Want An ISO Copy of Windows 10 For Free?

Microsoft offers a fresh install of Windows 10 via Microsoft.com. The best part is that you can burn
an ISO file to a DVD or USB, to install at your leisure. You must have a Windows 7 or 8.1 operating system in order to complete installation. You will be asked to provide the serial number of your current (7 or 8.1) OS.

Previously, I used the Get Windows 10 app to upgrade from 8.1 to 10. I was not happy the performance and downgraded. Recently, I decided to upgrade again, because I knew a clean install would provide more stability. In addition Microsoft no longer provides support for Windows 8. So, I presume that Windows 8.1 will be obsolete in the near future. In order to download a copy to multiple PCs you will need to download the Windows Media Creation Tool. If you select the USB option, it has to have 3 GB of available storage.

CAUTION! A clean install does not migrate apps or settings. So make sure you have a copy of your favorite app available for reinstallation, otherwise you may just want to select the upgrade option. One great thing that occurred when I completed the install, was that applications that were unstable using Windows 8.1 worked without incident using Windows 10. Hurry and get your copy. The website does say that the offer is only available for a limited time.

My Tablet Battery Died After 1 year. So I Learned How to Solder.

After about 1 year my tablet began to freeze and randomly shutdown. As recommended by the manufacturer, I factory reset the tablet. In addition I drained the battery and charged it to capacity. Even at a charge of 100 percent the tablet would still shutdown. Ultimately, I determined that the battery was faulty.

It was definitely a challenge finding a replacement battery that matched

new battery (left) original (right)

the size (LWH) of my tablet battery. I contacted the manufacturer, who explained that they do not ship replacement parts. I searched Ebay and finally found a battery that would possibly fit. I wasn't sure because there were not many with measurement descriptions listed. In the end, I looked for a similar tablet and determined my selection, based on the LWH of the actual tablet. Thankfully, that worked.

soldering kit

Next, I purchased a soldering kit for about 18 dollars.  It included a  soldering aide, soldering iron and solder. The soldering iron did come with a warning label that stated it releases harmful chemicals that cause cancer. So I also purchased a mask and ventilated the room. I watched a YouTube video called "How to Do It:Basic Soldering", because the kit did not include enough how-to information. The video was very helpful and I would recommend anyone who has never replaced a soldered battery to watch it.

First I removed the solder from the tablet, because excess can short the circuit. Then, I placed a piece of tape on the wires of the new battery, in order to keep them in place while I applied the solder. I did not want to put the tip on the wire because I did not want it to melt, but it retained heat very well. Next I applied the solder.

 

In all I spent about 28 dollars for replacement parts. It was definitely worth it versus purchasing an entirely new tablet. Replacing the battery resolved the problem, because it no longer randomly shuts down. The whole process took about 25 minutes.