I have mixed feelings about the Windows 7 Start bar – sometimes it is really helpful and sometimes it’s a pain in the backside.

Anyway, if you don’t like the new chunky Start bar without the program text, here’s how to change it back to the traditional Windows Start bar.

• Right click on the Start bar and click Properties.
• On the Start Bar tab, tick the “Use small icons” tickbox.
• Then, on the Taskbar Buttons dropdown menu, select “Never combine”.
• Click OK, and the Vista style Start bar will return in all it’s glory, whilst keeping the new Windows 7 features.

In case you’re unsure, take a look at the screenshot below which shows what the Properties box should look like…

There you go!