Change Windows 7 to Look and Function like Windows XP
Information
While many of Windows 7's features are considering to be amazing and not to be missed, many people, including myself don't enjoy the new styles and wish to return to the styles of earlier times. Now, most Windows 7 users are going to urge you time and time again to stick with the Windows 7 style and attempt to convert with the masses. If you'd like to do that it's your prerogative, however, you shouldn't stick with Windows 7 just because everyone else is. If you want a different style, then get one!
To Convert to a Plain Classic Windows Style
(Available in every Version of Windows since 95)
Example:
Note:
Not only will this change your theme and styles back to Windows XP, but it will also:
Decrease the requirements on your GPU (Aero disabled)
Reinstate the traditional Quick Launch toolbar
Reinstate the traditional Start Menu
Now, on with the conversion process:
- Turning off Aero and all visual effects:
- Start > Right Click Computer > Advanced System Settings > Settings > Performance (Settings Button) > Adjust for best performance
- Not only will that turn off Aero, but it should also turn off the new taskbar.
- Changing the theme to Windows Classic:
- Start > Control Panel > Appearance & Personalization > Personalization > Windows Classic in "Basic & High Contrast Themes"
- Fixing the taskbar items:
- Right Click Taskbar > Properties > Change the drop down to never combine.
- Replacing the quick launch toolbar:
- Right Click Taskbar > Toolbars > New Toolbar > Enter this in Folder Name:
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch - Now you can drag and drop things into your quick launch like you could in XP.
- Changing the start menu back to XP style:
- Download CSMenu & StartKiller
- Install & Index CSMenu then Log Off & Back On
- Start Menu > Right Click on “Show CSMenu” shortcut > “Pin to Taskbar”.
- You should now see two start menu buttons (CSMenu is a bit smaller).
- If you wish to keep both buttons, skip to the next Windows XP conversion. Otherwise:
- Run the StartKiller.exe file, will auto-start after install.
- Now only CSMenu is there.
- To be certain StartKiller runs every time you run Windows: Right Click > Properties > Load on system start-up
- Showing Icons on the desktop
- To show icons on the desktop, simply right click on the item you wish to show and click show on desktop. If that option isn't there, you can also use the send to > create shortcut on desktop option.
- Replacing the file menu & full location in Explorer:
- Organize > Layout > Menu Bar
- Organize > Folder & Search Options > View Tab > Display the full path in the title bar (Classic Only)
- Save Settings: Organize > Folder & Search Options > View Tab > Apply to Folders
To Convert to Windows XP's Style
Example:
Download and Install this
Theme using the related tutorials below.
Tip
If you have anymore tips, please pm them to me and I will add them to the list
Convert to Windows XP Style 
