Windows 8

There must be something that's making another application start up. Whether it's a system call or a current application causing it, try checking task manager before and after you see it minimize.

 

Are tweaks needed in Windows 8?

I've been using Traktor / S4 and Windows 7, and after tweaking the system as described on this forum it's working well. But I have a new Lenovo E430 Core i5-3210M / 4GB / 500GB HD that I want to move my Traktor installation to because my current laptop is too heavy to carry around. I also want to take advantage of the promotion and upgrade to Windows 8 while it's cheap.

What I'm wondering is:
1) Is it still necessary to do all of those tweaks in Windows 8?
2) Which is better for Traktor, Windows 7 or 8?

Judging from the posts I've read here, I think the answer to #1 is 'yes'.
If that's the case, the I'll want to partition and make a dedicated Windows install for Traktor since I also want to use the machine for light office/internet work (I have a "box" copy of Win 7 and the OEM pre-install). I needed to do that on my current Dell Core i7 system to get perfectly smooth performance because turning everything off makes the machine not useable for regular work/entertainment, and switching back and forth (Game Booster, etc.,) caused driver crashes.

Ideally I'd buy a dedicated machine for Traktor, but don't have the funds to do that now - so if it's necessary to tweak Win 8 too, then dual booting will again be the solution. I'd like to get this right the first time b/c reinstalling is a pain. If anyone has any other/better ideas, please let me know.

 

Yes, you need to do all the optimization. Windows 8 is not a completely new operating system. It's an update to Windows 7 that includes the modern interface (and fixes to Windows 7). The modern interface is the issue. Since NI is not yet supported on Windows 8, follow the steps mentioned in this thread in addition to the knowledge article for Windows 7 optimization and you should be fine.

I have a dedicated laptop for Traktor so removing all the unnecessary applications and disabling unused hardware are permanent. In your case, having a dual boot system would be good.

 

Hi new here...

Im thinking of buying a new lap top with windows 8, basicly because there aint no windows 7 ones kicking around...

I run traktor scratch pro from my desktop, but with getting the chance to play out i need a lap top,, so before i go spend 700 quid, i need a simple yes do it or no dont,, the laptop is a sony vaio. Has 8gb ram and i5 processer, its just the windows 8 bit im not sure about, After reading this forum it seems pretty mixed,,, pls help

 

Well for me I never had problems when I had win8 running + TSP2 so my vote is for "Yes" get one. I have been using HP laptops and they never gave me grief. Can't really see any problems with getting a Sony apart from the USB 3.0 that might cause problems. But I also used a USB hub with my previous setup and all went well.

 

Thanks for that, so did you have any issues with tyhe time coded vinyl cds or with running in general

 

Yes I did when I use the MK1 vinyls the pitch was slow and sometimes it would go in reverse but I just use the MK2 vinyls now and it's working well for me.

 

Aye its mark 2 vinyls im using,,,, thanks for info bud

 

You're welcome

 

I've still been working out issues with my Sony Vaio. I've completely uninstalled all the Vaio software and preloaded applications (Microsoft Office, Cyberlink PowerDVD, etc.). I still can't find the root cause of the system going into a "shocked" state that causes Traktor to sometimes crash. The only things remaining to uninstall are the drivers for the SD and Sony card reader, Intellipoint mouse drivers, and Intel management. Since this is a dedicated laptop, I will uninstall them if needed. I have a dvd backup of the system so I can do a manufacturer restore as well as the original hard drive. I replaced it with a solid state drive, so I'm in a very good situation to revert back to my original setup.
Otherwise, I'm still deciding my satisfaction with the laptop. The backlit keyboard and 17 inch, 1080p screen were the main reasons I bought it. I use an external mouse because the touchpad is garbage.

I recommend evaluating the Sony at a store if you can.

 

@Xman714

Thanks for the input. I will create a partition and dedicated Windows install for Traktor. There's still the question of whether to upgrade that copy of Windows 7 to 8. I think I might ago ahead and upgrade to 8 since I'll probably have to do so eventually and don't want to have to reinstall yet again.

BTW, I don't know if this helps you, but I had a Sony Vaio F a couple of years ago (stolen unfortunately) and there was a service called Sony Media Manager (or something like that) which ate the processor up unless I disabled it in computer management. It was not a startup item. You've probably already checked, but if not you might want to take another look at services.

 

Thanks for the info xman. Been finding what your saying of great interest, im not really a tech wiz at these things, i know a few bits ands bobs, it would be a dedicated laptop to traktor as well, really cheesed of im kinda forced into a corner with this, as no many window 7 comps about,,no gonna buy a comp of e bay..

Think it sounds like im just gonna have to suck it and see, dont seem to be anyones having problems installing just some running issuses,,, the one thats bothering me most is the timecode problems you mentioned,,,,,

 

I've actually uninstalled all the Sony utilities as well as all unnecessary applications. All hardware is disabled (camera, bluetooth, wireless). I just didn't disable the memory card readers and the Intel management software which is what is likely starting up. My background processes are only a handful and I could be in the middle of mixing (anywhere from a few minutes to an hour) and the computer will suddenly look like it just got shocked. All Sony services were disabled but they kept getting restarted. I didn't find any info online and didn't feel like contacting support. Since it's on a solid state drive I purchased separately, I was prepared to remove any software.

I'm fortunate to have a lot of options as this is a second laptop dedicated to Traktor. My previous laptop was a Gateway core i3-370M that had very few issues. Its only big issue was that Traktor would "pause" when loading a song, but it never impacted playback or recording.

I would only recommend upgrading to Windows 8 if you want to get used to the new operating system. Eventually it will become a standard, just not for quite some time.

I've been working in IT for over 15 years so I'm knowledgeable enough to identify, troubleshoot and resolve issues on my own.

I've tried to post as often as I can to this Windows 8 thread and other Windows optimization threads, so if you need any more help please feel free to PM or continue posting.

Oh, and just as a baseline, I've spent many hours getting my system optimized and it can be frustrating at times. Just stick with it and you can get your system working the way you want.
Follow these threads, create backups before you attempt something new, and good luck!

 

Hey xman, thanks again for the info, well went down to the shop had a look at the vaio and a wee play about with it, windows 8. Yuck

Anyway decided against it, with my limited know how on comps and with your info, plus looking on NI web site and they saying run on windows 7, everything in my gut was just saying leave it,,

I found a windows 7. Samsumg rf511 on the web,,, 8gb of ram, intel i5
2.5gh, which can go to 3.1gh with some sort of clocking. ( over my head that bit)

Whch means it has 2 more gb ram than the desktop im no sure what processer the desktop has but wont be surprised if its less than that,,,, so just bought it,,, should run traktor no prob, and i can tweek and get shot of as much gunk as i like that on it as it will just be for traktor,,,

Just need to wait on the postie now,,, thanks for your info xman it was invaluable,,,,

 

I would also look into doing a clean install of Win7 on your laptop when it arrives. You can go here http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/ and download the Win7 version you have on your laptop.
And you just use the serial number that came with your laptop which should be a sticker underneath your laptop. I always do a clean install with any laptop to get rid of any bloatware that came with it.

 

Nice 1 didnt realise you could do that. I norm just go through all the programs and uninstall all the garbage that way
---
A cool didnt reallse you could do that,, aways just go through all the programs 1 by 1 and get rid of the bumf,,,,,, So whats the clocking bit about. How do you get processor to go from 2.5 to 3. Watever,,, and s it advised or does it work it too hard?

 

It's the best way to have a nice clean Win7. With uninstalling apps you still get the remnants of the apps in your registry. That's why I always do a clean install of Windows.

 

Cool. Will look into it

 

Also I would like to suggest to buy a second HDD for your laptop. Take the original HDD out and put the new in the laptop and do a clean install that way.
I would suggest this so if you ever want to go back to the original state of your laptop when you bought it, it would make it more simple to do.
But if you're not worried about going back to the original state of your laptop then there's no need to buy a second HDD.

 

Ach na im no that fussed for that, i got computers coming out my ears now so its all good,, 750 gb shouldnt get filled up with tunes any time soon