In Windows XP, how do I switch to the Windows Classic View, Classic theme, or Classic Control Panel?

In Windows XP, you can switch the Start menu, Control Panel, and computer's theme from the Windows XP default view to the Windows Classic View. However, you must switch each of these separately. To switch to the Windows Classic View, Classic theme, or Classic Control Panel, follow the appropriate steps below:

From the Windows XP default Start menu to the Windows Classic View Start menu

1. Right-click Start and select Properties.
   
   
2. Click the radio button next to Classic Start menu and click OK.

From the Windows XP default Control Panel to the Windows Classic Control Panel while using the Windows XP default Start menu

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. On the left side of the window, click Switch to Classic View.

From the Windows XP default Control Panel to the Windows Classic Control Panel while using the Windows Classic View Start menu

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel.
   
   
2. On the left side of the window, select Switch to Classic View.

From the Windows XP default computer theme while using the Windows XP default Start menu and the Windows XP default Control Panel

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. Click Appearances and Themes, and then click Change the computer's theme.
   
   
3. In the window that appears, from the drop-down menu under "Theme:", select Windows Classic. Click OK.

From the Windows XP default computer theme while using the Windows XP default Start menu and the Windows Classic View Control Panel

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click Display.
   
   
3. In the window that appears, from the drop-down menu under "Theme:", select Windows Classic. Click OK.

From the Windows XP default computer theme while using the Windows Classic View Start menu and the Windows XP default Control Panel

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Select Appearances and Themes, and then double-click Change the computer's theme.
   
   
3. In the window that appears, from the drop-down menu under "Theme:", select Windows Classic. Click OK.

From the Windows XP default computer theme while using the Windows Classic View Start menu and the Windows Classic View Control Panel

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click Display.
   
   
3. In the window that appears, from the drop-down menu under "Theme:", select Windows Classic. Click OK.

Also see:

• How do I change the colors of my Windows desktop and applications?
• In Windows 2000 or XP, how can I control how my windows and folders behave?
• In Windows Vista, how do I switch to the Windows Classic Start menu or Classic Control Panel?