Windows Vista has the option to revert the start menu back to the classic start menu, featured in Windows 95/98/ME/XP.

This guide will show you how to change your Windows Vista Start menu back to the classic format with a few simple steps.

Before you follow this tutorial you must read the terms of our disclaimer.

The first step is to right-click on the Start button and left-click on properties from the menu that appears, as shown in fig 1.1 on the left.

This will open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialogue box, with the options for the Start Menu visible, an example is shown in fig 1.2.

The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialogue box allows you to toggle your Start menu's look and functionality between the Windows Vista format and the classic format.

So, if after changing your Start menu you decide you prefer the Vista version, you can simply change it back.

The next step to make the change is to left-click on the circle next to Classic Start menu to select it, as shown in our example (fig 1.2).

note: The classic Start menu does not include the "Windows Search" facility.

The dialogue box also gives you some privacy options, these determine if the Start menu stores and displays recently opened files or programs.

The final step is to click the OK button.