Classic Shell: Forum

This was my first update to Classic Shell ever.
I had to revert to have Windows 8.1 go back in time to undo the update Classic Shell changed.

I'm PLEADING with the developers of Classic Shell...PLEASE don't change ANY settings AT ALL when upgrading to a newer version.

ALL SETTINGS SHOULD ALWAYS REMAIN THE SAME. The only thing that should change is the version number.

After installing 4.2.5 my solid colored Windows taskbar tuned translucent (simulating Windows Aero).

This should NOT have changed.

What version did you upgrade from?
The setting shouldn't have changed if you are using Windows 8.1. For Windows 10 the setting is different because the taskbar has 3 settings - Opaque, Transparent and Glass.

I would assume the last number before this update because I was never prompted before to update.

That's weird. The taskbar settings have not changed between 4.2.4 and 4.2.5.

So you updated from some older version of Classic Shell to 4.2.5 on Windows 8.1? Your Windows version hasn't changed? And yet the taskbar became transparent? That is strange. Classic Shell tries its best to preserve all settings. In fact even when you uninstall, the settings are left behind in the Registry so you can reinstall and retain the settings.

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I am a Windows enthusiast and helped a little with Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

@Gaurav...
Yes, using Windows 8.1 (did NOT upgrade to 10, too afraid)...NOT only did the taskbar become transparent but when I clicked on the Windows Start Button it did NOT pull up the Windows Start Menu. Instead it switched over to Windows Tiles or Windows Start Screen (the Tiles & Apps, what windows 8 looked like).

So there are some serious issues with 4.2.5 and I'm NOT going to update to that version.

It does NOT work like older versions...but then again whenever ANY software maker "updates" software they ALWAYS find a way to F@%K it up (guaranteed).

From what you are describing (taskbar being transparent, the start menu not showing), it sounds like Classic Shell is just not operational. I would recommend uninstall of the current version, then reboot, then install of the latest.

@GeorgeCT, the taskbar is transparent by default and when Classic Start Menu starts it makes it opaque as long it is working. When you upgraded to version 4.2.5, something may have caused to not launch the menu at startup when Windows boots which also explains why the Tiled screen is back. It is not serious. Just uninstall the current version, reboot and reinstall Classic Shell.

Or if you think it's installed correctly but not working, just create a shortcut to C:\Program Files\Classic Shell\ClassicStartMenu.exe and copy-paste it in the Startup folder at C:\Users\<your user name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup. This will cause it to load at the next startup and the taskbar will become opaque once again.

_________________
Links to some general topics:

● Compare Start Menus

● Read the Search box usage guide.

I am a Windows enthusiast and helped a little with Classic Shell's testing and usability/UX feedback.

Guys 4.2.4 works PERFECTLY. 4.2.5 does NOT work.

There is no reason after updating to 4.2.5 that the taskbar would go transparent (unless it was changing settings).

There is no reason after updating to 4.2.5 that the Start button pulls up the Start Screen (unless it was changing settings).

I'm not going to uninstall 4.2.4 and loose all my settings and try 4.2.5 just to have it do the exact same thing (make my taskbar transparent and my Start button pull up the Start Screen).

You need to fix this, I can't be the only ONE person in MILLIONS that has this issue.

Your the first one to report this specific issue ;P

Yes, there is a reason for all that - the classic start menu is simply not running. Something was preventing it from starting up. That's the most plausible explanation. Not some unexplained corruption of your settings.

Why would the "Classic Start Menu" not run? What could prevent it from starting up?

4.2.4 has been working perfectly since I installed it this spring when I got this computer running Win 8.1.

Why all of a sudden with the update to 4.2.5 would it not work?

The first step in solving a problem is properly identifying the problem. the behavior you describe, isnt working as intended, and we are trying to solve the why, so we can fix it.
Its possible that a small % of people are experiencing the same issue as you, however it isnt the standard. as such, we need to find out exactly why it bugs for you, so we can fix it for others...

there are several reasons classic shell could fail after an upgrade.
there are less reasons a specific setting would fail to be remembered

The first step to troubleshooting is usually to start with a fresh install. as stated the settings are remembered in the registry, and should be used again upon reinstall.

Also if in the mean time we cant solve your issue, your welcome to install the older version (you can find links to all the older versions here http://www.classicshell.net/downloads/ ) and just forget about it.

For the most part settings are never changed with an update, however there are some exceptions (like when a new feature is added, it is often enabled by default) It can always be disabled if the user doesn't like it

@Jcee...
That link you provided is too difficult to use. There is no installation program just a bunch of zip files for both 32 and 64 bit systems.

UPDATE...since you said settings would remain even after uninstalling I uninstalled and reinstalled 4.2.5 and it seems like it's working OK now.

Thanks but what happened? Why did the update to 4.2.5 make Classic Shell not work?

I don't want to speculate why the upgrade failed the first time. Since you reverted, there are no clues left to what happened. If it happens again report it here and we can investigate.