1. Install
UxStyle (free, 64-bit Windows 8 only) and then try this visual style:
http://kizo2703.deviantart.com/art/Wind ... -325642288 . It is a mod of the High Contrast theme because the true classic theme got removed.
2. Right click the Classic Shell Start button, enable All Settings radio button at the bottom. Go to "Start Button" tab and change the Button Look to "Classic Button". Next to go to the Skin tab and set the skin to "Classic Skin". Check "Solid Color Selection" if you want. Check two columns or single column as you want.