Help with Windows 8.1 problem: I bought a new Dell XPS with Windows 8.1 on it to run photo processing programs that newer versions no longer XP-Pro. All of a sudden now when I click on...

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

I bought a new Dell XPS with Windows 8.1 on it to run photo processing programs that newer versions no longer XP-Pro.

All of a sudden now when I click on "This PC" Icon on the desktop (which is where I open a jump drive or external storage drive) I get a small window open in the bottom tray that won't open to full screen no matter what I do. All of my other programs open full screen when I click on them.

If I hover my pointer over the small window in the tray, I get OPEN which doesn't happen. Neither does minimize, maximize or other choices. I am at my whits end - HELP.

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

I too had problems with Windows 8.1. The problem solver for me was installing Classic Shell. This is a free program which gives you access to all programs and acts much like Windows 7.
Download it here: http://www.classicshell.net/

I hope this helps,

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Shakey wrote:

I too had problems with Windows 8.1. The problem solver for me was installing Classic Shell. This is a free program which gives you access to all programs and acts much like Windows 7.
Download it here: http://www.classicshell.net/

I hope this helps,

I too use Classic shell. Windows 8.1 is not all that bad once you get use to it but .... The stock interface is horrid!

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

GC likes NIKON wrote:

I bought a new Dell XPS with Windows 8.1 on it to ... (show quote)

I have tried to duplicate your problem but when I click on This PC in the tiles view it opens maximized.

Do you have an icon in your task bar in the desktop view that looks like a folder? It will say "File Explorer" when you hover over it. If not right click on the Windows icon in the taskbar and then click on file explorer. When it opens drag "This PC" down to the task bar. Now when you click on the icon it should open fully maximized.

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

jpintn wrote:

I have tried to duplicate your problem but when I click on This PC in the tiles view it opens maximized.

Do you have an icon in your task bar in the desktop view that looks like a folder? It will say "File Explorer" when you hover over it. If not right click on the Windows icon in the taskbar and then click on file explorer. When it opens drag "This PC" down to the task bar. Now when you click on the icon it should open fully maximized.

Thank you, I will try this when I get home from work tonight and let you know how I make out ...

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

jpintn wrote:

I have tried to duplicate your problem but when I click on This PC in the tiles view it opens maximized.

Do you have an icon in your task bar in the desktop view that looks like a folder? It will say "File Explorer" when you hover over it. If not right click on the Windows icon in the taskbar and then click on file explorer. When it opens drag "This PC" down to the task bar. Now when you click on the icon it should open fully maximized.

When you hover over the file icon in the task bar, ablue box that say "This PC" appears. You can't drag it anywhere. You can right click on it and Maximize, minimize, restore all don't work. I was using this all the time to access my external storage. Just like "MY Computer " in Windows XP....

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

GC likes NIKON wrote:

When you hover over the file icon in the task bar, ablue box that say "This PC" appears. You can't drag it anywhere. You can right click on it and Maximize, minimize, restore all don't work. I was using this all the time to access my external storage. Just like "MY Computer " in Windows XP....

Sounds like a corrupted shortcut. Go to the tiles view and click on the This PC tile. Does it now open? Let me know.
To go to the tiles view just click once on the windows icon in the system tray.

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

jpintn wrote:

Sounds like a corrupted shortcut. Go to the tiles view and click on the This PC tile. Does it now open? Let me know.
To go to the tiles view just click once on the windows icon in the system tray.

Thanks for staying with me on this. Yes that's exactly what it sounds like - a corrupted shortcut. I am at work now. When I go home tonight I will check the tiles. I don't remember seeing a tile for "This PC" , but I will check and let you know..Thanks again, Gary

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Thanks for staying with me on this. Yes that's exactly what it sounds like - a corrupted shortcut. I am at work now. When I go home tonight I will check the tiles. I don't remember seeing a tile for "This PC" , but I will check and let you know..Thanks again, Gary

Gary, in the desktop view do you have an icon that says "Computer"? If so, it will also take you to windows explorer.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Shakey wrote:

I too had problems with Windows 8.1. The problem solver for me was installing Classic Shell. This is a free program which gives you access to all programs and acts much like Windows 7.
Download it here: http://www.classicshell.net/

I hope this helps,

Thanks, Shakey.

I mostly use a laptop with Windows 7, but go to a newer desktop with Win 8.1 for more intense stuff like editing. I've allowed six months to get used to the (much) different interface but it just ain't happening, especially when I move back and forth between 7 and 8. I'll give it a try!

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

OddJobber wrote:

Thanks, Shakey.

I mostly use a laptop with Windows 7, but go to a newer desktop with Win 8.1 for more intense stuff like editing. I've allowed six months to get used to the (much) different interface but it just ain't happening, especially when I move back and forth between 7 and 8. I'll give it a try!

Use 7 on my desktop and 8.1 on my laptop. I find both easy to use.

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

Problem Solved !!! Your not going to believe this. I am almost embarrased to tell you what happened!!!

I am using dual monitors on the Dell running Windows 8.1 for photo post processing. When I do use it to check email which is seldom I just turn on my left monitor. I had not been using the right monitor. Well, when I was trying to open "This PC" I couldn't get it to open. Well it was opening on the right monitor which was turned off. It was there all along just not visable. Thanks for the suggestions when all I had to do was turn on both monitors !!!

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Problem Solved !!! Your not going to believe thi... (show quote)

Great news. I am happy that it all worked out.