Okay, those who have been following the unending saga of my horrendous trials with Windows 8 now can rest assured WE HAVE A HAPPY ENDING!
One of my old online friends, Steve LeMaster (from Data Doctors) in Asheville, Ohio, told me about this new download that would RESTORE the entire look and feel of Windows 7, so that, at the very least, the computer would be USABLE again. Needless to say, I was skeptical.
My biggest fear was that it would be a cosmetic overlay of some parts, but still leave me with the stupid, idiotic login screen every time I would step away from the computer for too long. What was wrong with the Start Menu, anyway?
Well, he suggested Ninite. I had trouble finding the right app at first, as it was buried way down in the “Utilities” Section. I’m providing a direct link right here, though, so you don’t have to hunt for it. At first glance, it didn’t seem very compatible with what I was expecting, but after having lost nearly 100 hours of billable time dealing with the Windows 8 “learning curve”, I had absolutely nothing left to lose.

From a half mile away you could probably hear me from the front porch of my studio, yelling at the top of my lungs, “IT WORKED!“ It didn’t just work, it worked GREAT! I now have my choice of which Windows Start Menu version I want, as well as… get ready for it….
NO MORE STUPID LOGIN SCREEN!
Yes, when I turn on my computer, it turns on now! It doesn’t ask me stupid questions about my personal life! The only noticeable change from the old system is that it uses the new, ugly 4-square windows logo for the Start icon. That’s it. Simply wonderful. You could probably hear me from the front porch of my studio, yelling at the top of my lungs, “IT WORKED!”
So, special shout out to Steve, again. You are a friend, indeed.
Cheers,
Anthony Sakovich