Windows 7 awkward feel, missing WinXP, need advice

[Nick2]

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?

 

[burtie]

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

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

There are several things you can do that I will let others list (to tired to search for them), although I personally suggest you take the time to just get use to it. It can be awkward at first but eventually it becomes normal.

 

[burtie]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/888-quick-launch-enable-disable.html?filter[2]=Taskbar%20Start%20Menu

 

[Lomai]

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

 

[burtie]

Windows 7 Classic Start Menu

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Nick2, welcome to Seven Forums!




As people have said, have a look through the tutorials section and do your best to get used to Windows 7 the way it is, you'll be much better off in the long run, take your time and just have some fun learning to use it.

 

[devildog93]

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.

 

[alphanumeric]

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.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Have a look at this tutorial at the link below.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/26379-show-desktop-icon-taskbar.html?ltr=S

 

[stormy13]

There should be a little unmarked square in the lower right hand corner of your screen next to the clock.

Just like this,



It is actually does two things; one is show desktop by clicking on it, and the other "peek at desktop" just by mousing over it (only works when Aero is enabled).

 

[kenC]

I know exactly how you feel. I came to Win7 from XP just before Christmas and found it awkward to use. but now after following the many helpful tips and tutorials here on this site I have 7 working and looking pretty much like XP did.

The first thing I changed was the start menu, couldn't do with that scroll box for Programs. I now use Vista Start Menu which opens out like XP's

Libraries was the next to go as I couldn't find any use for them, although many here really like them. I use my User folder which contains everything I need. It's much like My Documents in XP except it includes My Docs!

Nearly all the things you mention can be changed to how you prefer, just ask and someone will point you in the right direction.

 

[devildog93]

There should be a little unmarked square in the lower right hand corner of your screen next to the clock.

Just like this,

View attachment 66575

It is actually does two things; one is show desktop by clicking on it, and the other "peek at desktop" just by mousing over it (only works when Aero is enabled).

Good point about the Aero enabled and "peek" feature.

I love the peek feature, as well as the quick windows...the feature that allows quick windows resizing and maximizing. It really speeds up my multi-tasking capabilities. These alone would prevent me from going back in OS's.

 

[Layback Bear]

There is a lot tutorials on M/S web site.

 

[CarlTR6]

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?

Nick, there is definitely a learning curve coming from XP to Windows 7. I made that change in December. I ran into things I could not find or do in Win 7 as I had done in XP. A friend on another forum (not a computer forum) referred me here. Doing searches and reading the tutorials I found most of my answers without having to post a question.

Don't let the learning curve throw you; just be determined to master Win 7 as you mastered XP. Once you get the feel of Win 7, you will really like it and you won't want to go back. Feel free to post any questions. There are so many helpful and knowledgeable folks here.

And welcome to the forum and to the world of Win 7.

 

[CommonTater]

The problem is that I can't get used to it, it feels so much different than XP.

What can I do?

Well, no offense intended, but this sounds like a mild case of "Buyer's Remorse"...

There are a few things you can do right off the bat to make the adjustment easier...

Click the Start Orb and from the start menu drag your user name out of the start menu onto the desktop. Instant "My Documents" folder.

In Windows Explorer, no matter which folder is open, on the left grab the "Network" link and drag it out onto the desktop ... Instant "My Network Places" folder...

Also in that navigation pane grab "Computer" and drag it out to the desktop... And there's your "My Computer" icon...


On the library icon on the taskbar, right click and unpin it. "Libraries" are probably one of the outright dumbest ideas Microsoft has ever come up with. (Heaven forbid people should actually learn to organize their files)

The others are giving you all kinds of tips for the taskbar and various settings...

But mostly give it a few days, stop fighting it... I too came directly from XP to 7 and it took me a week or so before I stopped hating it. Now I'm quite aloof about it... It's a tool, nothing more, and one does not reasonably love or hate one's tool...

 

[not so gray matter]

Reverting to a Windows XP like experience:

Here's a freshly written tutorial: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/77626-convert-windows-xp-style.html#post678927

   Tip

I think we know that the 7 conversion process can be difficult and takes time. However, please let those who wish to stick with the old style do so.

This reminds me of the old adage about the popular kids and their "circle". There's a certain amount and type of people in the World who fit into a perfect little circle. If anyone doesn't fit into the circle they're broken. If they're broken, then they should be beaten, rearranged and reconfigured so that they can be brought into the circle.

If we weren't unique, we'd be boring and stagnant. There would be no revolution due to the outrageous one man's opinion that came along 50 years ahead of its time. Please let the unique survive, don't attempt to convert them.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm not attacking anyone.

 

[pparks1]

Most of the responses that I read didn't seem like rude responses like "get used to it, XP is dead". The responses were people either trying to offer advice on how to install some things to make it seem like it used to be, or people who offered examples that they weren't exactly gung-ho at first when they got on Windows 7...but they adjusted and got used to things the way they are. There is absolutely nothing wrong with posting these types of responses..it helps to show that you are not alone and that maybe in due time things will work out well for you.

I've tested pretty heavily at work with a Windows 7 box and a power meter (kill-a-watt), stop watch, etc...and there is only a miniscule effect in my opinion with disabling all of the aero functionality and turning off all of the eye-candy...unless you are running on a completely terrible graphics card. My test box at work has an Nvidia 8600GT with 256MB of RAM and I purchased it for around $40...so certainly not a powerhouse by any means.

To the OP...there have been numerous tips in this thread for getting things back closer to the way that they used to be. Most of them are pretty simple and don't take much effort. I think once you get the visual changes back that you want, you should be off and running.

 

[CarlTR6]

Most of the responses that I read didn't seem like rude responses like "get used to it, XP is dead". The responses were people either trying to offer advice on how to install some things to make it seem like it used to be, or people who offered examples that they weren't exactly gung-ho at first when they got on Windows 7...but they adjusted and got used to things the way they are. There is absolutely nothing wrong with posting these types of responses..it helps to show that you are not alone and that maybe in due time things will work out well for you.

I've tested pretty heavily at work with a Windows 7 box and a power meter (kill-a-watt), stop watch, etc...and there is only a miniscule effect in my opinion with disabling all of the aero functionality and turning off all of the eye-candy...unless you are running on a completely terrible graphics card. My test box at work has an Nvidia 8600GT with 256MB of RAM and I purchased it for around $40...so certainly not a powerhouse by any means.

To the OP...there have been numerous tips in this thread for getting things back closer to the way that they used to be. Most of them are pretty simple and don't take much effort. I think once you get the visual changes back that you want, you should be off and running.

Thank you.

 

[not so gray matter]

Most of the responses that I read didn't seem like rude responses like "get used to it, XP is dead". The responses were people either trying to offer advice on how to install some things to make it seem like it used to be, or people who offered examples that they weren't exactly gung-ho at first when they got on Windows 7...but they adjusted and got used to things the way they are. There is absolutely nothing wrong with posting these types of responses..it helps to show that you are not alone and that maybe in due time things will work out well for you.

I've tested pretty heavily at work with a Windows 7 box and a power meter (kill-a-watt), stop watch, etc...and there is only a miniscule effect in my opinion with disabling all of the aero functionality and turning off all of the eye-candy...unless you are running on a completely terrible graphics card. My test box at work has an Nvidia 8600GT with 256MB of RAM and I purchased it for around $40...so certainly not a powerhouse by any means.

To the OP...there have been numerous tips in this thread for getting things back closer to the way that they used to be. Most of them are pretty simple and don't take much effort. I think once you get the visual changes back that you want, you should be off and running.

My point wasn't that they were rude, it was that they didn't seem to answer his question and a few had the overtone of "Do this, it's the cool way". Thats just me though, who knows.

BTW, Tip wasn't meant as an attack, just a reminder to people that not everyone is the same.