Windows 8 to windows 7 easiest way

[rad]

Is it possible to get the windows 7 look with windows 8 installed? On thr RC it was a registry edit but if not it will be a reinstall.

 

Just got 2 laptops for the ICT teachers but they don't like it

[FN-GM]

Why not just stick Windows 7 on them?

[Arthur]

Is it possible to get the windows 7 look with windows 8 installed?

The easiest option would be to get StartIsBack for $3.00. This will add the actual Start Menu from Windows 7 back to Windows 8 (instead of the poor imitation you get with ClassicShell). If you enable the 'boot to desktop' option and disable the hot corners they will think it's Windows 7.

 

When it comes to providing an authentic Start-like experience, the clear winner is StartIsBack. The StartIsBack Start button and menu look all but identical to their Windows 7 versions. The developer claims that although the Start menu isn't accessible in Windows 8, Microsoft had to leave most of the implementation and plumbing in the operating system for backwards compatibility reasons. StartIsBack taps into these hidden capabilities to provide a Start menu experience that will be immediately familiar to anyone who has used prior versions of Windows. It has the right look (down to the glowing hover effect when the mouse cursor is over the Start button) and offers the same features, including integrated search and highlighting of newly installed applications. (Source)

 

By keeping Windows 8 installed, they would also benefit from all of the other improvements made to the operating system like better security, built-in anti-virus, faster boot/sleep/resume & wireless networking connection times, native USB 3.0 support and many other things.

[free780]

That reg key was taken out in the consumer preview . It did work in the dev preview.

[Arthur]

That reg key was taken out in the consumer preview.

The reg key that isn't mentioned anywhere in this thread?

 

If you are referring to StartIsBack, it doesn't use the registry to add the Start Menu from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

 

StartIsBack reuses large portion of start menu code left, but contains a large amount of code to make as well it work as you expect and new functions too.

[Roberto]

The reg key that isn't mentioned anywhere in this thread?

 

Apart from the second sentence of the very first post, you mean?

 

Incidentally, you may want to check the licence terms of the edition you've just suggested people buy for business use:

3. Use the SOFTWARE for personal means only, on computers you own, use or personally responsible for.

 

You should really be looking at the business edition of the software, here. Still good value imho.

Edited February 3, 2013 by Roberto

[Arthur]

Apart from the second sentence of the very first post, you mean?

Sorry about that. My brain wasn't fully awake when I posted my reply above.