Caution!
Making changes to your operating system can cause problems.
Backing up important data should be done periodically.

Enhance Windows' Look and Efficiency

1. Basic Windows Customizing

This section gives directions for Windows XP. Some of the directions may also work on other versions of Windows.
1. Close any Explorer windows and open the Control Panel (Start > Settings).
2. Click on "Show classic Control Panel".
3. View > Status Bar
4. View > List
5. Tools > Folder Options > General > "Use Windows classic folders" > View > Uncheck "Hide file extensions for know file types." > Apply > "Apply to All Folders" > OK
6. Load "Taskbar and Start Menu" > Uncheck "Group similar taskbar icons" > Customize "Hide inactive icons" (Show the icons you want shown and hide the icons you want hidden). > Start Menu > Classic Start Menu > Customize > Check all boxes except for "Scroll Programs" > OK

2. Create a Customized Taskbar Menu

1. Create a new directory in My Documents and name it using only one character.
2. Copy all of the shortcut icons that you use, into this directory.
3. Sort the shortcut icons into subdirectories to suite your collection of programs.
4. Right click the Taskbar. Choose Toolbar > New Toolbar > Choose the directory that you created.
5. Erase the shortcuts from your desktop and start using your Customized Taskbar Menu!

3. XPize

Install XPize which replaces most of the non-XP icons, avis and bmps that Microsoft has always overlooked.
XPize also contains UXTheme Multi-Patcher and TaskSwitchXP.
UXTheme Multi-Patcher lets you use third-party Windows visual styles.
You can download styles from Deviantart or Belchfire.
TaskSwitchXP is an excellent replacement for the system task-switcher (alt+tab).

4. Cursor XP

Install Cursor XP which enhances your mouse cursor.
Download our custom cursor Crystal Pure (an enhanced version of Crystal from WinCustomize).

For more Customization Freeware check out our Customization category.

Author Information:

Yotam Elal is the author of this article and the creator of ConciseFreeware.com.
More articles, freeware, online services and special sites are available at ConciseFreeware.com.