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DaveWWWFlag for Canada

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Cannot get to Desktop in Windows 8.1

My client's PC (Windows 8.1) shows the Metro interface.  There is absolutely no way to get to the desktop.  Every now and then while running programs and exiting them, the desktop flashes for about maybe 1/4 of a second, and then the Metro interface is displayed.

I've tried system restore twice (with antivirus disabled) and it says it failed to restore, citing perhaps the antivirus as the problem.

Anyone seen this before.
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nobus
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then disable, or uninstall the AV - then restore again
you can install - enable the AV after that
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arnold
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It may be worthwhile to add a Taskbar Programs menu.  I did this for Windows 8 and I continue with it for Windows 10.

Right Click on the Taskbar
Select Toolbar, New Toolbar
Add the following content in the space provided:
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
Save the toolbar. It should call itself Programs.
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Actually I just discovered the problem. I didn’t realize that Windows 8 had a "Tablet view", initiated from the bottom right corner of the screen. The client had inadvertently clicked it. I turned it off, and there we go! :-)

Dave
Hi Dave,
Great that you found the problem, but, going forward, you may want to consider installing Classic Shell for your client(s). It puts the W7 (or XP or 2K) interface on W8/8.1, thereby avoiding problems like this. Here's a 5-minute EE video Micro Tutorial about it:
Make Windows 8 Look Like Earlier Versions of Windows with Classic Shell

Your client(s) will never have to see the metro UI again. It also works fine with W10, as this other 5-minute EE video Micro Tutorial shows:
Make Windows 10 Look Like Earlier Versions of Windows with Classic Shell

I wouldn't be without it personally, and most of my clients use it, too. Regards, Joe
Was going right corner and UP not the way to see the settings and make adjustments??
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Thanks all - it was indeed in the area near the system clock where I was able to turn off tablet mode.