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Dell Venue Pro 8 Tablet (Windows 8.1) Hard reset and stuff
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&quoted from sources and re edited if needed based on observations& (Will add more posts as new things come up during my use of the venue 8 pro)
Personal testing found 2 3 ways to get to Refresh and Reset the Dell Venue 8 Pro.
style="color:#. The first way to Refresh/Reset is posted towards bottom of this first post. Depends on youre computer being not able to boot and the PC trying to fix itself.
style="color:#. The second Refresh/Reset method seems to be an easier and better way to get there. Testing and updating Steps as soon as finishing the Reset test. Should be .&&<span
style="color:#. Another even easier way to& to get to Refresh/Reset/and other Options on a Dell Venue 8 Pro from the Windows login screen. Tested and works.
SecureBoot isn't configured correctly watermark in Windows 8.1
Update removes the "Windows 8.1 SecureBoot isn't configured correctly" watermark in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft Download Center The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center.
Operating system Update All supported x86-based versions of Windows 8.1
Download the package now. All supported x64-based versions of Windows 8.1
Download the package now. All supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2012 R2
Download the package now.
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Back up recovery partition
"Here’s how:
NOTE: Make sure you have at least 50% of your battery left for this process. I wouldn’t do this when hitting the lower ends of the battery spectrum.
Go to All Applications and scroll all the way right to the Dell group. Tap the My Dell application.
Click Backup, even if it says no backup software is installed.
Click the Download Local Backup button. This will provide a link to download Dell Backup and Recovery, which you should download and install. Basically, once you click the Download button, select Run and wait for Setup to do its job. This process can take a long time. Even the download appears to be huge. It’s probably downloading the latest recovery data, but that’s just a guess.
After the software has installed, it will request a restart. So, restart the tablet.
Go to All Applications and back to the Dell group. Note the new Dell Backup and… option. Tap it.
Wait a few moments for the cool clock animation to complete, then agree to whatever terms are presented, or not.
Tap the Reinstall Disks option. This is the equivalent of a Factory Restore partition backup.
Tap USB Flash Drive, which is probably the only real option you have with this unit. This includes use of the Micro SD card, which is what I used, since I didn’t have a USB adapter handy. If you decide to use an external burner, that’s cool, too. But… why?
Select your USB drive, or the MicroSD card. I backed up to an 8 GB MicroSD. Dell estimates the backup at 4.03 GB, so 8 GB should suit you just fine.
Tap Start, then tap Yes when asked if you’re sure about wiping out the USB or MicroSD drive. Of course you’re sure! (right?)
Wait until it’s done.
When it’s complete, click OK, and put the backup media in a safe place. I put it in my Venue Pro’s box.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dell Venue 8 Pro - Hard reset without being in windows (Factory Reset Dell Venue 8 Pro) (reset, restore dell venue 8 pro to factory)
Update: check post #21 - It will hopefully allow easier boot to "starting automatic system repair"
Way it seem to work when trying it after loop reboots
To Reset to factory setting or do a Refresh without deleting personal files
It seemed to work like this when the venue had rebooted in a loop constanly when making updates
Steps seem to work: did try more then once
Hold Power-Button 10 seconds to shut off Dell Venue 8 Pro
Push and hold Power-Button and then push and hold Windows-Button
-- Dell Logo appear.
Release Power-Button
Release Windows-Button
-- Options appear on the bottom of the screen: F2/Volume-Down = Setup. F12/Volume-Up = Boot option. .
Push Volume-Down-Button = Setup
-- It trys auto repair, but it cant find a fix
Tap on:Advance options
-- Youll get the options to reboot,use a device, trouble shoot,or turn off pc,
Taped on: trouble shoot
Selected to option "Refresh your pc"
When "Refresh your pc" is done, their is a folder
Windows.old
created with contents from the original Windows before the Refresh
Windows 8: How to delete easily Windows.old folder (Easy and quick, no programs needed to install)
This person shows a very simple way to remove it if you dont want or need any of the old stuff
Original post
Pen Pal - Newbie
Join Date Dec 2013
Rep Power 0
Re: Dell Venue 8 Pro - Stuck in boot in "safe mode" of windows. Screen doesn't react. Please help.
&I got it!
To reset to factory setting are following steps to go:
Hold Power-Button 10 seconds to shut off Dell V8P
Push and hold Power-Button and then push and hold Windows-Button
-- Dell Logo appear.
Release Power-Button
Release Windows-Button
-- It appear on the bottom of the screen: F12/Volume-Up = Boot option. F2/Volume-Down = Setup.
Push Volume-Up-Button
-- It appear Boot mode is set to UEFI: Secure boot:ON
Tap on: Windows Boot Manager
From there you can choose reset the V8P with completely wipe the hard disk and new installation Windows8. It will take 20-30 minute and your V8P is like new delivered.
However this step is only appear when your V8P is in secure mode. After I recover my V8P to working state, I never can reconstruct this step again.
Enable the full virtual keyboard in Windows 8.1
Touch Keyboard that has all standard keys available, such as:
Windows key
All F-keys (F1 - F12)
& Settings Charm
-& Change PC settings (bottom right - text only)
-& PC and Devices
-& Add the standard keyboard layout as a touch keyboard option (Enable Last option to "on")
& &&47.34KB
&&4 downloads
Enable other full virtual keyboard (the one from windows 7 but with some cosmetic changes)
PrtScn ( Print Screen)
Windows key
All F-keys (F1 - F12)
Go to Apps:
-& "Windows Ease of Access"
-& Select "on-screen keyboard"
been using it on the dell tablet and works very well.
Successfully booted a Windows PE on The Dell Venue 8 Pro. Uhmm. First test, forgot the PE had no touch support.
Second test had to bootup through a powered hub. connected bootable pe and the mouse. Bam can move around.
For some reason C drive is locked. needs 48 blah key.
Tested Acronis True Image Home 2014. Seems to see the drives.Will test and do a backup.
Couldnt get wifi to work yet.
Finally had time to boot into Windows PE on The Dell Venue 8 Pro and do a full backup.&
True Image 2014 Premium
Macrium Reflect&&
Aomei Backupper
Will post back results.
True Image 2014 Premium (Recognized drives and fastest to create backup of the drive that needed to be backed up)
Macrium Reflect FREE &&&&&&&&&&&&&& (Recognized drives and took longer to create backup)
Aomei Backupper&&&&&&&&&&&&& (Did not recognize the drive that needed to back up) It did see the external drive and the usb stick.
Some notes:
Dell venue 8 Pro supports "Device Encryption" = Seamless, Automatic Disk Encryption
disk encryption is automatically enabled when the user signs in with a Microsoft account the key is also auto backed up to Ms Account or you can save a key backup& to a file or print it. details near end of post on how to backup key
In order to backup youre drive you can temporarily disable drive encryption. Turn it back on when done.
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on Jul 16, 2013
Unfortunately, for the vast majority of home users, this will become an incredible nightmare for data recovery. It's frightening that nobody is talking about this. Home users don't do regular backups, aren't always good about writing down passwords, and don't even know what encryption is. It will be amusing to see Microsoft take another beating over people unable to access their data, right on the heels of the Start button disaster, too.
How to temporarily Disable or Re-enable Device encryption in Windows 8.1
If you have performed a clean install of Windows 8.1, device encryption is turned on by default. If you have upgraded a previous Windows installation to Windows 8.1, you can turn device encryption on by using PC info.
To open PC info, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)
Tap or click PC & devices, and then tap or click PC info. The Device Encryption section appears at the bottom of the PC info page.
In the Device Encryption section, select Turn On.
Device encryption cannot be turned off on devices running Windows RT. For other devices, in the Device Encryption settings portion of PC info, you can select Turn Off if you want to stop using device encryption for any reason.
Windows 8.1 includes seamless, automatic disk encryption—if your PC supports it
Here are the hardware features the passive device encryption feature needs to work:
Support for the
feature, which implies both UEFI support and 64-bit Windows.
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The feature requires TPM 2.0, and most current devices use TPM 1.2.
Hardware and firmware support for Windows’ Connected Standby feature. Connected Standby allows a sleeping system to wake up periodically and refresh certain data, like e-mail messages or calendar events. Your smartphone already does the same sort of thing. Note that Connected Standby is similar in concept to , but Smart Connect support does not imply Connected Standby support.
Connected Standby comes with , including a solid-state boot volume, NDIS 6.30 support for all network interfaces, and memory soldered to the motherboard. The system must also rely on passive cooling when in Connected Standby mode, even if it normally uses a fan.
When Your Hard Drive Will Be Encrypted
Windows 8.1 includes “Pervasive Device Encryption.” This works a bit differently from the standard BitLocker feature that has been included in Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows for the past few versions.
Before Windows 8.1 automatically enables Device Encryption, the following must be true:
The Windows device “must support connected standby and meet the Windows Hardware Certification Kit (HCK) requirements for TPM and
on ConnectedStandby systems.”& () Older Windows PCs won’t support this feature, while new Windows 8.1 devices you pick up will have this feature enabled by default.
When Windows 8.1 installs cleanly and the computer is prepared, device encryption is “initialized” on the system drive and other internal drives. Windows uses a clear key at this point, which is removed later when the recovery key is successfully backed up.
The PC’s user must log in with a
with administrator privileges or join the PC to a domain. If a Microsoft account is used, a recovery key will be backed up to Microsoft’s servers and encryption will be enabled. If a domain account is used, a recovery key will be backed up to Active Directory Domain Services and encryption will be enabled.
How to back up device-encryption recovery key
swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings
Select Control Panel
Device Encryption
Select Backup youre recovery key (you can print it or save it as a file)
How do I back up my recovery key?
If you've signed in with a Microsoft account, protection is turned on for your PC and your recovery key is automatically backed up to your Microsoft account online. If you want to store another copy of the recovery key, you can print it or save it as a file.
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.)
In the Search box, enter device encryption.
Choose Back up your recovery key and follow the instructions.
How to Boot A PE in Dell Venue 8 Pro
Things you need.
OTG Cable& (can be found on Amazon)& (also called Micro USB OTG to USB 2.0 Adapter&& or && USB 2.0 Female to Micro USB Male OTG On-The-Go Cable Adapter) (forgot to include this in original post)
USB Stick (a 16GB USB Stick should be big enough to have the PE and still have enough Storage space to store the Image created when doing a Back up)
USB hub must come with Power AC Adapter if using a Portable External Hard Drive to save Backup image (4 Ports USB Hub is enough) (What I had connected took four usb ports. It was a& USB stick, an external Drive, USB mouse, USB Keyboard)
WinBuilder 082 and Win8PE SE& Project (162.34 MB)
(This will allow you to create a Windows 8 PE) (You will also need to include the Macrium Reflect Free Script or the True Image Script or any alternative backup script you choose to use)
Rufus v1.4.5 (used in this test) - Create bootable USB drives the easy way (Used rufus to Burn ISO image created with Win8PE SE WinBuilder Project onto 16GB USB Stick) ()
If anyone needs more details let me know.
still editing will post some pics in a sec
A couple more details
Tablet_Backup_full_Drive.tib & & & & & & &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& 9.02 GB (9,694,572,544 bytes)
Tablet_Backup_C(OS)Partition&E(500MB)Partition.tib & & & & && 4.80 GB (5,163,278,336 bytes)
Acronis True Image 2014 sees drives and creates backup
& &&100.98KB
&&2 downloads
& &&131.65KB
&&1 downloads
& &&151.83KB
&&1 downloads
Macrium Reflect Free sees drives and also creates backup. The External drive ran out of space so didnt finish test backup but as long as there was space it should finish.
& &&194.59KB
&&1 downloads
& &&236.94KB
&&1 downloads
& &&246.48KB
&&1 downloads
Dell Venue 8 Pro - Refresh or Hard Reset without being in windows (Factory Reset Dell Venue 8 Pro) (reset, restore dell venue 8 pro to factory)
Other usefull options aswell.
In this post Im testing the Reset option. Beautifull! It worked. Smoosh! my Dell. Virtual mind smoosh. Here, here daddy loves you.
UPDATE: You're drive has to have Device Encryption enabled in order for this method to work. So that means you have to have you're tablet logged in with a MS online account before trying this method.& PC info:& "You need a Microsoft Account to finish encrypting this device".
So if you do try this method without youre drive having been encrypted then you are just going to be booted straight in to windows and you will see on the desktop the& SecureBoot isn't configured correctly watermark in Windows 8.1
How to get to Refresh/Reset/and other Options
Hold Power-Button 10 seconds to shut off Dell Venue 8 Pro
Push and hold Power-Button and then push and hold Windows-Button
-- Dell Logo appear.
Release Power-Button
Release Windows-Button
-- Options appear on the bottom of the screen: F2/Volume-Down = Setup. F12/Volume-Up = Boot option. .Push F12/Volume-Up = Boot option
-- Boot mode is set to UEFI; Secure boot :ON (displayed at top)
Tap on:Enter Setup
-- The following tabs should be available (Main,Advanced,Security,Boot, Exit)
Tap on:Boot
Tap on: Secure Boot
Select: Disabled (Secure Boot should show as being disabled)
-- Click on: Exit
Tap on: Save Changes and Reset
Select :"Yes" to "Save configuration and reset"
-- When the Dell Venue 8 reboots, you should see:
Preparing Bitlocker Recovery
Main tittle: Bitlocker
Select : Skip this drive (you'll see the option at bottom left under the "Enter the recovery key ............')
- Choose an Option (Youre given following options. Choose the one youre looking for. Im using the 3rd option at this point to do a hard refresh or Reset PC or Use a system image backup to reset PC to Factory)&
1. Continue (Exit & continue to windows 8.1)
2. Use a Device (Use a USB drive , network connection, or Windows Recovery CD)
3. Troubleshoot (Refresh or Reset youre PC, or use advance Options)
&&&& Advance Options
&&&&&&&& System Restore (Use a restore point recorded on youre PC to restore Windows)
&&&&&&&& System Image Recovery (Recover Windows using a Specific System Image File) With this option you should be able to restore a Dell Backup and Recovery Backup if made to go into a Micro Sd Card within the Micro Sd card slot in the Dell Venue 8 Pro.
&&&&&&&& Startup Repair (Fix problems that keep Windows from loading)
&&&&&&&& Command Prompt (Use the Command Prompt for advanced troubleshooting)
&&&&&&&& UEFI Firmware Settings (Change settings in youre PC's UEFI Firmware)
& & && && Last option: See more recovery Options
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& StartUp Settings (Change Windows Startup Behavior)
4. Turn off youre PC
Turn Secure Boot back on to boot into Windows 8.1 once you refresh/reset/or use any of the other needed options. Specially if youre trying to boot into youre Windows 8.1 Secured drive.
Kickstarter Project - dell venue pro 8 charge and use usb
Power you're& Venue 8 Pro tablet while using USB devices at the same time
Wont ship till June, it's past june, but can be preordered Can be ordered on link further down
pararacer1221
We have our e-commerce setup now so we can take pre-orders now and start shipping units
Update:Can be orderd thru this site
& &&31.04KB
&&0 downloads
& &&43.72KB
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Using the +port with the Dell Venue 8 Pro for USB and Charging at the same time
The tablet in the video is a Dell Venue 8 Pro. It is running Windows.
Hi, I'm very excited about your product and campaign. What is the name of the tablet that is on the stand in your video? I'm sorry for not knowing, but it looks as though it is running windows. Thank you in advance, and good luck moving forward. Jeff
Was going to embed the kickstarter video on here but I cant see how.
tried Intel Driver Update Utility
Intel HD Graphics Drive current installed 10.18.10.3306& (9/13/2013)
Newer driver :& 15.33.3.3309 (this computer does not meet the minimum requirements for installing the software)
available :&& 10.18.10.3309
Also tried intel wireless display sofware update 4.2.2.1.0.exe& (this platform not compatible .... blah, blah, blah.) .
If anyone is looking for a small, compact, and/or portable stand for the venue 8 pro.
kickstarter - Plinth - the World's best stand for your Tablets/ iPad/Android/Windows
update: will be manufactured from late July 2014 onwards.
review by & - very good tech show
Why won't my Dell Venue 8 Pro Windows Tablet turn on
It may not be broken or damaged yet. The following answer helps bring the dell venue 8 pro back up and working. Im thinking when it goes dark, the dell is hard sleeping, so doing the following Forces a Hard Shutdown and then you should hopefully be up an running in no time.
replied on
Ok, so I searched up a bunch of help articles on the Microsoft site and the Dell site, and I found an online manual for my tablet. I finally got it to turn on by pressing and holding the power button for ten seconds and then another ten seconds. Based on my research, I'm guessing that somehow I managed to shut off the screen on my tablet without turning the tablet itself off, and that I shut it down. Because when I got it to turn back on, it was like I had shut it down, where I had to sign in and everything. Whatever the cause, I'm glad I fixed it, and I hope that if anybody else has this same problem, &my question and how I fixed it will help them too.
Toolwiz Time Freeze
"Time Freeze will initiate a virtual copy of your system and any changes made can be safely reverted by rebooting the computer. If whatever you were testing worked out well, there is also an option to save the changes to your system instead of undoing them. Toolwiz Time Freeze can also be used to protect selected files and folders from being changed."
"it puts your actual system under virtual protection on the fly and creates a virtual environment as a copy of the real system, on which you can evaluate applications, watch movies, and perform online activities."
One click to put your Windows system in a sandbox, no need reboot
Protect your PC from any undesired changes & malicious threats, dangerous plugins
Protect your system from any virus, malware, adware, no need update every day
Make your system solid, you will always use a brand new PC every day
Try and test any new software in your system
All the changes will be discarded when your system is closed, except the one in the Exclusion List
Video Reviews
Using Toolwiz Time Freeze by Majorgeeks.com
ToolWiz Time Freeze - Technibble
"ToolWiz Time Freeze is a powerful, simple to use application with a ver it enables the user to effectively protect files and folders by preventing any changes from coming to them. Even more so, ToolWiz Time Freeze can create a system wide environment where no changes will affect your files throughout all of your drives but still make it possible for you to browse, watch movies or play games." –Softoxi
ToolWiz Time Freeze is a Free sandbox tool that keeps your system safe from any unwanted changes and malicious activity in low disk level. With a simple click, it puts your actual system under a virtual protection environment like a sandbox on the fly, in which you can evaluate software, test suspicious files, or even perform online activities." –Windows 7 Hacker
How to Change the Location to where Windows 8 Apps will install onto an SD card
So for those that have the 32/64Gb Dell Venue 8 Pro and you have the micro sd card in there pretty much for extra storage. This method will let you install store apps to the Sd card.
Well written and has tutorial with screenshots in the steps
Small snippet
Most of the devices out there are provided with a microSD memory card slot. This is provided to increase the memory of your device. &Whether you are using a notebook, smartphone or tablet, every device is provided with a specific storage space and you have to use this microSD memory card slot to insert a microSD memory card to increase the memory of your device.
You need an extra memory especially when you are installing different Modern (Metro) apps on your device as most of the Modern Metro apps tempt you to install them on your device but due to storage issue you are stuck and you can’t install them on your device. If you want a number of Metro apps to be installed on your device, the best way is to use an extra Mass Storage like a microSD card.
But the problem with Windows 8 apps is that, they get installed in WindowsApps folder located under Program Files drive by default, but you can change the location of your installed Windows 8 apps and you can install them on your SD card instead. In this post I am going to acknowledge you with the way to change the default location of Windows 8 Apps storage.
As by default Windows 8 does not allow you to choose a custom installation location for Modern apps so you need to make changes in the Registry Editor in order to set memory card as default installation location for Windows 8 Apps.
Prepare your SD Card before setting it as Default Location for Windows 8 Apps:
Powering the Venue 8 Pro:
Using a High Capacity 2.1 AMP charger seems to charge the tablet.
Tested the google Nexus 7 tablet 2 amp charger to see if it would& charge the V8Pro. Charging seems to work.
Testing a wall usb charger that has a 1amp and 2amp. With the v8pro connected on the <span
style="color:#V/2A port the tablet charges.
Dell Venue 8 Pro works with NETGEAR Push2TV (PTV3000) Wireless Display HDMI Adapter with Miracast Works best for now with projecting into Extend mode and using a bluetooth mouse or using a virtual mouse.
Something needs an update to support better Duplicate mode.
Can't Can get duplicate 1280 x 800 displays on Dell Venue Pro and TV using Push2TV (WiDi)
Update : Read the Next Post on thread. Got Miracast to work as more then 800x600.
Duplicate mode seems to work on a tested samsung galaxy note 3.&
Dell Venue 8 pro Push2TV Setup (TV)
Dell Venue 8 Pro Miracasting
"It should be noted that the firmware update recommendation sheet contains a bad link. The sheet says to go to
to download the latest firmware update, but this page no longer exists. (The sheet also says it was printed in July 2012)
To get the latest firmware updates for the PTV3000, the current, true link is:&
If your HDTV set has built-in Miracast support you wouldnt need the push2tv
Miracast Wireless Display with Windows 8.1
Further Testing Dell Venue 8 Pro + NETGEAR Push2TV (PTV3000) solution to get duplicate mode working.
Still testing.
Succeeded in getting duplicate 1280 x 800 mode working. yay!
Miracast working with Netgear PTV3000
Wireless display not appearing in charms menu&&
Charms Menu -& Devices -& Project& "add a wireless display" not availableDell Venue 8 Pro Duplicate mode not working with NETGEAR Push2TV (PTV3000) Wireless Display HDMI Adapter with MiracastHow to get it to work. Fix , Resolution
Installed all updates (havent updated to bios 05)
Dell Venue 8 Pro = drivers (Installed all dell latests drivers)& / BIOS (BIOS A03) /windows updates (all updates installed, except Windows Malicious Software removal)
Found that installing VirtualBox with "bridged network driver" interferes with /disables Miracast options and connections.
So Installing similar virtual network components like the "bridged network driver", VPN software,& somehow interfered with the WiFi Direct connection (Miracast - seamlessly displaying video between devices, without cables or a network connection.)."
Make certain that your display when using the Netgear Push2TV& indicates it's waiting for connection before attempting to enable connection from your tablet.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Charms Menu -& Devices -& Project& "add a wireless display" not available anymore Fix/Solution
When installing VirtualBox with "bridged network driver" it will disable/interfere with Miracast.
First, you can uninstall Virtual box.
Second, You can install Virtual box again, but this time dont install "bridged network driver"
Third, "NAT" Will still work and give internet access from a hosts connection.
After not installing Virtual box "bridged network driver" , Duplicate mode worked.
Only options available but not working are:
Charms Menu -& Devices -& Project-& Project to a connected screen
PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend,Second screen only
The PTV3000 device appears to be working correctly:
&&& 1) when I connect it to the TV it displays instructions on how to connect to various devices
&&& 2)& I am able to access the PTV3000 management utility over the network and make changes
&&& 3) it's visible as a device when I go to add devices (adding the device here causes the connected display to ask me to enter a number into windows, which I don't have a place to enter!)
&& "add a wireless display" missing in action
&&& when I select the Charms Menu -& Devices -& Project I see options to choose how things are displayed on a second monitor.& There is no option to "add a wireless display" or even disconnect from a second display.
vbox disables Windows 8.1 miracast menu
& Your guess is correct. If I disable those network drivers, then wireless display behaves as normal. so, it is the network drivers causing the issue.
&&& I noted windows 8.1 has a wifi direct virtual network adapter, perhaps, vbox shouldn't bridge that adapter?
Disable dell backup and recovery by disabling the "soft thinks agency" service
Disable Dell DataSafe Local Backup Premium upgrade messages?
How to get to Services
Open the Control Panel (icons view), click/tap on the Administrative Tools icon, double click/tap on Services shortcut
Open Windows Explorer and you can click on the "Manage" button in the ribbon toolbar.
If you have enabled My Computer icon on Desktop using Desktop Personalization window, you can right-click on the icon and select "Manage" option.
Once Computer Management window is opened, click on "Services and Applications -& Services" in left-side pane. It'll show the services configuration screen.
When you find the following& services using the method above. Double click the service and under "Startup type" set it to "Manual": SoftThinks Agent Service, Dell Digital Delivery Service, Dell Update Service.
You can always personally run the dell programs when needed without having them eating RAM all the time.
SoftThinks Agent Service dell backup and recovery prompt - has the basic features of restoring the pc back to factory state and creating a back-up CD.
Dell Digital Delivery allows you to purchase select software titles at the same time
Dell Update Service intended to assist users with identifying newer updated drivers
How to sign into Windows 8 or 8.1 without a Microsoft account - make a local user
Personal note:
My local account was created because at time of creating my log-in, I didn't set up& any Internet connection at the time.
And as the following person says, you can still install apps. I kinda prefer it like this, just in case some else is temporarily using the DV8 tablet
Just to be clear.. You can still install Apps if you are using a local account on your computer - you just have to log in to the store with a MSN account each time.
Alternative USB use and Charging at the same time and doing a Dell Venue 8 Pro Backup
Alternative way from Post 7 of doing a Dell Venue 8 Pro Backup using Windows Backup
Todd Stuard
You know you can get it done for around $10?
Tried it and it works great.
Also for the problem of recovering your system from the recovery USB.
Don't create the recovery USB drive using My Dell application.
Use Windows: Charms -& search -& create a recover drive -& follow instructions.
Very simple and you won't get the error that it needs AC power. It's a bug in the Dell software but works great without issue using the Windows created recovery drive. :-)
Alternative to the +port - USB use and Charging at the same time
+port Posted above Post 9
by &Todd O. Klindt&&on&3/8/ PM
Category:&
A couple of months ago, because of my addiction to gadgets and all things shiny, I bought a
(affectionately referred to as the “DV8”). It’s an 8” tablet running a full version of Windows 8.1. You can read . It’s been a fun little mini-tablet, fitting somewhere between my Nokia 920 phone and my Surface Pro 2 in functionality. One of its biggest frustrations has been that it’s not possible to charge the DV8 and connect USB devices like a thumb drive to it. The DV8 has a single USB port, and it’s a . This means a single USB port is used to charge the DV8 and hook up peripherals. To charge the DV8, simply plug in any old USB charger into the USB port. Violà, it’s charging! If you want to hook any kind of USB device to it, a thumb drive, a keyboard, , you need a . If you have a DV8, it’s worth it to order a handful of these. They’re cheap enough, and it’s good to have one around when you need one. Unfortunately you can’t connect both, s juice or peripherals. Normally when I’m told something isn’t possible, I shrug my shoulders and then go off and eat some cookies. This time, I rolled up my sleeves, headed out to the Internet, and found a solution.
Before we dig in, let me be clear, I didn’t figure this out. I saw a post on a forum somewhere and ordered the cables from there. It was probably on
or . Either way, I can’t find it now. If someone finds the post or thread, leave it in a comment below and I’ll link it up. Thanks to a comment left below, I believe the original place I saw this was on
The DV8 isn’t the only device with a USB OTG port. Many Android tablets and phones have one too. With the help of special splitter cables, they’re able to charge while devices are connected. Those cables alone won’t work with the DV8. There is a handshake that the DV8 does when a device is connected to the USB OTG port and the DV8 chooses to ignore devices if it sees the charger handshake. With a handful of cables and adapters we’re able to trick the DV8 into seeing the charger, then not seeing the charger. Kind of like the old “quarter behind the ear” trick I do with my kids. Here’s the pieces you’ll need:
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Deal Extreme is the only place I could find these three cables. Be warned, it took three weeks (yikes!) for me to get my cables. Together they cost less than $10, so go ahead and order them now. Sometime, right after three weeks or so I’m guessing, you’ll wish that you had.
Cable #1 has a switch to switch between Charge and Data. It’s the piece that makes this all work. When we connect this whole contraption to our DV8 it needs to be in the Charge position. The DV8 will see the Charge signal and start charging. The key is that it doesn’t continue to check for the Charge signal. After it starts charging we can flip the switch to the Data side and it will recognize any USB devices connected to #3. #2 sits between them and splits out the charging and data sides. Here are the steps:
Switch the Charge / Data switch on #1 to Charge
Plug the charger into the female micro USB connector on #2
Plug #3 into the male micro USB connector on #2 if it’s not already
Plug in the charger to the wall
Plug your USB device to #3 (it should power up)
Plug #1 into your DV8
Verify that the DV8 is charging, if it’s not, unplug #1 from the DV8 and plug it back in
Once the DV8 is charging, flip the switch on #1 to Data
Here is a picture of it all connected:
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If you look closely you’ll see my awesome SharePoint 2007 USB drive is attached to cable #2 and the whole shebang is connected to the DV8. Here’s a screenshot to prove it’s both charging and reading my SharePoint 2007 USB drive:
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You can hook any kind of USB device to #3, including a hub. If you use this contraption you’ll have to use a USB charger to power the USB devices. If you unplug the charger all the devices go away too. If that happens, switch #1 into Charge and plug it all back in again.
This has been one of my biggest frustrations with the Dell Venue 8 Pro. I’m glad some anonymous person on the Internet was able to find a solution. Thanks anonymous Internet person!
This is similar to what i was trying to do in the first post
Posted By Daniely Wright
Dell Venue 8 Pro Hard Reset
March 18th, 2014
Recently, I received a Dell tablet from an associate of mine. It turns out that they forgot the password to the user account on the device. After a LOT of searching, I couldn't find anything on how to either reset the password or factory reset the device.
Well, I decided to call Dell support and after giving them some personal information, these are the steps to reset your tablet:
If your device is not turned off already, hold the power button for 10s to power it down.
Once it's powered down, press the power button to turn it on.
When the Dell logo appears (you may have to do it as soon as the screen turns on instead of wait for the logo to appear), hold the power button again to turn it off.
Do this process 3-4 times (they said 4, but it was only 3 for me) until you see something at the bottom saying that it's starting automatic system repair.
From there, you should see a menu. Choose "Troubleshoot", and the next menu should ask if you want to reset your PC along with some other options.
Choose reset PC, and when you get to the two options that ask "just delete files" or "fully reset PC", choose the second option. From there you should be able to follow the instructions to setup your device.
I hope this helps someone, because I was unable to find any information on how to do it.
UD-3900 USB 3.0 Dual Display Universal Docking station with Charging
They have reached their goal ($24,043pledged of $24,000 goal )
KickStarter: Plugable Pro8 Docking Station with Charging for Dell Venue 8 Pro & Lenovo Miix 2 8
Good read! Uses windows tools.
Simple Guide: Factory Reset, Restore Recovery Partition, Full System Backups
Discussion in '' started by , .
How do I restore my device to factory defaults?
I already deleted my recovery partition to save space, how do I restore my recovery partition?
How do I save an image of my system so I can restore it later?
I have seen tons of threads on how to achieve these results, I have seen crazy wim extractions, winpe environments, a plethora of third party imaging tools, etc... the reality is that there are fairly simple ways to do these things with built in microsoft tools. I blame microsoft for the confusion around these procedures because despite the fact that Microsoft has really good tools, free to use, no speci documentation seems to be quite poor and explanations few and far between on how to actually use the Microsoft tools.
These guides assume Windows 8.1, and a Dell Venue 8 Pro, but is applicable to all windows 8.1 devices (such as Surface and Vivotab Note 8)
PLEASE DISABLE DISK ENCRYPTION BEFORE TRYING ANY REFRESH OR RESET PROCEDURES TO AVOID ANY TROUBLE.Necessary Tools:
1 8GB or larger USB thumb drive
1 OTG cableOther Tools you might need (not required for all procedures):
External Hard Drive (for system images)
USB HUB (Powered if possible)
microsd card
USB KeyboardProcedure A) How to Create a Recovery Drive
This procedure is mandatory for all the other procedures. This should be your first step with any new Windows PC. This step will
-Create a USB Thumb drive that is UEFI bootable with windows (x86) recovery tools
-Remove the recovery partition from your device, clearing up to 8GB of space (optional)
Step A1: Insert the OTG Cable and the 8GB or Higher Thumb Drive
Step A2: In the control panel, search for and enter the section called "Recovery"
Step A3: Click "Create a recovery drive"
Step A4: Now you can choose to Copy the recovery partition from the PC to the recovery drive (Keep this checked!) Click "Next".
Step A5: Now the Computer will search for a thumb drive to work with, make sure you select the appropriate drive letter at this step. Click "Next".
Step A6: Everything on the thumb drive will be wiped. Click "Create". The process will begin and may take up to 20 minutes to finish.
Step A7: The process finishes. At this point you can optionally click on "Delete the recovery partition". I recommend doing this at this time to clear up disk space. (This guide will show you how to get the recovery partition pack should you desire at a later date.)
Congratulations, you now have everything you need in that one thumb drive to completely restore your Windows 8.1 device to factory settings, including the recovery partition. Go ahead, install linux, delete all your partition, or get some crazy virus.... you are now safe to recover.Procedure
How to Restore Factory Defaults, Including restoring the Recovery Partition
In this procedure we will
-Boot from the recovery drive
-Remove all the partitions on the computer (so windows can recreate the recovery partition.)
-Reset the device
Note: This procedure will delete all your files, so be sure to create backups of anything you need before hand.
Step B1: Insert your OTG cable and your Recovery Drive you created in "Procedure A".
Step B2: Boot int use one of the methods below:Method 1: Entering the BIOS From Windows to change boot device: Swipe from the right, choose "settings", click "Change PC Settings", Click "Update and Recovery", click "recovery", Under Advanced Startup, click "restart now", wait a bit then you should have a button to click called "Troubleshoot", click "Advanced Options", then "UEFI Firmware Settings". Once here, change the BIOS boot settings to boot from the thumb drive.Method 2: Tell Windows to Boot directly from the device: Swipe from the right, choose "settings", click "Change PC Settings", Click "Update and Recovery", click "Recovery", Under Advanced Startup, click "restart now", wait a bit then you should have a button to click called "Use a device" Choose your recovery drive, and you will reboot directly into the recovery drive.Method 3 (may require usb hub): Use a keyboard on boot to enter the BIOS and change the boot device: Pres "del" on a USB keyboard connected to the device to enter the bios, once in the bios change the boot settings to boot from the thumb drive. (This is the option you would need to use if you have removed windows entirely.)
Step B3: Choose your Language, Choose your keyboard layout.
Step B4: choose "Troubleshoot", then click "Advanced Options", then choose "Command Prompt" (If you get an error here, you need to disable disk encryption first)
Step B5: In the command prompt. Type "diskpart" and wait for the tool to load.
Step B6: Type "list disk" make note of the disk that you would like to wipe. (it is usually disk 0)
Step B7: Type "select disk 0" (or use another number if yours is not 0)
Step B8: Type "clean" (Keep in mind this command will destroy all the partitions on the selected disk.)
Step B9: Close the Command Prompt and go back to "Troubleshoot", Now choose "Reset your PC"
Step B10: We've now deleted the existing partitions on the device in steps B4-B8, so now when we go to reset the PC, Windows will ask you if it can recreate the partitions, say yes, and then the entire computer will be reset correctly, including the recovery partition!
Follow the rest of the normal windows installation procedures here, and you will have a completely factory reset device including recovery partition.Procedure C) How to Backup a current image of your system, including all partitions.
In this procedure we will
- Use built in windows 8.1 Tools to backup an image of the system in its current state.
Step C1: Connect an External Hard drive, or a large microsd card with sufficient space to store the backup. (Removable thumb drives don't seem to work with this utility, this is where you may need the OTG cable and an USB Hub) (Your device must be formatted using NTFS.)
Step C2: Go to the Windows Control Panel. Search for and select "File History" Wait for this panel to load.
Step C3: Once Loaded, Look for and Select the "System Image Backup" Link on Bottom Left.
Step C4: Choose "On a Hard Disk" and select the device where you want to save your backup to.
Step C5: Select "Next" and wait for the process to finish.
Thats it! You've got a full backup of your system and all the partitions on the device! Keep or move this backup to a safe place for usage later.Procedure D) How to Restore an image of your system, including all partitions.
Ok, so in Procedure C, we created a system image, in this step we will
-Boot from the recovery drive created in Procedure A.
-Restore a system image created in Procedure C.
Step D1: Using your OTG cable and USB hub if necessary, plug in your Recovery Drive, and also the drive containing the system image you created in "Procedure A".
Step D2: Boot int use one of the methods below:Method 1: Entering the BIOS From Windows to change boot device: Swipe from the right, choose "settings", click "Change PC Settings", Click "Update and Recovery", click "recovery", Under Advanced Startup, click "restart now", wait a bit then you should have a button to click called "Troubleshoot", click "Advanced Options", then "UEFI Firmware Settings". Once here, change the BIOS boot settings to boot from the thumb drive.Method 2: Tell Windows to Boot directly from the device: Swipe from the right, choose "settings", click "Change PC Settings", Click "Update and Recovery", click "Recovery", Under Advanced Startup, click "restart now", wait a bit then you should have a button to click called "Use a device" Choose your recovery drive, and you will reboot directly into the recovery drive.Method 3 (may require usb hub): Use a keyboard on boot to enter the BIOS and change the boot device: Pres "del" on a USB keyboard connected to the device to enter the bios, once in the bios change the boot settings to boot from the thumb drive. (This is the option you would need to use if you have removed windows entirely.)
Step D3: Choose your Language, Choose your keyboard layout.
Step D4: choose "Troubleshoot", then click "Advanced Options", then choose "System Image Recovery" (If you get an error here, you need to disable disk encryption first)
Step D5: Navigate through the system image recovery menu options, and choose "select an image" then select the image you created.
Let the image restore and you will be back to square 1 with the system in the same state as you created your image. (If you created your system image before removing the recovery partition... this is also another method for restoring it.)Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the method for restoring your recovery partition, factory fresh re-installs, and simple, easy, free backups and restores using default windows 8.1 tools.
Last edited: Sep 26, 2014
cbutters, Sep 26, 2014
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extra info from user by& Jet_Stream
This is very good guide mate!, I would like to add some more info, if you don't mind?, You can also use a USB card reader with a sdcard inserted to it when creating or transferring the recovery partition on your drive, I've tried it on my 64gb class10 sdcard and then I turned it into an ISO image file using the freeware app Folder2ISO for easy USB booting with the help of another tool called Rufus.
Alternatively, You could use the other tool called USBImagetool to mirror your flash/SD(just in case the Folder2ISO don't work for ya) but the downside for me in using this is it mirrors the exact damn disk size alright...I sure don't want to keep a 64gb Recovery on my drive...
sweatshopking
I've got a problem, and hoping you guys can help me sort it out. I installed windows 10 on my dell venue 8 pro, and it's been working beautifully. Today, however, I got a Miracast adapter, and dell informed me I needed new drivers. I downloaded the new drivers, and now windows 10 won't post. It also, won't let me restore. It says "you need media" and doesn't seem to figure out that I've got the recovery partition still taking up space (likely because it's windows 8.1) any ideas? Right now, it's not usable at all. Just boots to a blue screen informs me it's fubar'd then turns off.
You can try burning/putting Windows 10 on a USB Stick using the Rufus tool so you can reinstall Windows 10.
Then when reinstalling, try doing a repair or try installing but keep personal files.
and now windows 10 won't post. It also, won't let me restore. It says "you need media" and doesn't seem to figure out that I've got the recovery partition still taking up space (likely because it's windows 8.1) any ideas? Right now, it's not usable at all. Just boots to a blue screen informs me it's fubar'd then turns off.
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