How to Make Windows Vista Look Similar to Windows XP

Many individuals enjoy the new look and feel of Windows Vista, while other prefer the look and feel of Windows XP. Many new Vista users do not know that they have the capability of having their new Windows program look similar to that of XP. Here, you will discover the steps that are necessary to do so.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Windows Vista.
• The desire to get the look and feel of Windows XP back

1. The first step to giving Windows Vista the appearance of Windows XP is to start by changing the way that your start menu looks. It is very simple to do this. First, find the "start" button on the desktop screen. Once you have located this, place your mouse pointer on it and click the right mouse button.

2. Once you have done this, a menu will appear. You want to locate the option referred to as "properties". Once you have found this option, highlight it using your mouse. Then, click your left mous button to select it. A new box should appear called "Start Menu Properties". You will want to read the information in this box and locate "classic Start Menu". Use your mouse to select it, then click ok. You now have the look and feel of Windows XP in Windows Vista as far as the Start menu is concerned!

3. The next way that you can help Windows Vista to look more like Windows XP is to personalize the desktop. This is relatively easy to accomplish. Simply choose an area on the desktop screen where nothing is located and click the right button on your mouse.

4. Once you have done this, a new set of options will appear. Simply select "Personalize". Once the new screen appear, select "Choose Theme". A pull-down menu will appear that contains many different choices. The one that you want to select will be called "Windows Classic". Once this option is highlighted by clicking the left mouse button, you can click on "OK" with that same button. Now, the overall theme of Windows Vista will reflect that of the familiar Windows XP.

5. The next method that you can use to give Vista the appearance of XP is to change the appearance of the folders that you use. You will open the "Documents" folder on your computer. This is normally located in the area of the "Start" menu. Once this opens, you should see the "organize" option.

6. Once you elect the organize option, simply select the following options: "folder", "search", and then a new option will appear. You will want to select the option called "Use Windows Classic Folders". Once you have done this, select "OK".

Tips & Warnings

• By doing the steps listed in this article, you can easily transform the appearance of Windows Vista to Windows XP. Many have even noticed a change in the processing speed of their computer after doing this for the better.

Resources

• How to Adjust the Autoplay Settings in Windows Vista
• How to Adjust Power to Shut Down when the Lid is Closed on Your Windows Vista Laptop
• How to Setup Narrator in Microsoft Windows Vista
• How to Watch Divx Full Length Movies on Your Computer for FREE!!!

[ashiflett]

on 1/12/2008 Thanks for commenting!

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/12/2008 Great job on the article! This is needed because I know a lot of my clients do not like the new look of Vista.