Windows 7 explorer for Windows 8

[Noir Angel]

Most of those issues have been fixed. As you can see from my screenshots, the "open with" dialogue works fine, and the network management panel still works

[Andrea Borman]

Tihiy wrote-

Yes. This is definitely not for average user yet. I'm sorry if it confuses people.

Andrea Borman asked-

Where did you find this software anyway Tihiy?

Tihiy said-

I made it.

Well may I suggest that Tihiy make a detailed video showing EXACTLY what his software does. As proof that it does not break or damage Windows 8.

Because if we were to use this software to disable the Metro theme and it broke Windows. We would then have to reinstall Windows.And I and other Windows users would not be happy about that.

So I think Tihiy is being irresponsible releasing this software to the public. Because other Windows users will think that it is safe. But when they use it it could well break Windows.

So unless Tihiy who made this software is sure that it is absolutely safe,he should remove it from the Internet now. Before someone who does not know what they are doing downloads this and breaks their computer. Andrea Borman.

[Dot Matrix]

I like this hack, maybe desktop manufacturers will see that it can be done know and include it as an option in their desktop range...

Not gonna happen if they wish to continue selling desktop machines. Microsoft would come down on them like a bag of hammers.

If all you wanna do is cling to Windows 7, why are you wasting time with this?

[Detection]

Works well, I just patched my 8 install in vmware and it has made it the 8 with start menu we were looking for, apart from a few things not working fully, for general use it works

Given time and tweaking, it could be the solution Metro haters are looking for

[Andrea Borman]

Well I tested this so called software out on my other netbook. And when I extracted the zip file to the desktop and ran it. All I got was a command prompt Window saying" cannot find Explorer exe." And nothing happened. It did not disable the Metro theme and the Metro theme is still there and my computer is still working.

But just now when I had a look again at Tihiy's instructions he says-

Tihiy wrote-

Installation: grab c:\windows\explorer.exe and c:\windows\en-us\explorer.exe.mui from windows 7 system or installation CD (with 7-zip). It must be 32-bit version (if it's 64-bit, grab files from SysWOW64 dir). You can use Windows 7 files from same language build or en-US build.

Extract them to directory like "c:\explorer7". Extact attached archive to that directory too. It should look like this:

C:\explorer7\explorer.exe

C:\explorer7\en-US\explorer.exe.mui

C:\explorer7\patchex7.exe

C:\explorer7\wrp32.dll

Launch patchex7.exe. It will patch windows 7 explorer.exe. Then choose "7" to set it as default shell in registry, terminate current explorer.exe and log you off.

After log-on you should see Windows 7 desktop.

To uninstall, launch patchex7.exe again, choose "8" to reset shell to default explorer.exe in registry.

So that's it. Tihiy did not put the shell files from Windows 7 in his patcher. The software is just a command prompt and you have to find the right shell files in Windows 7 and copy it into the patcher exe.

But tell me who is going to do that? And how many people are going to know exactly what files to copy? And also we are talking about going into shell files on Windows 7, that are most probably hidden files anyway.

The answer is not many people. So I think we should forget about this software. And just stick to Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or Vi Start. Or another start menu software. True,they don't disable the Metro theme. What they do is give you a start button and Windows 7 start menu on top of the Metro theme.

But as I said before,once you've got one of these software's installed,most of them boot straight to the desktop now. Skipping the Metro start screen. So if you have Classic Shell or another start menu software installed,you don't know that the Metro theme is there.

As the Windows 7 start menu in Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or other start menu program you installed. It takes over all of the start menu functions and does exactly what the real Windows 7 and Windows XP start menu does.So you don't have to deal with the Metro start menu. Andrea Borman.

[Som]

Not gonna happen if they wish to continue selling desktop machines. Microsoft would come down on them like a bag of hammers.

If all you wanna do is cling to Windows 7, why are you wasting time with this?

sigh....hello dot matrix, nice new profile pic :p.... as usual you only quote the bits you want others to read to right your argument... i like every part of windows 8 except the metro ui,.... all i'm saying is it would be nice to have options and if Metro is so great like you keep saying it is they why do you have to argue the point so much?

[Detection]

Well I tested this so called software out on my other netbook. And when I extracted the zip file to the desktop and ran it. All I got was a command prompt Window saying" cannot find Explorer exe." And nothing happen. It did not disable the Metro theme and the Metro theme is still there and m computer is still working.

But just now when I had a look again at Tihiy's instructions he says-

So that's it. Tihiy did not put the shell files from Windows 7 in his patcher. The software is just a command prompt and you have to find the right shell files in Windows 7 and copy it into the patcher exe.

But tell me who is going to do that? And how many people are going to know exactly what files to copy? And also we are talking about going into shell files on Windows 7 that are most probably hidden files anyway.

The answer is not many people. So I think we should forget about this software. And just stick to Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or Vi Start. Or another start menu software. True,they don't disable the Metro theme. What they do is give you a start button and Windows 7 start menu on top of the Metro theme.

But as I said before,once you've got one of these software's installed,most of them boot straight to the desktop now. Skipping the Metro start screen. So if you have Classic Shell or another start menu software installed,you don't know that the Metro theme is there.

As the Windows 7 start menu in Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or other start menu program you installed. It takes over all of the start menu functions and does exactly what the real Windows 7 and Windows XP start menu does.So you don't have to deal with the Metro start menu. Andrea Borman.

If you actually READ THE FIRST LINE you would see you need to copy your own files into the patcher folder :s

[Dot Matrix]

sigh....hello dot matrix, nice new profile pic :p.... as usual you only quote the bits you want others to read to right your argument... i like every part of windows 8 except the metro ui,.... all i'm saying is it would be nice to have options and if Metro is so great like you keep saying it is they why do you have to argue the point so much?

Yes, but for something that that transforms Windows 8 into a bonafide Windows 7. This is a waste of time, because it strips all the desktop features right out. If you're that keen on sticking with Windows 7, just use Windows 7.

[Detection]

Yes, but for something that that transforms Windows 8 into a bonafide Windows 7. This is a waste of time, because it strips all the desktop features right out.

There is way more to Windows 8 than Metro, killing Metro and adding 7's start menu back does not turn 8 into 7

8 has many improvements over 7, and even with this patch you still keep things like the new task manager and copy dialogues, not to mention all the brand new code under the hood

Killing Metro and replacing 7's start menu is only aesthetic, personal choice much like a theme or a wallpaper, everything else is new and improved, so 8 is not 7 when you kill Metro

[Andrea Borman]

If you actually READ THE FIRST LINE you would see you need to copy your own files into the patcher folder

Yes I know that now.

But with other software like Ribbon Disabler from Winaero,here-http://winaero.com/comment.php?comment.news.20

You just open the file and run it. And it disables the ribbon,you don't have to provide your own shell files from Windows 7. As you don't with other Windows 8 software.

So does this person really know what he is doing giving out this software?

He does not sound like a software developer to me. Andrea Borman.

[Noir Angel]

Well may I suggest that Tihiy make a detailed video showing EXACTLY what his software does. As proof that it does not break or damage Windows 8.

Because if we were to use this software to disable the Metro theme and it broke Windows. We would then have to reinstall Windows.And I and other Windows users would not be happy about that.

So I think Tihiy is being irresponsible releasing this software to the public. Because other Windows users will think that it is safe. But when they use it it could well break Windows.

So unless Tihiy who made this software is sure that it is absolutely safe,he should remove it from the Internet now. Before someone who does not know what they are doing downloads this and breaks their computer. Andrea Borman.

It doesn't break Windows, there's no possible way it could. It makes one registry change which can easily be reverted by simply running the patch again

If all you wanna do is cling to Windows 7, why are you wasting time with this?

Performance improvements without ugly crapware, maybe?

Well I tested this so called software out on my other netbook. And when I extracted the zip file to the desktop and ran it. All I got was a command prompt Window saying" cannot find Explorer exe." And nothing happened. It did not disable the Metro theme and the Metro theme is still there and my computer is still working.

But just now when I had a look again at Tihiy's instructions he says-

So that's it. Tihiy did not put the shell files from Windows 7 in his patcher. The software is just a command prompt and you have to find the right shell files in Windows 7 and copy it into the patcher exe.

But tell me who is going to do that? And how many people are going to know exactly what files to copy? And also we are talking about going into shell files on Windows 7, that are most probably hidden files anyway.

The answer is not many people. So I think we should forget about this software. And just stick to Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or Vi Start. Or another start menu software. True,they don't disable the Metro theme. What they do is give you a start button and Windows 7 start menu on top of the Metro theme.

But as I said before,once you've got one of these software's installed,most of them boot straight to the desktop now. Skipping the Metro start screen. So if you have Classic Shell or another start menu software installed,you don't know that the Metro theme is there.

As the Windows 7 start menu in Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or other start menu program you installed. It takes over all of the start menu functions and does exactly what the real Windows 7 and Windows XP start menu does.So you don't have to deal with the Metro start menu. Andrea Borman.

Well evidently you did something incorrectly because it's remarkably simple to do, just grab those files from a Windows 7 install, put them in the folder with the patcher, and run the patcher. The maker of the patch cannot distribute binary files from Windows, it would bring him legal trouble.

Yes, but for something that that transforms Windows 8 into a bonafide Windows 7. This is a waste of time, because it strips all the desktop features right out. If you're that keen on sticking with Windows 7, just use Windows 7.

No it doesn't, it just strips Metro out. The open with dialogue still works, the explorer ribbon works, the language input indicator is the only thing that doesn't yet and that's not really a big deal.

[wasd-]

omg Andrea you repeat the same all the time, you get commission from Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or Vi Start?

This is a BETA and he said

THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS" AND I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING

And he listed the faults and bugs. You think people who dont know much about this is gonna test it? And if they do, WHO CARES?

[Detection]

Yes I know that now.

But with other software like Ribbon Disabler from Winaero,here-http://winaero.com/c...comment.news.20

You just open the file and run it. And it disables the ribbon,you don't have to provide your own shell files from Windows 7. As you don't with other Windows 8 software.

So does this person really know what he is doing giving out this software?

He does not sound like a software developer to me. Andrea Borman.

What has a ribbon disabler got to do with a Metro disabler ?

You just stick with your classic shell, we'll use the software that really disables Metro

[Jose_49]

Incredible, incredible, incredible.

I know why now MS gives a **** if people like Metro or not. I know now why people say, that people will complain anyways.

FOR CHRIST SAKE, it is a great approach on running the ORIGINAL Windows 7 taskbar, and the only thing this guy takes is bashing (and a few praises).

I'm here to tell you not to listen this people and keep doing your work. There are people out there who really appreciate what you are currently doing, but do not know about it yet.

If being complex is an issue, just give it some time, and he (if not somebody else) will make the process better.

This may dwindle a little bit the Metro bashing.

Oh, BTW... thanks

[Noir Angel]

omg Andrea you repeat the same all the time, you get commission from Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or Vi Start?

This is a BETA and he said

THIS PROGRAM IS PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS" AND I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING

And he listed the faults and bugs. You think people who dont know much about this is gonna test it? And if they do, WHO CARES?

I haven't installed Windows 8 on real hardware yet, only in a VM, but this solution to me is better than any of those others, it actually completely bypasses Metro, whilst preserving the best parts of the Windows 8 experience. The best solution yet for my liking.

[Detection]

I haven't installed Windows 8 on real hardware yet, only in a VM, but this solution to me is better than any of those others, it actually completely bypasses Metro, whilst preserving the best parts of the Windows 8 experience. The best solution yet for my liking.

This is an amazing solution, and for such an early release it has next to no bad side effects, and none that are a show stopper

@ OP keep on with this project, ignore the trolls, and fingers crossed MS don't make a last minute code change to block it

[Noir Angel]

This is an amazing solution, and for such an early release it has next to no bad side effects, and none that are a show stopper

@ OP keep on with this project, ignore the trolls, and fingers crossed MS don't make a last minute code change to block it

Echo that, I hope he doesn't let the Metro shills on this forum put him off.

[wasd-]

The best part is that she warns to people who dont know much when even she knows how to install it following the steps

The answer is not many people. So I think we should forget about this software. And just stick to Classic Shell,Start Menu 7 or Vi Start.

Forget you this software and this post, please

[Andrea Borman]

What has a ribbon disabler got to do with a Metro disabler ?

You just stick with your classic shell, we'll use the software that really disables Metro

When I was using Windows 8 Developers Preview I did disable the Metro theme,with the registry edit. But Microsoft removed this option in Windows 8 Consumer Preview and Windows 8 Release Preview.

And if it was still possible I would disable the Metro theme as I am not using the Metro start menu. And I also think the Metro theme slows things down. Windows 8 is not as fast as Windows 7 anyway.

What Microsoft should have done is left it like it was in Windows 8 DP. So we could have disabled the Metro theme with the registry edit or Metro Disabler. But Microsoft have removed this option in Windows 8 CP and Windows 8 RP.

But if I had my choice I would disable the Metro theme.

And I am using Classic Shell because I like the Windows XP start menu and start button. That you don't even get on Windows 7.

And on Windows 8 the Metro start menu is inadequate for mine and most peoples needs.Using the Windows 7 or Windows XP start menu makes things easier. Andrea Borman.

[thechronic]

Good effort, may try it just to try it at some point. Thanks smelly!

[Detection]

When I was using Windows 8 Developers Preview I did disable the Metro theme,with the registry edit. But Microsoft removed this option in Windows 8 Consumer Preview and Windows 8 Release Preview.

And if it was still possible I would disable the Metro theme as I am not using the Metro start menu. And I also think the Metro theme slows things down. Windows 8 is not as fast as Windows 7 anyway.

What Microsoft should have done is left it like it was in Windows 8 DP. So we could have disabled the Metro theme with the registry edit or Metro Disabler. But Microsoft have removed this option in Windows 8 CP and Windows 8 RP.

But if I had my choice I would disable the Metro theme.

And I am using Classic Shell because I like the Windows XP start menu and start button. That you don't even get on Windows 7.

And on Windows 8 the Metro start menu is inadequate for mine and most peoples needs.Using the Windows 7 or Windows XP start menu makes things easier. Andrea Borman.

You are saying if you could disable Metro, you would, in a thread specifically detailing how to do just that ?

[Andrea Borman]

You are saying if you could disable Metro, you would, in a thread specifically detailing how to do just that ?

But that's just it. This software does not disable Metro just like that. You have to provide your own files. Why should we have to do that?What about users who don't have Windows 7?What do they do?

Surly if an app claims to disable the Metro theme or do something else,it should just do it. The files should be included in the software. Just like it is in Ribbon Disabler and start button changers.

So it seems this software was made by an amateur. If not then why doesn't the software maker provide the shell files for us in the software? Andrea Borman.

[Detection]

But that's just it. This software does not disable Metro just like that. You have to provide your own files. Why should we have to do that?What about users who don't have Windows 7?What do they do?

Surly if an app claims to disable the Metro theme or do something else,it should just do it. The files should be included in the software. Just like it is in Ribbon Disabler and start button changers.

So it seems this software was made by an amateur. If not then why doesn't the software maker provide the shell files for us in the software? Andrea Borman.

Did you pay the guy for his hard work ?

Were you forced into using it ?

If you are too technically challenged to read instructions or to follow them, don't use it.

I would hate to try selling you a car, "But the petrol doesn't automatically appear in the tank, I have to put it in myself, I don't want it" :argh:

[Andrea Borman]

Did you pay the guy for his hard work ?

Were you forced into using it ?

If you are too technically challenged to read instructions or to follow them, don't use it.

I would hate to try selling you a car, "But the petrol doesn't automatically appear in the tank, I have to put it in myself, I don't want it"

i don't think this man is getting paid for putting his software out on the web.

But software is different from a car.

How would you feel if Classic Shell or Start Menu 7 said it would give you a Windows 7 or Windows XP start menu? But you had to provide your own Windows 7 and Windows XP shell files to made it work?Most people would not use it. It's the same thing. Andrea Borman.

[Detection]

i don't think this man is getting paid for putting his software out on the web.

But software is different from a car.

How would you feel if Classic Shell or Start Menu 7 said it would give you a Windows 7 or Windows XP start menu? But you had to provide your own Windows 7 and Windows XP shell files to made it work?Most people would not use it. It's the same thing. Andrea Borman.

Exactly, he is not getting paid, so show him some respect.

How would I feel? I would feel exactly the same as I do about this software, the INSTRUCTIONS are clearly stated BEFORE you download it.

I wouldn't download it if I didn't know how to use it.

Just because you wish he included more files does not mean there is anything wrong with it.

To be perfectly honest, NOT including explorer or explorer mui is the better way to do it, it leaves less for people to worry about malware being included in it.

Plus, he would have to include x64 and x86 files and more unnecessary instructions. Lot of effort for no reason, anyone with half a brain can find a copy of those files in a few minutes and anyone who can't shouldn't be playing with it (Hint hint)

I wish they forced people to earn a license before being allowed online