Decrapping Windows Vista
If you thought default XP was dumb, you're in for a world of hurt in Vista. Let's see what we can do.
All steps in this guide are optional and make Vista act like 2k/XP as much as possible. Pick and choose the changes that suit you.
In case you were wondering, Tiny Personal Firewall 2 does not work on Vista.
Welcome Center
OH MY GOD WELCOME TO VISTA HERE ARE 500 USELESS BUTTONS NOBODY WANTS
Right click sidebar, close
Right click the sidebar icon in system tray (which should have a "help" bubble now), Exit
In dialog, uncheck "Start sidebar when Windows starts"; "Exit sidebar"
Explorer & Control panel
Disable UAC
This, like all steps in this document, is optional; you can leave UAC on if you like the added security.
Disable security complaints
Start | Control panel | Security Center (or click one of the complaints)
"Change the way Security Center alerts me" on the left
"Don't notify me and don't display the icon"
System properties
Desktop
Right click the desktop, "Personalize"
"Window Color and Appearance"
"Effects" button
Set font smoothing: "ClearType" for LCDs, "Standard" for CRTs
"Show window contents while dragging" → On
"Desktop background"; whatever
"Sound"
"Mouse", "Pointers" tab, → "3D-Bronze" (or whatever)
"Display Settings"; whatever
"Easy of Access" (in the lower-left corner)
Recycle bin
Internet Explorer
Auto login
Start | Run | "control userpasswords2".
"Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" → Off.
OK
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)
Services
Error reporting
Control Panel (classic) | Problem Reports and Solutions
"Change Settings" on left
"Advanced settings"
Click the "Change setting" button undeer "For all users and programs, problem reporting is set to"
"Off", OK, OK, OK
Disable AutoPlay
Install Firefox