Subsections

• 5.1 All Versions of Windows
  • 5.1.1 Showing the Favorites in the Start Menu
  • 5.1.2 Disable Popups
  • 5.1.3 Show File Extensions
  
  
• 5.2 Windows XP
  • 5.2.1 Start Menu
  • 5.2.2 Folder View
  • 5.2.3 Color Scheme

5 Adjusting Windows Settings

Changing some Windows settings can often help the users. The settings below are ones that are changed often.

5.1 All Versions of Windows

These apply to all versions of Windows.

5.1.1 Showing the Favorites in the Start Menu

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Choose ``Settings.''
3. Choose ``Task Bar and Start Menu.''
4. In the Start Menu tab, press ``Customize.''
5. Find the Start Menu settings tree view.
6. Find ``Show Favorites'' and check this option.
7. Press ``OK'' to leave the customize dialog.
8. Press ``OK'' to close the Start Menu settings dialog.

5.1.2 Disable Popups

For some users, pop-up information could be distracting.

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Choose ``Folder Option.''
3. Go to the ``Advanced Settings' tree view in the ``View'' tab.
4. Find ``Show pop-up description for folder and desktop items'' and uncheck this option.
5. Press ``OK.''

5.1.3 Show File Extensions

In folder views, icons to indicate file types are displayed beside each filename. However, this is not so helpful if the user relies on speech output only. By showing the file extensions in the list, users can quickly identify the file type in most cases.

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Choose ``Folder Option.''
3. Go to the ``Advanced Settings' tree view in the ``View'' tab.
4. Find ``Hide extension for known file types'' and uncheck this option.
5. Press ``OK.''

5.2 Windows XP

The Windows XP system has different appearance from previous versions of Windows. However, many people prefer to use the older appearance, as it is simpler in many ways, and thus easier to understand and navigate. This sections shows how the appearance of Windows XP can be changed.

5.2.1 Start Menu

XP systems have different Start Menu. To make it similar to Windows 95/998/2000, do the following:

1. Right-click on the Start button, or open the Start Menu and hit ESC, and hit the application key (or Shift + F10).
2. Choose ``Property.''
3. In the ``Start Menu'' tab, choose ``Classic Start Menu.''
4. Press ``Customize.''
5. In the ``Advanced Start Menu'' tree view, find ``Use Personalized Menus'' and uncheck this item.
6. Press ``OK'' to close the ``Customize'' dialog box.
7. Press ``OK'' to close the property.

5.2.2 Folder View

Do the following to adjust the appearance of the folder view to the classic view.

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Select ``Folder Option.''
3. At the first control of the first tab, select ``Use Windows Classic Folders.''
4. Press ``OK.''

5.2.3 Color Scheme

Do the following to adjust the color scheme to the classic view.

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Choose ``Display.''
3. In the combo box labeled ``Theme,'' choose ``Windows Classic.''
4. Press ``OK.''