Win 8 final: Would it be possible to restore start button?

Hi all,




As Microsoft has removed all the codes to prevent third party developers to create utilities/software to reenable the start button in Windows 8, I would like to know your opinions about that. After the release of the final verison of Windows 8, do you think the developers somehow would be able to recreate utilities/software to reenable the start menu button successfully or they would fail? Also would they be able to reenable Aero glass too? What you think?

I say yes.

People have been coding add-ons for Windows for 25 years, they won't let M$
stripping code out worry them, they'll simply code around it.

Actually, I see Win 8 being a bit of a gold-mine, in that respect.

Nope, only some third party apps might, like Classic Shell. But until then, Microsoft has been reportedly working in ripping ALL code that could re-enable it. The Start Screen is its replacement.

Coke Robot said:

Nope, only some third party apps might, like Classic Shell. But until then, Microsoft has been reportedly working in ripping ALL code that could re-enable it. The Start Screen is its replacement.

Click to expand...

What if they (third party developers) recode all ripped code by MS? Isn't that possible?

icet said:

Coke Robot said:

Nope, only some third party apps might, like Classic Shell. But until then, Microsoft has been reportedly working in ripping ALL code that could re-enable it. The Start Screen is its replacement.

Click to expand...

What if they (third party developers) recode all ripped code by MS? Isn't that possible?

Click to expand...

Theoretically yes. But I would imagine it would a MAJOR, MAJOR, PITA. It would need a hardcore programmer to do such. I bet the setup would be Windows 7 or Windows 8 Developer Preview, analyzing the registry for start menu references, and reverse engineering how the start menu works. Then, that person would need to compare that to Windows 8's registry and see what is missing. Next, it would take a lot of work to see if one can isolate the code needed for the start menu on 7 and test that, and if that works, try to splice that into 8 and see if that can work.

Simply put, if ALL the code for the start menu was gone, it would a TON of work for a little menu. The more logical solution if you need that is to use Windows 7, or even using Classic Shell to get something like that back on the Desktop.

Or, you can mold the Start Screen to your liking....whatever that blasphemy is....

Coke Robot,


What's your opinion about the following article. Do you think that there might be chances that the start button may be brought back after Windows 8 release?


How To Bring Back The Start Menu To Windows 8 | TechTree.com

icet said:

Coke Robot,


What's your opinion about the following article. Do you think that there might be chances that the start button may be brought back after Windows 8 release?


How To Bring Back The Start Menu To Windows 8 | TechTree.com

Click to expand...

Since that's a toolbar, I bet that will remain. That actually reminds me of Windows 95's start menu where it had a Programs list and a Files list and styled like that too. I've also tried the Stardock utility, not doing that.

But for an actual Start button that brings up a menu.....I highly doubt that will come. There will be people though that will code a shell for Windows 8 that mimics the Start button on the Taskbar. I bet it will be a pinned icon that you put on the Taskbar, and have the ability to move around. I would think THAT would be more likely than Microsoft putting in a Start button and menu.

Technically speaking, where the invisible Start icon in Windows 8 is, that isn't the actual Start button. Many people think it's gone forever, but if you pull up the system command bar, the Start button with it's new look is there. It just traversed a screen side. I was initially shocked, as many were, that the Start button was gone from the Taskbar and I was somewhat disappointed that I won't be clicking on at the new Start button. But with the Release Preview, it's SO much more easier to pull up the system command bar and click on the Start button. I've been using that ever since I took it upon myself to use that instead of the classic way. A new system means a bit of getting used to.