I don't know, Cap'n. Although I didn't read very deeply, that looks like it refers to hacks. I'd like to hear SD's comments on that. I don't think Start8 would be classified as a hack.

Either way, I'll be skipping this version. TBNT

At this point I don't know why anyone would buy a windows 8 license for a PC that has win7.

Me either, would be a waste of time and money.

Start8 is working is fine.

I don't think a windows 8 upgrade is really worth it even without the stuff they want to block.

The way I understand it is that MS wants everyone to be using the Metro interface regardless, and that any and all apps which restore the start button/menu and bypass the Metro UI would be considered cracks/hostile to MS' agenda.   I would hope this does not include Start8, but MS does seem pretty insistent on what it wants users to do.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me it would have provided performance increases with my new CPU that Win 7 does not support. That would have been enough for me, providing I could eliminate Metro entirely and use Win 8 as I do Win 7. I'm currently doing that with the Consumer Preview and I'm quite happy with the results, but sadly, they're saying that will not be possible when Win 8 is released to the public.

Tom, if you saw how fast my system is with Win 8 installed, you might just think a little differently. Moreover, I do not see that Metro mess at all and I am using Win 8 exactly as I would Win 7... just a whole lot quicker.... and it's stable to boot.  I agree with you 100% that Metro is a butt ugly abomination that should never ever be seen on a desktop, so no, if I have to be confronted with that at every boot, and I cannot use Win 8 as I do Win 7, then I will not entertain upgrading to it, either.  Besides, I will not be bullied into how I use my own PC.  I have my preferences and I want to keep them.

For now! However, the article suggests for not much longer.  While MS has not clarified how exactly it will administer these blocks to the 'Previews' already out there, various parties believe they will be introduced with regular updates to bring them in line with MS' intentions for Win 8 and the final release.

Still, I hold out hope that somebody will come up with a foolproof way to eliminate Metro entirely.... otherwise I simply will bypass Win 8 altogether, and any subsequent OSes with the Metro UI [Unusable Interface]

I think the best solution for Win7 users is voting with our wallets- just don't buy Windows 8 at any price, and hopefully devs refuse to support it.

Make it fail hard enough that MSFT doesn't try it again.

Like I thought they were already digging themselves into a hole with the Windows 8 interface but now they've got themselves a diamond pickaxe and they're going straight for bedrock.

"Thatssss a very dorky user interface you have there, I bet nobody would mind if sssomething were to happen to it."

I'll W8 with 8, thank you.

I don't like that one can't boot directly to the desktop. I don't like the tile interface, and I don't believe I should have to relearn how to use a computer just for the "privilege" of using that OS.

Sorry, but as far as I'm concerned MS has a boatload of fail with W8.

Or is that a "bootload" of fail?  I agree.  Anything that gets you closer to "booting" W8 is a bad thing.  So we need to W8 for 9 and give W8 the boot.

Windows 8 is already RTM.

It's just not gonna happen.  People are going to develop for it because Windows 8 will be shipping with millions of new PC's starting soon.  

The trouble with waiting for Win 9 is that there may be just enough yuppies with a penchant for stupid who'll help make Win 8 a moderate success... meaning Win 9 will be more of the same.  Personally, I think MS is determined that we'll get AND USE Metro irrespective of what we want... given its moves to block anything that eliminates/bypasses Metro in any way.  

If anything, Win 9, 10 and 11 are likely to be even worse, with Metro and MS apps taking over more and more of the OS as time passes....

"This is Windows 11, the OS of the Future and what you need.  You may not recognize anything when comparing it to Windows of old, but you will adapt and you will like it, or else.  Moreover, it's a one size fits all solution to all platforms, Pads, phones, laptops, etc, and you will enjoy using it.  If for some reason you cannot find a feature previously found in Windows, do not be alarmed, that was intentional.  It doesn't matter that you've just paid $645.99 for your somewhat lacking and basic OS, because we've got you covered in our app store, where you'll be able to purchase such apps as Notepad, MS Paint and Windows Media Player using your [now frequently debited] credit card.

Now users, we have designed Windows 11 to totally suit ourselves, so if we have an OS phone home to alert us to a user trying to implement a traditional start button and/or start menu, we will send around a goon squad that will promptly remove his gonads.   So be warned, Windows 11 is exactly how we like it and is NOT to be tampered with, okay!  Now install it and enjoy."

That may be so, but that does not mean said blocks cannot/will not go ahead.  If they've not already been applied to the RTM, then MS has the authority as puppet master to implement them via updates.  I too would like to think that I could use Win 8 as I wish and bypass Metro entirely, but if MS is intent on foisting Metro upon us by blocking these workarounds, which apparently it is, then blocks are what we're going to get.

I predict very lackluster sales of new rigs, unless the retailers are willing and able to put Windows 7 on them on request.

That, or old stock(with 7 installed) will fly off the shelves while new units gather dust.

Agreed, let's not forget how many major PC sellers were still loading XP on new computers long into Vista's release. Unless MS gets really bitchy and blocks this as well this time.

Honestly I am just flabbergasted at what MS is trying to ram down our throats. I could totally understand this if they released that as the default, but why in the hell not leave a "classic desktop" option around? It boggles the mind.

The OP should read as follows.

"MS Blocks Usage Of Windows 8!"

Perhaps this is all part of the plan.

If you are stuck with Win8 Metro on a new rig, how much would you pay for a working start button? How about a start menu?

Available at extra cost and only from Microsoft. If fact, for just a few dollars more, they can sell you most of what  they took out of Win7.....one piece at a time.

Thank You for shopping the Microsoft Store.

I bet Bill Gates now rues the day he handed the reigns of MS to Steve Ballmer and co... they took a strong and stable company and f**ked it up big-time.

Do you think, if many refuse 8, it will go the way  of Vista. It took enough for me to go from XP to 7 (glad I did) however I do find 8 very ugly.

Just my opinion that everyone is entitled to.

MS ought listen to the outcry. Of course, I don't think they will because of the almighty buck, which is now worth alot less.

Done.

Personally I would like to see a minimalist interface.

Instead of having icons and start menu items for everything (these often open the same things) have a calendar-based start menu that shows you what programs and documents you've used today, what you used this time last week, or yesterday, or a month ago.

This would be a good thing in the workplace because typically on a given day of the week you want to access the same tools as you used on the same day last week, if you're the sort of person who assigns particular tasks to particular days of the week.

Now, now, do go giving Microsoft any freaking ideas.....

"Hello PC users, this is Windows 12, where we have refined the Metro UI down to just one tile with hidden hotspots for all your apps.  Yes, just mouse over the tile whilst right clicking and you'll find all your most used/favorite apps right there.  No more hunting through menus and pages and pagers of apps.  No, just mouse over the one tile where everything is located for your inconvenience. 

Sure you have hundreds of apps installed, and hundreds of documents, too, but not to worry, you will eventually remember where everything is.  Just remember, go to the one singular tile to save time and start mousing over the 'blind' hotspots whilst right clicking to find your stuff.  So why have we gone the one tile, 'blind' hotspot route?  We listened when people called the multi-tiled Metro interface in Windows 8 gaudy and butt ugly, so we got the very best, most talented artists here at Microsoft to create a beautiful UI with just the one gaudy tile instead.  The hidden shortcuts, or blind hotspots, as we like to call them, are in response to all those users who wanted fewer icons/tiles and less text on their screens.  It may take a little getting used to and seem like looking for a needle in a haystack to begin with, but we have decided it is what Windows users want and what is best for Windows users."

See what I mean?  Start talking minimalist interfaces and this is what you'll get. 

Now, MarvinKosh, if you believe MS has gone too far with this Metro fiasco, nod in agreement and this post will self-destruct in 5 seconds to protect the innocent and the unassuming.