Tech: Windows 8.1 - do I need a Microsoft Account

Subject: Tech: Windows 8.1-do I need a Microsoft Accoun
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Jul 14 - 04:05 PM

When I've set up Windows 8 and 8.1 on computers, I've been asked for a Microsoft account, which is apparently based on Microsoft e-mail (msn, hotmail, live.com, outlook.com). I have a Microsoft account of my own because I've had MSN forever; and I set up a Microsoft account for the office, although the e-mail is rarely used.
But can I install Windows from my boss and use her AOL or Comcast e-mail address, or am I forced to set up a Microsoft e-mail?
Advice?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 - do I need a Microsoft Account
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 16 Jul 14 - 04:56 PM

You don't have to use the Microsoft account. You can set it up like a "regular" computer without the cloud component that Microsoft *hopes* you will buy into. I think I figured it out for myself as I installed the software, but if you Google it you'll find lots of suggestions how to skip that step.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 - do I need a Microsoft Account
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jul 14 - 03:22 AM

Well, I set up my boss the nun's computer today, but I kept running across roadblocks that wanted a Microsoft account. I finally used my Microsoft account, and then set her up as a local user with administrator access.
But when I installed Microsoft Office, they wanted a Microsoft account again, so I ended up using mine after alternatives didn't work.
And then I wanted to put solitaire and mah jong on her user profile, and I couldn't figure out how to do that without a Microsoft account. My boss the nun is a serious solitaire player (as would befit a nun, I suppose...).
So, I'm stuck. I may have to set up a Microsoft account for her. She can't make it through life without solitaire.

I tried using the instructions in the link below, but one critical link wouldn't work for me, so I couldn't bypass the account requirement.
http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-microsoft-account
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 - do I need a Microsoft Account
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 14 - 11:29 AM

Speak of the devil: After using my laptop for a year and the Windows 8.1 OS with Microsoft Office 2013 installed and running, when I tried to use Word yesterday it popped up a screen saying it needed authentication. I could see files I'd created in it, but it wouldn't open them. I tried various things, entering my product key, etc, and nothing worked.

I spent 2+ hours on the phone with a tech in India who had to use remote desktop to look at my applications then uninstall and reinstall my software. In the process she said she had to set up that Microsoft account. I didn't want to have to log onto my computer with the Microsoft account, but that's how she left it. As soon as she finished I killed that account and went back to my original administrator account with my old password and had to fix my wifi that she'd apparently disabled and now I can use Word (I had to logon with the MS password to use it, but it should stay logged on). Another odd thing - it's a high-end Sony VAIO solid state 64-bit but she had to install a 32-bit version of the software. I'll keep an eye on how it plays with others. I kept the case number for if I have to have them fix something else that was disenfranchised by that intervention.

She couldn't get Outlook to work, and after watching her try many things I told her not to bother because I never use Outlook and I don't use that account for email. I'll set Thunderbird as my default email in there in case it was bumped in the process.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Windows 8.1 - do I need a Microsoft Account
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jul 14 - 12:20 PM

I have #3 from this solitaire collection:

http://alx-soft.com/index.html

Does she play many types of games? Some do only Freecell or such... I have an excellent version of FreeCell.