Windows 7, another step backwards

[pezzonovante]

I think if people just learnt to use the start search, they would never have trouble finding anything. It's so much simpler than navigating through the Windows Explorer or the Control Panel.

 

[AstaLaVista]

I disagree, the fact that novice's like myself could work and operate XP without any major problem, but struggle with Vista/7 is exactly where it's gone wrong. Microsoft should be making things easier for the home user not more complicated.

I agree with you for the most part since I hate the way Microsoft changes the look and feel of their software each time they update... hate it with a passion!

Now, usually changes are good but Vista came out with some bad juju from the get go (regardless of who you want to lay blame on) and the user Unfriendliness is HUGE, as Johnston perfectly stated... for the Novice, mere mortal or Non-PC Guru.

I do love Win 7 over XP but only because I have given it a big chance and because my main purpose is just playing PC games, internet and e-mail... I don't understand all that MS Mambo Jambo Movie Center thingy Do-Hickey.

One thing I have always heard is that Microsoft UPGRADES are a Big No-No's and this may have something do do with the problems you are experiencing right now with the Explore Issue.

Why don't you do yourself a favor and give us some screen shots of that particular problem? I do love the way Win 7 has the main icons on the taskbar for easy access that I couldn't have with XP.

 

[awenthol]

OP: I agree that there is a learning curve and it sounds like you're making no effort to learn. Go back to XP if that's what you want.

 

[Johnston7]

Anyone hep me stop the explorer window appearing at start up???

In the past (as in under XP) I have seen this behavior when there is a program in the startup folder or otherwise configured to start at Windows start-up that is no longer valid.

In this case, the Windows Explorer window would pop up, as if to say, "Okay, what did you want me to start again?"

There are two ways to check for this case:

1) Click on the ORB (lower left corner) and go to All Programs > Startup and see if there are any program shortcuts there that may be corrupted or not valid. Delete any bad ones.

2) Click on the Orb again and at the "Search" box right there above the orb, type in "MSCONFIG" (without the quotes) and then hit ENTER.

When the window appears, click on the START UP tab, as seen in the attached screenshot, then scroll through the list and see if there are any odd entries.

As sort of a big bang test, you could simply click the DISABLE ALL button at the bottom right (annotated in the screenshot with the red box), then reboot your computer to see if the Windows Explorer window still appears.

If it does not, then something in your startup is amiss. Bring up MSCONFIG again (startup tab) and then add back one or two at a time manually, rebooting after each (click on the checkbox in this window). A bit tedious, yes, but you would find your answer.
​

Post your results to this iif it works or not.

Tried that Beech, disabled all, and still the explorer widow appears.

 

[BeechV35Pilot]

Tried that Beech, disabled all, and still the explorer widow appears.

Try the same thing with the services:

1) Orb > type "MSCONFIG" {Enter}
2) Click on the "Services Tab"
3) Click the "Hide all Microsoft Services" checkbox bottom left
4) Click the "Disable All"
5) Reboot

​

If that doesn't work, post a screenshot of the window that is appearing (without altering what folder or view to which it opens).

 

[Johnston7]

Hi Peter,

Still the same unfortuneately.

And just noticed Google search won't work.

Johnston

 

[whs]

I think the OP expresses the opinion of a large vintage community. Their problem will be solved when they need new hardware for which no XP drivers exist. Then they will have to get moving and learn something new - which they refuse up to now. For most people change is bad - even if it is for the better.

 

[Johnston7]

whs.

I work all day and haven't time to mess on with new systems all night.

So how come you don't offer any solution to the problems I have?.

They are:

Explorer window appears every start up.

Google search isn't working.

I want to use outlook express or windows mail on my computer, whic has windows 7.

 

[BeechV35Pilot]

Still the same unfortuneately.

And just noticed Google search won't work.

Screenshots of both problems would be very helpful.

Where is the Google Search that is not working? Internet Explorer search bar? Firefox toolbar? Google's main page (i.e. www.google.com)?

 

[Johnston7]

Peter,

If I knew how to add screen shots I would.

The Google toolbar appears above the Bing toolbar.

Johnston

 

[s0c9]

I do not know why Johnson can't figure out [no offence intended] the explorer window at startup ?? It's EXACTLY the same as the XP he loves !

Go to Tools... Folder Options, View tab.
Un-check the "Restore previous folder windows at logon" box.
Click OK..
should be problem solved.

Now, google toolbar probably needs to be re-installed under IE8.
get it here
Google Toolbar

Since I have Outlook '07 under Win7, I haven't tried to put OE back on, but I use OE6 under my XP64 dual-boot.

[editorial]
Sure Win7 is different from XP, but if you've ever used Vista [ugh I detest that OS] you'll love Win7.
I understand that older folks have a tough time with grasping the UI's on a computer and do NOT like to re-learn an interface that they were comfortable with. And unless Johnson7 is a troll, then he's definitely in that "vintage" age bracket [or the other I alluded to below], as most non-vintage folks deal with technology on a daily basis. While I understand his frustrations, the solutions to his questions required just a LITTLE SELF-HELP [it took me less than a minute to find the answer to both questions BTW] - and is indicative of the trouble I see in the good 'ole US of A.. take a little personal responsibility and put some effort into finding a solution instead of holding out ones hand !

 

[Johnston7]

Where do I access Tools?. I don't see it t start up.

 

[s0c9]

Where do I access Tools?. I don't see it t start up.

Its on the top menu [of Explorer].

 

[BeechV35Pilot]

Lift up your head and look at the top menu [of Explorer], please.

He's running Win7, not XP -

Johnston, at the top of Windows Explorer, it is Organize > Folders and Search options > View, and then the option he recommended.

My apologies for sending you on a wild goose chase. I never used that option myself so I was not aware of it.

 

[BeechV35Pilot]

Screenshot:

 

[whs]

 

[Johnston7]

Screenshot:

Guys,

Thi boxis unchckd already

Johnston

 

[harpua]

Just to be clear, you only need to do this one time, not every time you want to use Google. This recommended procedure will change your default search engine in IE from Bing to Google which is what you said you wanted. (Good choice, btw. )

 

[s0c9]

He's running Win7, not XP -

My bad... I seldom use Explorer in XP and forgot menus were not identical..

 

[Johnston7]

I do not know why Johnson can't figure out [no offence intended] the explorer window at startup ?? It's EXACTLY the same as the XP he loves !

Go to Tools... Folder Options, View tab.
Un-check the "Restore previous folder windows at logon" box.
Click OK..
should be problem solved.

Now, google toolbar probably needs to be re-installed under IE8.
get it here
Google Toolbar

Since I have Outlook '07 under Win7, I haven't tried to put OE back on, but I use OE6 under my XP64 dual-boot.

[editorial]
Sure Win7 is different from XP, but if you've ever used Vista [ugh I detest that OS] you'll love Win7.
I understand that older folks have a tough time with grasping the UI's on a computer and do NOT like to re-learn an interface that they were comfortable with. And unless Johnson7 is a troll, then he's definitely in that "vintage" age bracket [or the other I alluded to below], as most non-vintage folks deal with technology on a daily basis. While I understand his frustrations, the solutions to his questions required just a LITTLE SELF-HELP [it took me less than a minute to find the answer to both questions BTW] - and is indicative of the trouble I see in the good 'ole US of A.. take a little personal responsibility and put some effort into finding a solution instead of holding out ones hand !

sOc9 I'm 50 next birthday. Not exactly vintage, and certainly not a troll. Ive been rattlin my brains out to sort this and logged on here as a last resort.
You have taken the time to help, which is appreciated, but take a chill pill. You can be rude, and we all have our various skills, experience and feetime.

I asked the forum for help not insults.