How do I toggle Windows XP's new menu mode and Classic Start menu mode?

John Savill

August 8, 2001

1 Min Read
ITPro Today logo

A. Windows XP has a new Start menu mode. However, the old Classic Start menu mode is still available. To toggle between these two modes, perform the following steps:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Properties.

  2. Select either "Start menu" for the new format or "Classic Start menu."
    Click here to view image

  3. Click OK.

You can also use the Registry to toggle the menu modes, but this procedure can get tricky. To use the registry to set the menu mode, perform the following steps:

  1. Start the registry editor (regedit.exe).

  2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer.

  3. Double-click ShellState.

  4. Modify byte 32 from 00 to 02 for the new XP Start menu mode or vice versa for the Classic Start menu mode.


    to

  5. Click OK.

  6. Close the registry editor.

  7. Log off and log on to your system for the change to take effect; alternatively, terminate and recreate the Windows Explorer task.

About the Author(s)

Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.

You May Also Like