exit" to close the Command Prompt Window.

Now, you can click INSTALL.

You'll be given two choices, Upgrade or Custom. Select Custom.
You'll be asked where to install Windows 8. Select the VHD.

A warning will appear. It will say you cannot install Windows 8 at this location. This warning is a BUG! Continue anyway. Windows 8 installations take about 15 minutes. During installation, select Local Account. (You don't want to confuse Cloud stuff.)

Windows 8 runs from .VHD at about 98% as efficiently as from a disk partition. You won't notice the 2%. But it should run cleanly, without any shutdown issues.

Cheers, PW.

P.S. The nice thing about .VHD installation is the ease of removal -- simply delete the file.