Classic Shell: Forum

Just received a new Dell 15" laptop with Win 8.1. Unfortunately Win 7 wasn't available on this upgraded model. I've been looking for 6 months and the broad consensus is Classic shell is the only way I can operate with my new computer. I've been using Windows since the 80s so I've been thru all the Windows iterations. I was very happy with Win 7 and would like to make my new computer look and operate like Win 7. I pin some items to taskbar and use many desktop icons to link to open programs and links to go direct to specific websites. Use the control panel frequently. I do not even want to see the tiles and Metro interface if possible. I always use my laptop with a mouse. I've read a lot of the FAQs and other items on the site. I have just turned on the new computer to make sure it would power up, but have not proceeded to initial setup.

Question is at what point should I download classic shell, and what can I do to setup so I achieve the look and interface I'm looking for.
I'm a senior citizen and am comfortable with computers but not a techy. Any quick guidance would be appreciated. Some of this info or guidance may come with the download, but wanted to check before I started. Thanks

If you absolutely must have windows 7: http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensi ... mmx3iB8N5s
as for setup of classic shell, tick the show all settings button and locate the windows 8/8.1 tab and adjust the settings there to disable most metro related items. If you want to remove the alternate methods for metro go to the controls tab

I recommend you to go back to Windows 7 if possible. You can install Classic Shell any time after you log on to your Windows 8.1 machine. It is safe and does not do permanent or dangerous modification to Windows, meaning you can uninstall it and leave your PC working as it was originally.

Windows 8 is a massive challenge to use and it is incredibly hard to make everything work like Windows 7 even for experts. A number of Windows 7 features have been completely removed. Classic Shell does not/cannot restore all of them.

If you are stuck with Windows 8, you can ask here for any specific issue you face regarding making it more like Windows 7.

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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.