How to modify Vista Dialogs to look more like XP?

[DudeBoyz]

I notice that in the dialogs in Vista, there is an address bar at
the very top and a strip of "buttons" underneath that where the
text is to the right of the icons (Organize, Views, System
Properties, etc.)

I found out how to enable the standard FILE MENU "bar", but I
cannot seem to find out how to make that standard menu appear at
the Top of the dialog. That would be my first goal.

Next, I would like to be able to move the address bar below that
"button bar" (with Organize, Views, etc).

I would also like to be able to turn both the Button Bar and the
Address Bar off for some dialogs (like a folder that contains
shortcuts to my games, for example.)

If someone could take the time to help get me started in the
right direction, provide some links and info, etc. I would
appreciate it.

Thank you.

 

[Tyro]

Don't use Windows Vista, use Windows XP.

 

[DudeBoyz]

Don't use Windows Vista, use Windows XP.

Well there ya go. That's a nice, simple, short answer.

Thanks

 

[Tyro]

I should also point out that if you play with the advanced options in that
window, there is no undo! So, keep track of what you change if you want to
undo what you did. Another way is to make a restore point before changing
anything. Then you can get back to the way it was before you started playing
with it.

Tyro

 

[DudeBoyz]

Very good info. Thank you.

I'll try doing a Norton Ghost 2003 or Acronis 2009 image before I
go poking around.

One thing that I'm really having trouble with is how the dialogs
are so completely different. Not just the address bar at the
top, and that wacky green "sorta button bar" but the fact that I
can't even turn off the parts I don't want to see in that folder
like I can in XP.

I wish I could go to the VIEW menu and toggle off the:

Standard button bar
Address bar
Status bar

type of stuff like XP allows for. Vista's gonna take a lot of
time for me to adjust to, I think.

Thanks again - very much. The more knowledge I can gain, the
less freaked I'll be when I do make the move to Vista.

 

[Tyro]

No need to use 3rd party software. Just manually create a restore point.
Click Start. Click Control Panel. Click System and Maintenance. Click
System. In the left panel click System protection. In the System Properties
window, on the System Protection tab, click Create at the bottom of the
window.

Tyro

 

[DudeBoyz]

Good to know. And it sounds easier too. Thanks.

 

[Tyro]

I should also have pointed out that Vista automatically creates a restore
point every 24 hours.

Tyro

 

[Tyro]

And Vista creates a restore point prior to major system changes such as
installing programs and drivers, etc.

Tyro