XP is (unfortunately) about to die (Microsoft is going to stop support it in a few month time) and for sure Windows7/8 turned out to be far superior as OS, except for one aspect: the Start Menu Skin.

So a tool like this GAOTD is a GODsend for geeks like me who use Windows7/8 but at the same time want to recreate the old XP start menu format.

In fact with this tool you can personalize the Start menu skin, groups and programs and even insert the Start button in Windows 8
You can also create so called "virtual groups" to include or exclude programs for each group of your choice (e.g. system, graphics, games, movies etc..) and even edit the existing ones.

In this new version the developer has added a cool feature, which enables you to assign a primary program to any folder, so as to start it automatically by simply clicking over the folder.

2 Thumbs UP from me!

BEST FREE ALTERNATIVES (and probably even BETTER than this GAOTD with regards to Windows8 users)

http://www.handystartmenu.com/handy_start_menu_overview.php
https://code.google.com/p/power8 (==> Can block Metro Features)
http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php (==> Windows 8 users only)

Giovanni  –  9 years ago  –  Ritieni questo commento utile? sì | no (+109)

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Pros
*Allows users to customize the menu adding any folder, file, program, etc.
*Supports ‘Virtual Groups’
*Completely replaces the Start Menu, so using the Windows key brings up Start Menu X instead of default Start Menu
*For Windows 8/8.1: Adds a Start Menu, and has the ability to automatically skip Start Screen upon Windows 8 boot
*Allows users to skin Start Menu X.

Cons
*Nothing too major

Free Alternatives
Start Menu Reviver
Classic Shell
Vistart

Final Verdict
Click here for final verdict and full review

Ashraf  –  9 years ago  –  Ritieni questo commento utile? sì | no (+87)

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Check out the latest CLASSIC SHELL,
not only is it FREEWARE,but also open-source.
Highly customizable, and supports Windows 8.x fully!

http://www.classicshell.net/

Slaikka  –  9 years ago  –  Ritieni questo commento utile? sì | no (+51)

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I do already have a commercial licence for this and its nice to have the classic menu back. The windows menu has never been any good since Windows 98, which was always the simplest and best.

However, the brilliant and free Classic Shell, kind of makes this software redundant: http://www.classicshell.net/

Faye Davies  –  9 years ago  –  Ritieni questo commento utile? sì | no (+44)

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For years I've used a start menu I manually organise into folders (Office, Games, Multimedia, Utilities...). I've customised the icons for these subfolders.

When I then run StartmenuX, I note:
1. The folders are present, but the icons for some have been changed.
2. The folders and shortcuts are simply arranged alphabetically, so it is now actually hard to navigate rationally as folders and shortcuts are mixed, and of course some icons changed.
3. Large menus have a slider at the bottom so you can see the rest of the menu, which requires click and drag.

By contrast, Aston Menu is completely compatible.
1. Folders have the appropriate icon
2. Under Programs, folders are listed first
3. Large menus can be viewed merely by moving the mouse.. no extra click to activate the slider.

David  –  9 years ago  –  Ritieni questo commento utile? sì | no (+44)

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