Windows 7 - want to change to old start menu like in windows xp

Ivo · 09-22-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Layback Bear

If someone buys a new operating system, in this case Windows 7. Why would they want it to work and look like there old system. Two choices that I can think of are 1. Put the old system back on your computer. 2. Take a little time to learn the new system and enjoy it. I choose number 2 and with the help I got here on this site it took a little time but went smoothly.
*** My new car doesn't look or work like my old car, well I hope not. You will get use to the new things and enjoy it.***

In any thread about "is there a way to make Windows 7 do something the old way because I liked it better", there is inevitably somebody saying "if you like the old OS that much don't switch to Windows 7". I'm sorry, but that's idiotic. I can respond with an equally idiotic reply - "If you like Windows 7 the way it is, what are you doing in a customization forum in the first place?" It's like going to a heavy metal concert and shouting - "Heavy metal is rubbish!"
And what would you say if in your new car you have to steer with your feet, accelerate by tilting your head forward, and the gears are in alphabetical order?

But now seriously - any new OS, or any new software, or any new product for that matter has pros and cons. Some are objective and some are subjective. Few random examples:

Windows 7 is faster than Vista - pro, objective
Windows 7 supports newer hardware than XP - pro, objective
The Windows 7 Aero theme looks better than XP Luna - pro, subjective
The old start menu has better usability than the new one - con, subjective
The details pane shows more details than the old status bar - pro, objective
The details pane doesn't show details for more than 15 files - con, objective
The new Explorer is buggier than the old one - con, objective
.....

You weigh in both pros and cons and then you decide if you want to upgrade or not. Or you look for solutions for the things you don't like - for example by asking in a forum like this one.

mikedl · 09-22-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by mr pc

oh haha - I meant that link, it's been a while since I've bothered checking up on Classic Shell updates.

I noticed my Classic Start Menu is a bit out of date, maybe my classic shell is as well. By the looks of the beta release notes thought there were some bugs in newer versions and the version I have (1.03) has been exceptionally stable

What release are you using, is it seemless and on which Windows 7?

Here's all the releases to pick and choose from including 1.03

Browse Classic Shell Files on SourceForge.net

Im running the 2.8.3 version and it's rock solid. No errors, no bug so far that I have encountered and the "Shift-click" to see the default Start Menu works flawlessly.

What I really like, though, is the Classic Shell Explorer capabilities along with the Classic Start Menu capabilities.

Did I mention it's free?

want to change to old start menu like in windows xp-screenshot_1.jpg

Layback Bear · 09-24-2010

Well Ivo I'm sorry you though my opinion was idiotic.

SSyar · 11-16-2011

Quote: Originally Posted by mr pc

You could try this - not sure if someone suggested it already

Windows 7 Classic Start Menu

Thanxxx a lot

pats2old · 01-01-2012

Download Classic shell.exe from windows forum.

Evil Nemesis · 01-02-2012

I agree with garysgold

Windows 7 - want to change to old start menu like in windows xp

want to change to old start menu like in windows xp problems?