Windows 8.1 To Earlier Version

[gettinblurry]

Due to panicking over the 'death' of XP (well, his PC was also pretty knackered), a while back my dad bought a new laptop with Windows 8.1 installed. In his prime he was a pretty smart cookie, but now he's in his mid eighties he's slightly less on the ball & it appears he's given up with it cos he can't get on with 8.1.
I've read that it’s possible to give 8.1 a makeover to look like Windows 7 & thought this might make things easier for him, being 'less different' than 8.1.
I wondered if anyone on here had experience of doing this? A quick google suggests 'Classic Shell' might be worth a try, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[ivor4781]

hope this helps
http://www.wpcentral.com/make-windows-81-more-windows-7

[galeck1947]

Another good program to use and is free called Start Menu 8 I have used this on a friends laptop and it made a lot easier to use it is well worth a try.

[gettinblurry]

Thanks both. I'm seeing him later, hopefully I won't end up buying him a new (old!) computer...

[janbee]

I had to get a new lappy last month. I had windows XP and liked it and was DREADING getting 8 or 8.1. My neighbour, who is a computer GENIUS, managed to allay my fears and has it now all set up for me to run in a very similar fashion to XP. He says he can do it to run like Vista, XP or 7. He got rid of all those horrible tile things for starters. I wish your Dad luck with it. Yes, it can be done so get it set up to run like XP and there will be no problems. xx