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Topic: Windows

Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

Summary: Bill Detwiler shows you how to use Windows 7's Toolbar feature to create a Windows XP-style Classic Start Menu right along new Start Menu.

Larry Dignan

By for Between the Lines |

Bill Detwiler shows you how to use Windows 7's Toolbar feature to create a Windows XP-style Classic Start Menu right along new Start Menu. Once you’ve watched this TR Dojo video, you can find a link to the original TechRepublic article and print the tip from our TR Dojo Blog.

Topics: Windows, Microsoft, Operating Systems, Software

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21 comments
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  • Double your pleasure, double your fun

    Never leave home without it. ;)
    klumper
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

      @klumper

      I'm looking forward to it simulating MS-DOS or perhaps a clay tablet and stick. ;-)
      tonymcs@...
      Reply Vote

      • Take that stick and...

        @tonymcs@... <br><br>whack the #*&$@^* Office ribbon while you're at it! :(
        klumper
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

        @tonymcs@... Ah yes, the simplicity and hands on from DOS. That easy to manage autoexec file.
        baasbaas1
        Reply Vote

  • For the monogamous

    Not sure if it's covered in the vid presentation since I didn't watch it, but I've also tried <i>Classic Shell</i> by Ivo Beltchev (as referenced in TR article) over at SourceForge.net -- for those who prefer to linearize their fun instead of swinging from both nuts.
    klumper
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

    One word: why?
    statuskwo5
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

      @statuskwo5
      Some of us prefer the use of all the real estate the screen has to offer rather than the tiny crammed up box MS decided was better for everyone
      mike2k
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

        @mike2k If your preference is for the WinXP classic start menu go for it... I prefer the Windows 7 version but that's my preference. At any rate I'm glad to see such a mod is available for those who want it.
        athynz
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

        @mike2k Why not just start typing? The Windows 7 Search eliminates the need for big popping up menus. It searches faster than you can possibly scan with your mouse... I don't understand why anyone would want to go back to the XP Classic (aka the Windows 95) start menu?
        condelirios
        Reply Vote

    • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

      I love the classic XP fly-out menu -- where you can instantly see all your Start Menu programs and even sub-folders. the windows 7 program menu is a step backward where I have to scroll up and down, hit the forward and back button. Lots more work to accomplish what XP menu did so simply.

      Someone mentioned "typing" to find your program. Forget that, I'm not "searching" for my program -- it should be there easy for me to see at a second's notice.

      Classic fly out menu is fantastic.

      I use Windows 7 and XP machines every day. I love Windows 7 except for two things -- have to jump through hoops to enable quick launch tool bar and the cramped little box for the Start Menu.
      ChazzMatt
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

        @ChazzMatt That's just it. YOU aren't searching. You fail to see the speed advantage. If I want to run, for example, notepad - I just hit the Windows logo key, type 'no' and hit enter. Since it's the only program starting with those two letters, it pops up as the first choice and is automatically highlighted for selecting. It's you mouse addicts that can't handle the speed of the keyboard.
        cgarrett
        Reply Vote

    • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

      @statuskwo5 I completely agree - it's sad how badly these WinXP people are clinging to their years-dead OS. Take a deep breath, and LET IT GO, people.
      jmwells21
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

        @jmwells21
        Who's clinging to a dead OS? I just prefer the classic start menu. And as for typing in the search bar, sure, it's great for programs and control panel features, but if I want to find a file deeply hidden in the system folders, that search bar is useless.

        But as I said before, I hardly ever use the Start Menu anyway, with pinning and jump lists, who needs it?
        mike2k
        Reply Vote

  • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

    With the introduction of Jump Lists, I really don't even use the Start Menu anymore anyway
    mike2k
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

    I've always hated the cascading menus and ever since I switched to Vista (and then 7), I haven't missed those AT ALL. But hey, whatever floats your boat.
    Mike (not Cox)
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

    Why would anyone want 2 start menus? I prefer the Classic Shell program which basically installs over the Win7 start button...
    razzamatazzer@...
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

    When is somebody going to come up with a classic XP windows explorer search tool?
    stephen.a.mitchell@...
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Create a Windows XP Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

    Some folks just don't see the need to change just for change sake. I love the menus! That is the first thing that I will fix when I install a new OS; I look for the classic stle menus. It's familiar!
    Forceps1@...
    Reply Vote

  • Why should one have to.....

    Jump through hoops and spend time on something that should be an OPTION.

    Me I want the "CLASSIC" menu as an option, WHY is is so hard for Microsoft to acknowledge that thousands of clients want it also and put it back.
    carlsf@...
    Reply Vote

    • You've answered your own question...

      @carlsf@...
      "WHY is is so hard for Microsoft to acknowledge that [b]thousands[/b] of clients want it also and put it back."

      You do realize that there are approximately 1 billion computers on the planet currently and rougly 20% of them now has Windows 7 on it. In other words - there are MILLIONS of Windows 7 users out there - and most of them are happy...

      If Microsoft bent over and put in every single request like this, Windows would take up twice the disk space it already is and would be a bloated mess.
      Wolfie2K3
      Reply Vote
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