Windows 7 awkward feel, missing WinXP, need advice

Hi,

This is my first post on this forum and I really need your help.

I needed a x64 OS, and up to date multi-processor/hardware optimizations and Win7 seemed to be the only viable choice, since WinXP x64 died long time ago.
So, I've installed the x64 Professional version.

The problem is that I can't get used to it, it feels so much different than XP.
I feel very awkward every time I need to do something that involves the Win7's menus.
I miss the quicklaunch bar, the standard taskbar, the classic start menu, the show desktop button that I had in quicklaunch, My Documents folder, Windows Explorer menus and layouts, the standard icons(for example the ones for folders/JPEG files/etc), the fact that there is no View as Thumbnails option when I set never display as thumbnails, Documents and Settings folder, the text sharpness that XP had(with Standard setting for edges smoothing), and many many other things that I don't remember right now.


What can I do?

Welcome, all those things you mention can be sorted :)

The old quick launch bar can be enabled, there's a tutorial in this forum.
You can set the task bar in properties to never combine items and also use small icons so you get that old style that your used to back and there is also a utility you can download for the classic start menu too. You can also enable the old show desktop icon in the taskbar. I'll try and dig the links out for you now :)

I am sure you will get used to windows7...it's very strange at first if your only used to XP but i personally love W7 now and could never go back. I am sure you will feel the same in time. And dont forget this forum is filled with loads of helpful people

Quick Launch - Enable or Disable[2]=Taskbar%20Start%20Menu

Hi Nick

Best to start here - Getting started Online.
Once you are comfortable with that, all that you need to know is here
Windows 7 Tutorials (credits to Windows-Seven Forum)

That's all you will need to be up and running on 7

Hope this helps and regards

Windows 7 Classic Start Menu

There is a "show desktop" button. Mine is located on the taskbar, furthest tab to the right. Just drag mouse, you will find it.

Once you get used to it I think you will enjoy it. Many of the things you are looking for are there, just gotta find 'em first, and the links posted above are pretty useful for gaining info.

I may try the classic start menu just for shi*s and giggles.

Thanks burtie.

There should be a little unmarked square in the lower right hand corner of your screen next to the clock. If you hover your cursor over it it should show you your desktop. If you click it all windows will be minimized. Click it again and they go back the way they were.