[WIN7] How To Make it Like XP

[Rigby]

I really hate it when people go ape over someone else's personal opinion. If someone likes the XP UI let them. It's like ranting at someone because they don't like the same music you do.

[zhangm Supervisor]

I don't understand how anyone can live with UAC on. It's on for about the first 5 minutes of my clean install of Windows 7, and it nags me anytime I do anything.

That's just lame. I've lived without it in the past, and I sure as hell don't need it now.

I'm wondering what you do all day long to trigger UAC.

Do you install and uninstall software several times a day?

Do you update and delete hardware drivers several times a day?

Do you edit system files several times a day?

Do you edit the registry several times a day?

Do you cancel updates in progress several times a day?

I've had UAC on ever since Vista was released, and after initially setting up the computer, I hardly get any prompts at all. Obviously, some people use software that was written for the 90's admin-centric way of computing, but most modern software that I use correctly writes temporary files and program settings into the user profile rather than the installation directory.

[BoneyardBrew Member]

You are doing something seriously wrong then, only time it "nags" me is when i install something, oh noes i've gotta click yes holy crap thats soooo bad

Yup, installing Window and changing some settings to my personal preference or installing a program at my own will is soooo wrong.

I don't see why there is any reason to just add a nagging screen to everything I do. I'm a responsible PC user and haven't had a virus or anything of the like since I started using a computer. Should those who prance around on suspicious sites keep it on? Sure.

In fact, I have 5 PCs in this very room that have it disabled and haven't run into a single problem with any of them. I don't need someone else telling me what I need to do to keep my own PC safe, thank you very much.

[+Warwagon MVC]

I don't understand how anyone can live with UAC on. It's on for about the first 5 minutes of my clean install of Windows 7, and it nags me anytime I do anything.

That's just lame. I've lived without it in the past, and I sure as hell don't need it now.

I personally feel safer with it on, but that's just me.

[Xilo]

I really hate it when people go ape over someone else's personal opinion. If someone likes the XP UI let them. It's like ranting at someone because they don't like the same music you do.

No, it's when someone disables almost everything that makes it worthwhile to upgrade. Why in the world would you bother to upgrade if you're just going to disable everything?

It's like buying a new 30" monitor to replace your 17" monitor but change the resolution back down to 1024x768.

[hdood]

My friend was like that with her new computer. I cringe whenever I see peoeple doing things the old way:

A lot of people here insist on doing this, but fail to realize that it's actually fairly difficult for those that have little computer knowledge. They find it easier to just click on something. Of course this shouldn't really apply to most people here.

When the icon is easily accessible, I prefer to click. Sadly this is made more difficult by so many programs incorrectly place their shortcut in subfolders on the start menu. Annoying and reduces mouse usability.

[Fubar]

Yup, installing Window and changing some settings to my personal preference or installing a program at my own will is soooo wrong.

I don't see why there is any reason to just add a nagging screen to everything I do. I'm a responsible PC user and haven't had a virus or anything of the like since I started using a computer. Should those who prance around on suspicious sites keep it on? Sure.

In fact, I have 5 PCs in this very room that have it disabled and haven't run into a single problem with any of them. I don't need someone else telling me what I need to do to keep my own PC safe, thank you very much.

You clearly have no idea what UAC does then.

[Roger H. Veteran]

I don't understand how anyone can live with UAC on. It's on for about the first 5 minutes of my clean install of Windows 7, and it nags me anytime I do anything.

That's just lame. I've lived without it in the past, and I sure as hell don't need it now.

EXACTLY!!! It doesn't bother you after you've setup Windows and it doesn't bother much at all. Ok so let's see what I do after a fresh install of Windows:

- Install drivers saved locally (most updated drivers downloaded before clean install) - UAC Obviously.

- download Windows Updates - No UAC

- download and/or install Apps - Some UAC depending.

Point is after the stuff is all set up - note - more than 5 minutes later - it doesn't bother you anymore. I use Windows 7 daily and i can't remember when was the last time i saw a UAC prompt. It's definitely not as busy like in Vista days (good thing).

[BoneyardBrew Member]

I'm wondering what you do all day long to trigger UAC.

Do you install and uninstall software several times a day?

Do you update and delete hardware drivers several times a day?

Do you edit system files several times a day?

Do you edit the registry several times a day?

Do you cancel updates in progress several times a day?

I've had UAC on ever since Vista was released, and after initially setting up the computer, I hardly get any prompts at all. Obviously, some people use software that was written for the 90's admin-centric way of computing, but most modern software that I use correctly writes temporary files and program settings into the user profile rather than the installation directory.

UAC is triggered even when you change basic system settings, which is very irritating.

I don't install software daily, but I do have a ton of programs that end up installed over time; games, Microsoft Office, internet browsers and programs from the Adobe suite. I install these on an as-needed basis.

I update my sound and video drivers when a new version is available as well.

I don't believe there is a solid reason to keep it enabled on a well protected PC. I wonder how you lived without UAC when XP was the latest from Microsoft.

I personally feel safer with it on, but that's just me.

That's your personal preference, which is fine. I don't feel like I need it on, and I don't think others that feel the same should be attacked for it.

[briangw]

Can we please fix Credential Manager? I can't believe MS f'd that up by getting rid of Managed Passwords!!!!!

[BoneyardBrew Member]

From Microsoft:

User Account Control (UAC) is a feature in Windows that can help prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. UAC does this by asking you for permission or an administrator‌ password before performing actions that could potentially affect your computer's operation or that change settings that affect other users. When you see a UAC message, read it carefully, and then make sure the name of the action or program that's about to start is one that you intended to start.

You clearly have no idea what UAC does then.

How can you say that I have no clue what it does? I described when I see these messages, which coresponds to the situations Microsoft has enabled it to intrude upon. How you came to your conclusion is beyond me.

I find it unnecessary to enable on any of my systems. There is absolutely nothing anyone can say or do that will make me think otherwise.

[Roger H. Veteran]

UAC is triggered even when you change basic system settings, which is very irritating.

I don't install software daily, but I do have a ton of programs that end up installed over time; games, Microsoft Office, internet browsers and programs from the Adobe suite. I install these on an as-needed basis.

I update my sound and video drivers when a new version is available as well.

I don't believe there is a solid reason to keep it enabled on a well protected PC. I wonder how you lived without UAC when XP was the latest from Microsoft.

That's your personal preference, which is fine. I don't feel like I need it on, and I don't think others that feel the same should be attacked for it.

Which basic system settings change trigger UAC? In it's default config, any system change will show the UAC button on the OK button but it doesn't trigger a UAC prompt if you are logged in as Admin. Before in Vista, renaming the network connection from Local Area Connection to LAN always triggered UAC but now it just makes the change (unless you are a "Standard" user.

If you decided running the system as a Standard user and turning off UAC is the best setup then cool, apps that need admin privaleges however wont be able to run since they will just get denied.

[hdood]

I don't see why there is any reason to just add a nagging screen to everything I do.

Much of the reason for it being introduced was actually to force legitimate vendors to write software that runs correctly with limited rights, so that they could be used securely in a corporate setting.

For home users, it also gives you a warning that what you are doing could have consequences. As far as malware goes, it is of limited value and is dangerous to lean on. It can be bypassed by clever malware, and malware already has access to all your files and the network without needing administrator rights anyway. You still need to excercise care, and if you're not skilled, you still need anti-malware software.

I think you're exaggerating though. I would consider myself a fairly advanced user, and the UAC admin approval prompt doesn't bother me and doesn't apper that often.

[treemonster]

as far as the UAC thing, i have to agree with teh people that dislike it.

i have several games who's launchers(such as mmo's) require to be run in admin mode to work properly, or else they will not update the game or launch the game properly. i also have to run ventrilo in admin mode in xp sp3 compatibility mode for it to function properly in win 7(known issue). fraps also requires admin rights to run.

so there's at least 3 UAC prompts a day if i am gaming and want to be ready to record video, 2 at the very least.

i have a few other programs that require admin rights as well.

but the UAC prompt doesn't btoher me, and i am semi paranoid i will turn it off then become affected by something it was designed to prevent, despite my fairly good browsing habits. (i don't even click on shortened links)

[Kirkburn]

i have several games who's launchers(such as mmo's) require to be run in admin mode to work properly, or else they will not update the game or launch the game properly. i also have to run ventrilo in admin mode in xp sp3 compatibility mode for it to function properly in win 7(known issue). fraps also requires admin rights to run.

so there's at least 3 UAC prompts a day if i am gaming and want to be ready to record video, 2 at the very least.

i have a few other programs that require admin rights as well.

Then, tbh, those programs should be fixing their coding. It might not always be easy, and it is unfortunate that the end user feels the pain ... but it almost always needs to be done.

[treemonster]

Then, tbh, those programs should be fixing their coding.

i agree about the games, as not every mmo i have needs admin rights, but there's no getting around it for fraps. and vent badly needs an update(last time i checked when i first ran into the issue, iirc the current version is for like 07 or 08, though this issue is only in 7)

[honda]

I really hate it when people go ape over someone else's personal opinion.

Theres a difference between that and turning of UAC.

[BoneyardBrew Member]

Theres a difference between that and turning of UAC.

How so? Turning off UAC with the feeling that it is unnecessary is someone's personal opinion and choice.

Some of you guys are making it sound like it's illegal to turn the damn thing off. If Microsoft felt that it shouldn't be tampered with they wouldn't have given the option to disable it in the first place.

[Ji@nBing]

How so? Turning off UAC with the feeling that it is unnecessary is someone's personal opinion and choice.

Some of you guys are making it sound like it's illegal to turn the damn thing off. If Microsoft felt that it shouldn't be tampered with they wouldn't have given the option to disable it in the first place.

Because crybabies would have bitched and whined if they didn't.

[soldier1st]

If you want the XP UI then run XP itself but if i were you i would try to get used to the Windows 7 looks/ways. XP was good back in it's day but it slowly slowing down and can no longer keep up with todays demands.

[BoneyardBrew Member]

Because crybabies would have bitched and whined if they didn't.

Maybe it's because not every Windows user requires that level of protection.

You may need it, but someone else may not.

[Phixion]

Why is everyone bitching at the guy for choosing not to use UAC? I don't use UAC as I find it intrusive and a general PITA. I don't like it running in the background regardless of whether if notifies me or not.

It's like bitching at people for not running an anti-virus, I've never run anti-virus software and never will - I also can't remember the last time I got a virus... and best of all, if I do happen to get any issues I'd simply format. Formatting is not a big deal for me, it doesn't take me hours to do and I have a dedicated OS drive.

[Gocom]

UAC is actually pretty cool, but as hdood said, it's not a real security feature. The UAC itself doesn't really protect at all. It can be bypassed, and you really don't even know what is prompting you of what. Windows doesn't check what is loaded where and is the source modified since last run. Malware can still infect exectuables that you trust and know that they will make UAC prompts. The prompt can also be masked or faked, which can be used to steal the password or make you click the "OK" button.

But what's great about the prompts are, that they are shown to all users when the user doesn't have rights. It's an easy way to run something under adminstrator and makes using limited user account viable option. As for me, I like UAC for that, and the fact that it notifies me if a legimate setup is going to write something somewhere where I might not want it to.

[honda]

How so? Turning off UAC with the feeling that it is unnecessary is someone's personal opinion and choice.

Because you are basically saying "Yes, I wish to install every application I try to install"

Noone seems to understand the meaning of UAC.

BTW, if you run without UAC, then you must also run without antivirus, a firewall or antimalware correct?

[Ironman273]

Ahhh... this reminds me of the days after the XP launch when countless discontent individuals would rant for days about how ugly XP was, how a cartoon had thrown up on their monitors and to vow never to run it except in Windows Classic mode. What's old is new. Maybe you can show this thread to the next generation when they're trying to make Windows 9 (which looks horrible) feel like good ol' Windows 7.