With the release of every new version of any software, it is common for changes to occur as to how the software looks on the screen and where everything is located.  That is of course the case with Windows 7, and if your like me your more comfortable with the previous layout of Windows XP (Yes I know I could learn to like the new lay out, but for now I rather give Windows 7 that XP feel).

Windows 7 looks like this once installed. Note: Look at the lower left, and see the difference in the start menu.  In the picture next to the new start bubble, I have Internet Explorer, Windows Live Writer and Paint open as well as Windows Explorer and Windows Media Player which are pinned to the task bar.

      I prefer the XP style since I normally have to many windows open at once that I like to see what is there without having to put my mouse over each icon to see what is open. So to get the changes in appearance you need to do that following.

1 – Right click on the task bar (The bar going across the bottom) and select properties. You will see the following window.

Now change the box that says “Taskbar buttons” to say Never Combine.  Followed by clicking the box that says Customize in the notifications area.

2 – In the notifications window that pops up, put a check in the “Always show all icons and notifications on the taskbar”. Then click ok.

 

3 – Now click on the Taskbar and Start Menu Window again and this time go to the start menu tab, then click on the customize button on the top right.

4 – Now you will see the customize start menu window.

Here are the changes I’ve made to my system (you may experiment wit this one to find what you like).

• Computer – Display as a menu
• Control Panel – Display as a menu
• Default Programs – Uncheck
• Documents – Display as a menu
• Favorites menu – check (because I’m used to it being on the start menu)
• Games – Display as a menu
• Help – Uncheck
• Run command – Check (Again I’m just used to it being there)

**All other items listed in the customize start menu window, I left as is.  No changes.

5 – Now on the taskbar (This is because I’m not a fan of the quick launch bar in XP) you will find IE, Windows Explorer and Windows Media player “pinned”.

Right click on each one and select “Unpin this program from taskbar”

6 – Lastly, if you want the start menu to actually say start and not be the bubble go to  start –> Control Panel –> System

On the top left corner click on Advanced System Settings. This will open the System Properties window.

Here click on the settings button on the top in the Performance window.

Uncheck the last box that says “Use visual styles on windows and buttons.

And with that You Windows 7 version will look and respond as close to XP as possible.