Give Windows XP a classic feel.

For many Windows users the new look of Windows XP can be a bit of a shocker.

This question was answered on November 12, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Change is inevitable, especially in the technology industry But, the learning curve when going to a new operating system can be a real drag While Windows XP offered some great new features and much needed stability, the interface may leave some perplexed Microsoft anticipated this and included a feature that allows you to emulate the classic Windows appearance, while maintaining the benefits of XP

Follow the steps below:

1 Start by right-clicking on an empty portion of your desktop A grey drop-down menu will appear, choose Properties.

2 A grey box will appear, verify that the Themes tab is selected (it should be already).

3 Mid-way down you should see a drop-down box labeled Themes Select the Windows Classic option.

4 Finally, click Ok.

Things should now be looking a little more familiar There is one other setting I like to change to really give it a classic feel This will also free up some precious system resources It has to do with the extra options listed down the left-hand side of the Windows folders If you don’t like seeing them, or don’t have any use for them (that’s me), here’s what to do:

1 Right-click My Computer A grey drop-down menu will appear, choose Properties

2 A grey box will appear Click the Advanced tab.

3 Click the Settings button listed under Performance.

4 Choose the option that says Adjust for best performance.

5 You can alternatively set this to Adjust for best appearance to see Windows XP in its full glory.

That’s all there is to it Now you’re riding on the same rigid XP frame with the classic styling of previous versions Enjoy!

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Posted by Chad of Data Doctors on November 12, 2004

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