Comments on: Get Windows XP Styled Classic All Programs List in Windows Vista and 7

By: Black

Black — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:55:45 +0000

My way (additionally changes):

1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now go to following keys one by one:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

2. Now you'll need to change the value of Favorites string value in right-side pane to:

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

3. That's it. Log off or restart your system and now "Favorites" link in start menu will change to
"Programs" and will show all program shortcuts installed in your system just like XP start menu does.

NOTE: If you can't see the new menu in startmenu, you'll need to enable "Favorites Menu" from Taskbar Properties -> Start Menu -> Customize.

4. You can also disable the All Programs button in start menu. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

In right-side pane, create a new DWORD value NoStartMenuMorePrograms and set its value to 1

Now log off or restart your system.

5. Go to and change: Internet Properties -> Security -> Custom Level... -> Launching applications and unsafe files (not secure) -> Enable (not secure)

6. Type regedit goto: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Security
create a new DWORD value DisableSecuritySettingsCheck and set its value to 1

7. Move C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

8. Do not use Internet Explorer, install programms for all users,
check C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs once a while after install programms
and move to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

By: VG

VG — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:06:35 +0000

^^ Its because those programs were installed only for the currently logged in user. Right-click on Start button and select Open. It'll open a new folder. Now right-click again on Start button and select Open for All users or similar option. Now you can copy the desired program shortcut to All users Program folder.

By: Dana

Dana — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:23:42 +0000

I followed the instructions, and it worked. However, it doesn't seem to renew itself when I install new programs. These programs show up in the Windows "all programs" but do not show up in my XP styled "programs". Can anyone help?

By: VG

VG — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:19:21 +0000

^^ Yeah. Its mentioned in the beginning of the tutorial. Since we are hacking the functionality, some drawbacks are obvious. :)

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:21:16 +0000

In addition to breaking the "Startup" folder, it will also screw up your favorites bar in Internet Explorer.

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:17:10 +0000

Doesn't work very well. If you have too many programs, the "Programs" list needs to scroll, it won't spread across the screen like it did in Windows XP. The registry changes also screwed up the "Startup" folder - every item in the startup folder now pops up a security warning box requesting permission to run on every boot-up.

By: pommystuart

pommystuart — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:02:50 +0000

Hi
Since doing this tweek (which worked, thanks) I also now find my Explorer (browser) bookmarks now list all my programs as in 'All Programs'
Help please %^(
Thanks
Stuart.

By: VG

VG — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:28:57 +0000

^^ Try to manually create it.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:13:24 +0000

There is no "favorites" string in the right pane. You are talking about the registry value right? I have SP1 installed so maybe it removed it or something. Very disappointing as I really wanted that look back again.

By: David

David — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 06:59:44 +0000

I found Start Menu XP today which may do the job! I loaded it today on Windows 7 and will see how it goes. So far, so good! Finally....