To fix some nits:

===== Desktop =====
Right click desktop | personalize
  * enable transparency -> off (maybe)
  * sounds - start navigation - none (kills that annoying click every time you open a folder)
  * color, wallpaper, etc.

===== Explorer =====
  * Hit alt to show the menu
  * view | details
  * view | status bar
  * tools | folder options
    * general tab
      * navigation pane
        * show all folders -> on
        * automatically expand to current folder -> on
    * view tab
      * always show menus -> on
      * display the full path in the title bar -> on
      * show hidden files, folders, and drives -> on (if you want)
      * hide extensions for known file types -> off
      * show preview handlers in preview pane -> off (maybe)

===== delete instead of recycle =====
right click recycle bin | properties
  * don't move files to the recycle bin -> enable (maybe)

===== system properties =====
win+pause/break to get to system properties
  * "advanced system settings" on the left to get to the REAL system properties
    * advanced tab
      * performance | setttings | turn off candy as desired
      * startup and recovery | settings | automatically restart -> off


===== enable auto login =====
  - Click Start, click Run, and type "control userpasswords2". This is a shortcut instead of having to click on Start -> Control Panel -> User Accounts.
  - Uncheck the "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" check box.
  - Click Apply.
  - Enter the user name and password you wish to automatically log on with, and then click OK.
  - Click OK again and you're all done. 
(from http://8help.osu.edu/2063.html)

===== show keyboard shortcut underlines =====
  - Start, type "ease", select 'Ease of Access Center'.
  - Click 'Make the keyboard easier to use'.
  - Tick ‘Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys’

===== Default explorer to My Computer =====
If you don't want to see the libraries every time you open explorer, change the shortcut to:
  %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe ,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
  
===== Kill Windows 10 Upgrade message =====
Install "[[http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/|GWX Control Panel]]" and have it disable the "Get Windows 10" crap. Alternately, uninstall and disable update KB3035583.


===== 3D Bronze cursor theme =====
{{ :hightlighted.png?|}}
If you are a crazy person and want the 3D bronze cursors from Windows XP:
  - Extract [[http://dsss.be/f/dat/3DCursors.zip|this file]] somewhere
  - Start | "mouse" | Pointers tab
  - Save a new profile "3D Bronze"
  - For each cursor in the ZIP, change the corresponding entry to it