How to make Windows 7 look like XP

Anonymous
2010-12-31T03:44:28+00:00

We purchased a new laptop for our 73 year old father who was just getting used to Win XP.  He has asked if there is any way to make the interface look and work like XP?  So my question is:  is there any way to make the interface look and work like XP?

Brian

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2011-01-13T19:43:52+00:00

If you want that same classic mode (the gray toolbars and such), that does exist in Windows 7.  Just right-click your desktop, choose Personalize, then scroll down and click "Windows Classic".

If this solves your issue, click the 'Propose as Answer' link below, and vote as helpful by clicking the green triangle to the lelft. Thanks!

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@CmdrKeene 90,631 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2010-12-31T14:01:43+00:00

For the most part it already does, because it was built from Windows XP.  For example, all windows still have the familiar _ and X buttons to minimize and close them.  You can also change the taskbar to show the words rather than just icons, or make other changes as you need.  While there's no "XP button", changes like this can get close.

If you are simply wanting the visual style to look like XP without changing any function, you can use a skinning program such as WindowBlinds by StarDock.

If this solves your issue, click the 'Propose as Answer' link below, and vote as helpful by clicking the green triangle to the lelft. Thanks!

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-10-30T22:49:54+00:00

    THERE IS NO PROPERTIES IN THE DIALOGUE BOX WHEN RIGHT CLICKING ON THE DESKTOP. Please be accurate with your answers,

    Thank you

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-01-13T21:34:52+00:00

    On Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:43:52 +0000, Shawn B Keene wrote:

    If you want that same classic mode (the gray toolbars and such), that /does/ exist in Windows 7.  Just right-click your desktop, choose Properties, then scroll down and click "Windows Classic".

    Thank you! The color scheme is much easier for me.

     

     

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-01-13T19:21:47+00:00

    Same problem here only my dad's 87!  I know that in Windows XP we can go into the Control Panel/Display/Appearance and go to the "Windows and buttons:" dropdown menu and select WINDOWS CLASSIC to change the appearance from Windows XP to Classic.  There must be some way to do the same thing in Windows 7 to change it to appear like XP.  Does anybody know?  It is sooooo simple in XP, why would they leave this choice out of 7?  Joyce

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