Make your Windows 8.1 computer look like a Windows 7
- During setup, I researched whether I want to use a Microsoft Account or a local user account on my new computer. This is something new in Windows 8.1. I chose a local account, knowing I can always change my mind later. Perhaps in the future I'll want access to all those Windows 8 apps (formerly called Metro Apps) but probably not.
- During setup, Windows seems to demand a Windows account, but there's a way out which is kind of hidden. On the page demanding the Windows ID, click on the link at the bottom that lets you "create a windows id." Once you get to that create page, you'll see another link that allows you to create a local user account instead.
- During setup I chose custom settings so I could have the choice of how many tentacles Windows has into my computer. Now setup is done. The rest of the list is in present tense.
- Verify that the antivirus that came with the computer is running properly.
- Open Internet Explorer and download and install Firefox
- Download Classic Shell.
- Be sure and view the readme file that opens when you first install Classic Shell. That tells you how to make Windows Explorer look like the Windows 7 Windows Explorer. It might require some jiggering of settings in Internet Explorer. All I can say about that is...whatever.
- Also configure Classic Shell to make the Start Menu look the way you want.
- Immediately go into the search box of the start menu and type in "UAC." Turn off the UAC. This will take effect after the first reboot.
- Let Windows updates run on their own accord. Don't force any updates while setting up your computer. It can cause Windows updates errors.
- Remove the Windows 8 lock screen using the regedit method
- To bypass the metro screen, right-click the desktop taskbar, select "properties," and then open the Navigation tab in the window that appears. Follow this picture to check the correct boxes.
