Recommended Posts

XMac wrote-

Firstly, stop using netbooks. They're very underpowered hardware. The price you'd paid for the several netbooks you own (my guess is four, since you state you have 2 XP netbooks and several running Windows 7) could have gotten you a much better laptop, or better yet-a desktop.

The reason I use netbooks is because they are the only ones that have 32 bit Windows 7. But the big Windows 7 laptops have 64 bit. Which as you know you cannot run Windows 3.1 or 95 games or 16 bit software on 64 bit Windows, only on 32 bit.

And even though I always do a clean install of Windows 7 now from my Windows 7 DVD. If my laptop was a 64 bit,it may only have 64 bit drivers. And so that would be a problem because I want to install 32 bit Windows.

And may I add that my 32 bit Windows 8 RP is wonderful. All of the 16 bit software,Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and now Dos games works on Windows 8 RP. But they won't work on 64 bit Windows. Also I read 64 bit Windows is not very good.

But I do have one big desktop laptop that has Windows Vista 32 bit. But that is a second hand one made in 2009,before they stopped putting 32 bit on big laptops.

Javik wrote-

Absolutely agree, but they aren't going to do so, it should be clear by now that they have no interest in listening to their users. 3rd party options are going to be the only way of disabling it, sorry.

That's right. the only way now to get the start button and Windows 7 start menu is with third party software. Which I hope will work on the final version of Windows 8.

Notuptome2004 wrote-

Also Microsoft does listen to its users Many windows 8 features are here because of us users the only thing Microsoft dont want to hear is anything about the start menu because they made the choice long time ago to ditch it and come up with the start screen that does everything the start menu does but better . so They do listen also they read the forums they read the windows 8 blogs and emails you send them but the metro start screen is something that is staying.

I think that the Metro theme is not needed. And I find the Metro start menu does not meet mine and most peoples needs. It is difficult to create new start menu folders on the Metro start menu. And the Metro start menu is not on the desktop.

So I and most people install a third part start menu software that gives us both the start button and Windows 7 start menu. Andrea Borman.

The reason I use netbooks is because they are the only ones that have 32 bit Windows 7. But the big Windows 7 laptops have 64 bit. Which as you know you cannot run Windows 3.1 or 95 games or 16 bit software on 64 bit Windows, only on 32 bit.

And even though I always do a clean install of Windows 7 now from my Windows 7 DVD. If my laptop was a 64 bit,it may only have 64 bit drivers. And so that would be a problem because I want to install 32 bit Windows.

Andrea, a little tip for you.

If your Laptop or Desktop is 64bit, you can install a 32bit version of Windows and use 32bit drivers

The only time you need 64bit drivers, is when you install a 64bit version of windows.

I have a laptop with a 32bit and 64bit capable CPU (x86_64) I can choose to install either 32bit or 64bit versions of windows on it and both work fine.

If I install 32bit Windows 7, I install the 32bit drivers, if I install 64bit Windows 7, I install the 64bit drivers.

Buy any machine you like, and install whichever version of Windows 7 or 8 or whatever you like on it.

Andrea, a little tip for you.

If your Laptop or Desktop is 64bit, you can install a 32bit version of Windows and use 32bit drivers

The only time you need 64bit drivers, is when you install a 64bit version of windows.

I have a laptop with a 32bit and 64bit capable CPU (x86_64) I can choose to install either 32bit or 64bit versions of windows on it and both work fine.

If I install 32bit Windows 7, I install the 32bit drivers, if I install 64bit Windows 7, I install the 64bit drivers.

Buy any machine you like, and install whichever version of Windows 7 or 8 or whatever you like on it.

Yes you can install 32 bit Windows. Because when you buy a copy of Windows,you get a 32 bit DVD and a 64 bit DVD. But the problem would be the drivers.

And as you know you cannot run 16 bit software on 64 bit Windows and many 32 bit Windows 85,98,Windows 2000 and some Windows XP software,won't work on 64 bit.

So 32 bit is better. I have no complaints about my Windows XP,Windows Vista,Windows 7 and Windows 8. All of which are 32 bit. Andrea Borman.

There's very little software that I could imagine someone actually needing that doesn't work on Windows X64. If you're still running outdated stuff, maybe that's a hint that you need to consider getting more recent versions? I've personally been running X64 Windows for nearly 5 years now, and in all that time the only thing I have that doesn't work is the first Trackmania game, and that's only because it uses an outdated version of Starforce DRM

  • Like 2

No the problem would not be the drivers.

Find any laptop that comes with 64bit Windows, then go to the manufactures website and find the drivers

it will ask you 32bit or 64bit and offer a driver for each.

Well what's good about my HP netbooks is that when you buy them.They have a program file called Sw Setup on C Drive. And that has all of the exe installer files for all of the netbook drivers,video card,wireless network etc.

And what I do is first copy that folder to a DVD using Windows back up. And I can use Windows back up in install my files from the DVD back onto my netbook. After I re-install Windows and most of the time I have to run the installers to install the drivers after a clean install.

And I have made a small 20GB partition on of my hard drive, where I have also copied that drivers folder to, and other program installer files. And as I only format the C Drive during my Windows install.The 20GB partition I created on D drive does not get touched.

But I find the manufactures website not very user friendly. And it's like looking for a needle in a haystack finding the right drivers on there. Andrea Borman.

<Don't Care Snip>

I'm only quoting this post because you wrote it. I've not read it, and I don't plan to.

If we employed your horribly negative attitude to every software developer, we wouldn't have awesome software. You failed to reply to my previous comment direct at you, but seriously, if you don't like this software, feel free to not use it. If you do, the person who spent the time on it,is allowing to use his work for free. It really is that simple.

All you've done in this thread is whinge and moan and try and stop people using this software because you personally don't like it. Get over yourself. Clearly, other people think this is better than the things you've suggested. They wouldn't say that if they didn't believe it.

As for your hardware or lack of hardware, surely it's better in another thread.

  • Like 3

And I have made a small 20GB partition on of my hard drive, where I have also copied that drivers folder to, and other program installer files. And as I only format the C Drive during my Windows install.The 20GB partition I created on D drive does not get touched.

I'm sorry, but using a 20 GB partition for your OS these days is just ridiculous. You do know, that even the OS itself will probably take up at least 15 gigs of that space? Unless you're installing something like XP, then that partition isn't going to cut it.

Also, I don't understand why you find a need to use software from 17 or more years ago. It's outdated, and there's surely better substitutes by now. Seriously, start using modern software and modern hardware. Stop Sticking to stuff tro Windows 98 or earlier.

I'm sorry, but using a 20 GB partition for your OS these days is just ridiculous. You do know, that even the OS itself will probably take up at least 15 gigs of that space? Unless you're installing something like XP, then that partition isn't going to cut it.

Also, I don't understand why you find a need to use software from 17 or more years ago. It's outdated, and there's surely better substitutes by now. Seriously, start using modern software and modern hardware. Stop Sticking to stuff tro Windows 98 or earlier.

No no, I have not installed my OS on the D drive 20 GB partition. I have just put some program files and installer files on there as back up,that's all. My OS is installed on the C drive which has 200GB space. Andrea Borman.

Windows 7 explorer.exe for Windows 8

Long story short, i made a wrapper to Windows 7 explorer.exe to run on Windows 8. You can try it now in order to have native Windows 7 desktop experience.

post-265656-0-17951900-1342191658_thumb.

You need to have Windows 8 Release Preview 32-bit installed. Most likely won't work for other builds.

Just wanted to say this is really awesome, and works very well! hopefully the start of something great.

All the benefits of Windows 8, with the Windows 7 desktop interface (Y) perfect for my desktop PC if you ask me.

I hope you find the time / motivation to keep developing this :)

Hopefully OP will keep updating this thread, there is a new and improved version with x64 support and more fixes posted here

http://www.msfn.org/...-for-windows-8/

I just re-patched over the top of the old one successfully

Fixed the notifications customisation link :)

Only bug I have found so far (Not important really)

User Accounts > "Make Changes to my Account in PC settings" gives an explorer.exe error "Class not registered"

Well I have just looked on my Windows 7 netbook,in Windows System folder and in Windows System 32. But I could not find any of those shell file names the OP told us about.

It could be because my Windows Explorer settings are set to hide hidden drives and folders. Andrea Borman.

Evidently you're not reading his instructions properly then because it says, quite clearly that you get them from /windows, not from System or System32

Well I have looked in my Windows folder as well and I never saw those file names. And the folder Explorer in Windows is just a short cut to Windows Explorer. And when I click on it it opens Windows Explorer. Andrea Borman.

Well I have looked in my Windows folder as well and I never saw those file names. And the folder Explorer in Windows is just a short cut to Windows Explorer. And when I click on it it opens Windows Explorer. Andrea Borman.

You found it. That's not a folder; it's explorer.exe, the file you're looking for.

And the folder Explorer in Windows is just a short cut to Windows Explorer. And when I click on it it opens Windows Explorer. Andrea Borman.

OK, how can you not know the difference between a folder and an application? That is stuff that even beginner computer users should know.

If your details pane is turned on in Windows 7's explorer, then you'd notice that when you select explorer.exe, it lists it as an application, not a directory. So there's another visual differentiation, if you're not able to tell what it is by the icon.

Also, if you haven't noticed, the way the file structure works in Explorer, it first lists the folders in alphabetical order, and then other files will be sorted again alphabetically, only they'll be under the folders. So there's another hint on how to tell a difference between an application and a directory.

Well I have looked in my Windows folder as well and I never saw those file names. And the folder Explorer in Windows is just a short cut to Windows Explorer. And when I click on it it opens Windows Explorer. Andrea Borman.

I can assure you they are there

post-446153-0-08722900-1343087995_thumb.

Well here is my Windows folder on Windows 7. First the EN file and then the second images is of the files(batch files I presume inside the EN folder.) And the third image is of the Windows Explorer icon which is just a shortcut to Windows Explorer. It does not give you the shell files.

I am using print Screen and Paint,so it would not capture the whole of my Windows folder. That's why I have got 3 images.

So what do we do now with those folders? And which folders are you supposed to copy into the patch?

I still say he should provide the files for us like they do with every other software. Andrea Borman.

post-417173-0-98590000-1343120688_thumb.

post-417173-0-45727900-1343120719_thumb.

post-417173-0-35842600-1343120774_thumb.

Well here is my Windows folder on Windows 7. First the EN file and then the second images is of the files(batch files I presume inside the EN folder.) And the third image is of the Windows Explorer icon which is just a shortcut to Windows Explorer. It does not give you the shell files.

I am using print Screen and Paint,so it would not capture the whole of my Windows folder. That's why I have got 3 images.

So what do we do now with those folders? And which folders are you supposed to copy into the patch?

I still say he should provide the files for us like they do with every other software. Andrea Borman.

ZPB8Fl.jpg

That's not a shortcut, that is explorer.exe.

The files needed are stated in the first post:

c:\windows\explorer.exe

c:\windows\en-us\explorer.exe.mui

Also, it's been said a million times - the files are not included because they're owned by Microsoft. Get it?

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Posts

    • Doogee and Ulefone regularly release phones with 10k-25k mAh batteries, but those are bricks. I don't understand how they could make it only weigh 220 grams with a battery that size.
    • Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates by Taras Buria Windows 10 reached its end of life at the end of 2025. Microsoft kicked off the Extended Security Updates program, aimed at giving regular consumers one more year of security-only updates. By doing so, Microsoft gave users more time and money to update their computers to a newer operating system or compatible hardware. Now, with the end of the Extended Security Updates program quickly approaching, Microsoft is making an important adjustment. Users discovered that the official support article for the program now lists a new end-of-support date: The Extended Security Updates program is not a new concept. It has been an official way for business consumers to continue receiving critical updates for unsupported Microsoft products for many years. However, all this time, it was a business-only, paid feature. With Windows 10, Microsoft brought ESU to regular consumers, allowing them to get security updates for Windows 10 past October 2025 essentially for free. When Windows 10 was approaching the end of support, many guessed that Microsoft might adjust its support timelines, and this is exactly what seems to be happening. Of course, Microsoft would love everyone to switch to new computers, such as its latest Surface devices, but in the days of ever-growing hardware prices, not everyone is lucky enough to have money for a new PC. Leaving hundreds of millions of customers with a Windows version that no longer receives security updates is a major risk that Microsoft is not willing to take. If you have a Windows 10 PC to enroll in the Extended Security Updates program, check out this guide to learn how to do so.
    • Sony announces Bungie layoffs that will affect "significant number of employees" by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe Sony today announced that major layoffs are happening at its first-party studio Bungie, the developer that has spawned series like Halo, Destiny, and Marathon over the past decades. The news arrives just weeks after Bungie delivered the final update to Destiny 2, and it's that team being hit with the layoffs the most. CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Hermen Hulst revealed the staff reduction today, calling it "painful news." "Over the past several months, together with Bungie leadership, we reviewed the studio’s long-term direction, development priorities, resource needs, and role within our broader portfolio strategy," said Hulst, explaining the decision. "We explored multiple alternatives before concluding that a reduction was necessary to align the studio’s resources with its current priorities and long-term goals." The layoffs will be hitting "a significant number of employees" across most of the Destiny franchise development team. It doesn't look like Sony is planning to continue the series following Destiny 2's sunsetting update. The studio is said to be in early stages of looking at other projects to pivot to, but it's said that keeping the size of the team at current levels is no longer feasible. "We know this decision has a profound impact on the people affected, their families, friends, and teammates," said Bungie leadership in a separate message on social media. "While these changes are necessary to best position the studio now and for the future, that does not lessen the difficulty of this moment or the impact it has on those affected." At the same time, "some" of the Marathon development team are also affected by the layoffs. The recently released multiplayer-only extraction shooter title hasn't seen a big boom of players either, but the company is reportedly hoping that the live service experience will pick up players with future updates.
    • Microsoft adds reusable skills and finance data connectors to Copilot in Excel by Karthik Mudaliar Microsoft is giving Copilot in Excel a collection of new features aimed squarely at finance teams. The update introduces reusable instructions for common tasks, connections to services such as FactSet and Morningstar, and a better way to review what Copilot intends to do before it starts changing a workbook. The most interesting addition is 'Skills' finally coming to Copilot in Excel. Skills let companies teach Copilot how to handle a recurring process, so employees do not need to write the same detailed prompt every month. Users can create skills that can specify the steps Copilot should follow, along with the required layout, formulas, and formatting. Microsoft says users can create their own skills by saving a SKILL.md file in OneDrive. The file is written using Markdown and tells Copilot when and how to perform the task. Once it is available, a user can select the skill in the Copilot pane or mention it in a prompt using the @ symbol. There is also a library of prebuilt finance skills for customers who do not want to create their own. Microsoft plans to let developers distribute additional skills through the Microsoft Marketplace and the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, with LSEG, Ramp, Rogo, samaya.ai, Velixo, and Vena among the first partners involved. The company says that it is also expanding the external data that Copilot can access from inside Excel. New connectors are being added for CB Insights, Daloopa, FactSet, Morningstar, PitchBook, and S&P Global data through technology developed by Kensho. There is a catch, however. Accessing these services may require a separate subscription from the relevant data provider, so a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence will not necessarily unlock all of them. FactSet is also only available in preview for now, with general availability planned for July. Microsoft is also trying to make Copilot’s workbook edits easier to inspect. Users can switch to a planning mode that shows which sheets, cell ranges, formulas, and assumptions Copilot intends to work with before it begins making changes. Once the work is complete, the Show Changes pane can distinguish edits made by Copilot from those made by human collaborators. The update continues Microsoft’s push to turn Excel Copilot from a chatbot into an agent that can carry out longer tasks. The company previously added an Agent Mode capable of planning and completing multi-step Excel work. Microsoft also recently acquired financial AI startup Fintool, another indication that finance is becoming a key target for its Excel AI strategy. Prebuilt skills, personalization, workbook rules, external connectors, planning mode, and Copilot attribution in Show Changes are generally available to Microsoft 365 Copilot customers using Excel on the web, Windows, and macOS. Custom skills are initially available to Microsoft 365 Insiders on Windows and Mac starting today. Microsoft plans to make them generally available across Windows, Mac, and the web over the next month. Partner-built skills are expected during the third quarter of the year. Availability may still differ depending on region and licensing.
    • Exactly. They serve different (although related) purposes.
  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      kinowa earned a badge
      First Post
    • Rookie
      krychek57 went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Grand Master
      Jaybonaut went up a rank
      Grand Master
    • One Year In
      Philsl earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Dedicated
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Dedicated
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      438
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      169
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      134
    4. 4
      Xenon
      77
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      75
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!