Enable Windows classic desktop

If you just can't get used to the look of the Vista interface, or you are running under 1GB of memory and you need to speed up the desktop, try enabling the Windows Classic interface. This is a two step process involving changing both the desktop settings and the Start menu. Note that while in XP the 'classic interface' was that of Windows 2000, in Windows Vista it is the XP interface that is brought up when you make this change.

To revert to the Windows classic interface:

Right click on the 'start' menu and click 'properties'.

Select the 'classic start menu' option and click 'ok'.

Right click on an empty area of the desktop and choose 'personalize.'

Select the 'theme' option.

In the 'theme' dropdown box, choose 'Windows Classic.'

Click 'ok'.

All the bells and whistles are now gone completely.