Solved Questions: Changing start menu & Explorer

[M10000]

Hi,

I bought new computer yesterday and I don`t like the start menu so I changed it to the XP version (after looking it up on the Internet).

But when I should've left well enough alone, the menu was changed, and several hours later, I'm trying to see what I did wrong.


1. My first question is how do I change start menu to the XP version?

2. How do you change the arrows in Windows Explorer to the + sign?

3. How to change their rotating circle back (that took the place of the hour glass)?

4. I don't like Windows live Mail. Is there an alternative besides using a web based e-mail like Yahoo!? [I used to use Outlook express]


Thank you in advance for the help. I have looked up these things online but I've been on the computer too much in the last 24 hours.

Bye,
Mark

 

[Bongo]

Hi,

I bought new computer yesterday and I don`t like the start menu so I changed it to the XP version (after looking it up on the Internet).

But when I should've left well enough alone, the menu was changed, and several hours later, I'm trying to see what I did wrong.


1. My first question is how do I change start menu to the XP version?

2. How do you change the arrows in Windows Explorer to the + sign?

3. How to change their rotating circle back (that took the place of the hour glass)?

4. I don't like Windows live Mail. Is there an alternative besides using a web based e-mail like Yahoo!? [I used to use Outlook express]


Thank you in advance for the help. I have looked up these things online but I've been on the computer too much in the last 24 hours.

Bye,
Mark

Welcome to the Seven Forums
#1
Have a look at this
http://www.sevenforums.com/customization/142724-ann-classic-shell-2-9-3-out-now-search.html
Classic Shell: Gallery
#2
We need more of an explanation on what you mean by changing the arrows to + sign maybe a screenshot would help.
How to Use the Snipping Tool in Vista - Vista Forums
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html

#3
Open the control panel click on Mouse


Click on Pointers and choose one of the three highlighted in red and you should have the hourglass back be sure to click Apply then OK.


#4
I use Thunderbird. Mozilla Thunderbird

Jerry

 

[M10000]

Hi Jerry,
I tried Classic Shell but it didnt work for me. (Even though it worked for me yesterday, but then I didnt leave it alone when I should have.

I made a video. You can see there is no change when I choose "Window key opens":

- Classic Start Menu
- Windows Start Menu




#2 Checkmarks
- resolved. See the end of video. Thank you.

#3 Mouse
- resolved. Thank you

#4 Thunderbird.
- Im going to look into next.
I imported Outlook Express into Windows Live Mail but it didnt work. I tried again. (Ive imported mail settings before on Win XP)

Thank you again
Mark

 

[Bongo]

#2,3,4
#1 post in that thread and Ivo should help you
http://www.sevenforums.com/customization/142724-ann-classic-shell-2-9-3-out-now-search.html I have never used it.
Jerry

 

[Ivo]

M10000: From the video it looks like you are changing the "Windows key opens" setting, but then you are using the mouse to click on the start button. The setting is for the "Windows" key on the keyboard. If you want to change what the mouse button does, change the setting "Left Click opens".


Few more observations:

• You select the “Classic Start Menu” option, but when you get the classic start menu on the next frame you say “Nope”. Is that because you get the XP Luna menu and not the XP Classic menu? If so, there is a misunderstanding. You are getting the “Classic Start Menu”, in a sense that you are getting a menu from the “Classic Start Menu” software (instead of the built-in Windows menu). But you have selected the Luna skin (BTW, the Luna skin is not by default, so you must have changed it yourself). If you want to get the real classic menu, simply select another skin.
• When you right-click on the start button you get the “Classic Start Menu” help menu. You can select things like Settings and Help. The first item is just a label and doesn’t do anything. It just means that this menu belongs to the Classic Start Menu software.
• You don't have to close the settings dialog when you change something. Most settings (particularly the ones in the Controls tab) can be tested immediately.
• You can hover over each setting to see a description about what it does

 

[M10000]

#2,3,4
#1 post in that thread and Ivo should help you
http://www.sevenforums.com/customization/142724-ann-classic-shell-2-9-3-out-now-search.html I have never used it.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry.
Im confused. Post in what thread. Is Ivo a member? I thought it might be a program.

I feel like I have bought Windows 7 when it just came out. It's being glitchy.

I can live with this start menu, but I like Windows 98 start menu.

I had stopped making tweaks and the start menu has changed its look. One moment it looks one way and moments later, the start menu has changed appearance.

The spinning circle came back. I know how to fix that thanks to you, but it shouldn't have come back.

The keyboard is switching to French-Canadian bilingual on its own. It's happened twice today. Guess that might be why, by default, the keyboard is by the system tray.

I might have some other questions. I looked up how to change the default location of Windows Explorer and changed that.

Thanks
Mark

 

[M10000]

M10000: From the video it looks like you are changing the "Windows key opens" setting, but then you are using the mouse to click on the start button. The setting is for the "Windows" key on the keyboard. If you want to change what the mouse button does, change the setting "Left Click opens".


Few more observations:

• You select the “Classic Start Menu” option, but when you get the classic start menu on the next frame you say “Nope”. Is that because you get the XP Luna menu and not the XP Classic menu? If so, there is a misunderstanding. You are getting the “Classic Start Menu”, in a sense that you are getting a menu from the “Classic Start Menu” software (instead of the built-in Windows menu). But you have selected the Luna skin (BTW, the Luna skin is not by default, so you must have changed it yourself). If you want to get the real classic menu, simply select another skin.
• When you right-click on the start button you get the “Classic Start Menu” help menu. You can select things like Settings and Help. The first item is just a label and doesn’t do anything. It just means that this menu belongs to the Classic Start Menu software.
• You don't have to close the settings dialog when you change something. Most settings (particularly the ones in the Controls tab) can be tested immediately.
• You can hover over each setting to see a description about what it does

Hi Ivo,
Now I know that you are a person and not a program [read post above]

I had an a-ha moment after reading your comment about the fact that I was using the mouse on the start button, which is not what it says. It says to use the Windows button. So thank you for that.

Thank you for the other pieces of advice that I have placed in bold text.

Regarding Luna, I have not used it.

When you right-click on the start button you get the “Classic Start Menu” help menu. You can select things like Settings and Help."
- One would hope that most people know this regarding right clicking on the start button


Thank you,
Mark

 

[Ivo]

M10000 - your screenshot shows the "Windows XP Luna" skin with the "Silver" variation. If you want Windows 98-style menu go to the Skin tab in the settings and select "Classic Skin" from the dropdown.
The skin simply changes the look of the menu. The contents and the functionality stay the same.