Can I Make Vista Look Like Windows XP?

There are many ways to make Vista appear more like XP, and most of them are quite simple. These steps will show you how to disable the Sidebar, change the desktop, switch the Start menu and adjust the taskbar to appear like an XP computer.

The Windows Sidebar is a new feature in Windows Vista that allows you to use miniature applications called "gadgets" right from your desktop. However, not only will disabling the Sidebar make Vista appear more like XP, but it will also free up lots of memory and resources on your computer.

To disable the Sidebar, go to your desktop. Right-click the Sidebar and select Properties. In the Windows Sidebar Properties dialog, clear the Start Sidebar when Windows Starts check box. Click Apply and OK. The Sidebar will still be open, but it will not start up by itself any longer. If you want to get rid of it immediately, find the Sidebar tray icon to the left of your computer clock down in the bottom right side of your screen. Right-click the icon and select Exit.

There are a few steps you can take to make the desktop on your Vista computer appear like XP. Start by right-clicking the desktop and selecting Personalize. Under Personalize Appearance and Sounds, click Window Color and Appearance. Click Open color appearance properties for more color options. Select Windows Standard, click Apply and OK.

Wait a moment for the appearance to change and you will see that your windows, your taskbar and your Start button all look like XP rather than Vista.

If you want the wallpaper on your desktop to appear more like XP, click Desktop Background under Personalize Appearance and Sounds in the Personalize window. If you want a solid background, select Solid Color in the Location box and pick a color. If you miss that classic XP landscape wallpaper, you might find a picture of green grass and a blue sky, such as those in this vast collection on Flickr.

Finally, go to your taskbar, which is the gray bar down at the bottom of your main window that shows what windows you have open. Right-click any blank spot and select Properties. Go to the Start Menu tab and select the Classic Start Menu button. Click Apply and OK.

Now sit back and enjoy how much your Vista computer appears like your old, familiar XP PC did.

For more Vista tips and tricks, read 10 Tweaks for Better Vista Performance, How to Make the Windows Vista Taskbar Look and Work Like Windows 7 and How to Apply a Theme to the Vista Sidebar.