Windows 7, another step backwards

I'm somewhat in agreement with the original poster. I've spent 10 years as a computer programmer / analyst yet I've spent the better part of the last 2 weeks trying to figure out (relearn) how to accomplish set-up tasks I had done in previous operating systems -- like where you have to go to re-organize the start menu (Still at least one setting location I can't find.) or how to create a desktop shortcut for Windows Explorer that opens to a specific location on the C drive. I found the taskbar thumbnails very distracting. Searching the Internet for ways to disable the feature were very time-consuming. Many explanations offered earlier in the year no longer worked.

right click on the folder and select create shortcut. make sure that you have the folder visible in the main window, you can't do it from the tree.

organise start menu > do you mean the order of the right hand side? not too sure on that, searching is easier in my books. maybe try the tutorials section.

have a look in the tutorials section of this site for the thumbnails thing, there might be something there. No idea why their distracting though, but to each his own.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Windows 7. It is just that there exists a certain breed of people who are resistant, indeed fearful, of change.
To the original poster: you sir or madam are more than welcome to remain a Windows XP user ad infinitum—all the power to you.
Your grumblings will not prevent Windows 7 from eventually gaining the PC market.

tctom said:

I'm somewhat in agreement with the original poster. I've spent 10 years as a computer programmer / analyst yet I've spent the better part of the last 2 weeks trying to figure out (relearn) how to accomplish set-up tasks I had done in previous operating systems -- like where you have to go to re-organize the start menu (Still at least one setting location I can't find.) or how to create a desktop shortcut for Windows Explorer that opens to a specific location on the C drive. I found the taskbar thumbnails very distracting. Searching the Internet for ways to disable the feature were very time-consuming. Many explanations offered earlier in the year no longer worked.

The start menu draws from 2 places. You need to have show hidden folders checked of course.

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

and

C:\users\{your username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

The "C:\users\{your username}\" can be shortened to "C:\%userprofile%\" if you're logged in to the account you want to change.

Hope that helps.

antt
Thanks, that's what I was looking for with Windows Explorer.
In regards to the Start Menu, one of my first adjustments was to try to get rid of some of the shortcuts in the All Programs portion of the start menu - ie. stuff that came preloaded that I don't figure I'll ever use. Most of the items in the menu can be manipulated by deleting or renaming the shortcuts in ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. A couple of the existing shortcuts I'd like to move are for the Command prompt and the Run command. Right now I'm using them frequently enough I'd prefer not to have to go into the Accessories sub menu every time I want one of them. However, while the appear in the start menu, they DO NOT appear as shortcuts in Start Menu\Programs\Accessories like I'd expect.

landozelig
Thanks for locating those other 2 -- Command and Run. I find it strange that they are in the Users section rather than the common ProgramData section.

BeechV35Pilot said:

Attached Thumbnails

How much of a performance hit do you get running all of those startups?

I never allow more than gadgets, notepad and my AV.

I keep a fly swatter handy to use on the Adobes and Javas, sneaky bastads.

smarteyeball said:

Sylver Cheetah 53 said:

Win7 is just like Vista, but with more drivers.

Wasn't one of the biggest 'problems' people had with Vista, was the lack of drivers?

It is rumoured MS spent close to a billion dollars on Windows Hardware Quality Labs which works in partnership with all of the manufacturers to build drivers for Win7.

That's why they have the drivers now before the NVIDIA's and Intel's.

Johnston7 said:

kanehi, I don't see you offering help.

On start up the explorer window appears every time. Despite not being in start up folder.

Any ideas as you seem to be an expert.?

I meant no malicious rhetoric about the 'Window 7 for dummies' and wasn't directed to you. Don't get me wrong but those books are helpful. You're saying that Windows Explorer automatically starts up after it boots? And this is after a clean install? If you type 'msconfig' does Windows Explorer show up in 'Services' and/or 'Start' section? You can disable it from there if it's showing up. It's strange that Win Explorer automatically starts on boot. Never had that happened on me. WinXP will be supported until 2014 but by then Win8 should be out. Last resort is Google your problem to see if there are ways of rectifying the fluke you've been confronted with. :) BTW I'm no expert.