Already given away several times in the past, I always found this tool very handy and comprehensive.

Best feature is its ability to customize the menu adding any folder, file, program.

You can also create so called “virtual groups” to include or exclude programs for each group of your choice (e.g. system, graphics, games, movies etc..) and even edit the existing ones, as well as insert the Start button in Windows 8.

THUMBS UP!

However, after trying this magic FREE GEM, I'm no longer sure that this GAOTD is best system menu replacement out there:

http://www.reviversoft.com/start-menu-reviver

How about you, folks?

See also:
http://www.handystartmenu.com/handy_start_menu_overview.php
https://code.google.com/p/power8 (==> Can block Metro Features)
http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php (==> Windows 8 users only)

Enjoy !! ^_^

Advantages of Start Menu X:

1). It provides you a unique and interactive interface for your start menu.
2). The power control option is also smooth. You will like the way all the power options are listed.
3). You can create a virtual bundle/ virtual group easily. It helps you manage your PC easily.
4). Start Menu X provides you with 6 skins for start menu and it supports almost all major languages.

Disadvantages of Start Menu X:

1). If you change the start menu button, it might create problem.
2). Sometimes it hides and you have to click on the program to go to the start menu.
3). You will face problems with managing the links.


Read The Full Review and How-To Use it

First off--thanks for the updated menu x. i recently made the move to windows 8.1 and the one thing i missed from win 7 was the classic(ish) start menu.

Secondly, windows 8 users... if your taskbar disappears after installing and first run, DON'T PANIC...although it doesn't say to, you should restart your computer. My taskbar autohides, and it wouldn't come up until I rebooted. Now it works perfectly.

Installed and registered without problems on a Win 8.1 Pro 64 bit system. The program is preregistered to GAOTD.

A company without name and address.

If you want the "old" startmenue back on Win 8 and above, this is a good solution. There is not much difference between the free and the paid version, it is mainly the 1-klick option : The PRO version allows you to assign a primary program to any folder and start it simply by clicking this folder.

This is done without problems, easy to handle. The company claims to have seven years of experience in alternate menu solutions. A quick search showed Start Menu X 4.53 in July 2010 and the previous "Vista Start Menu" in 2007. So they should have enough experience in this field. A good program, does what it claims.

Uninstalled via reboot, I'll keep my classic start menu 4.1.

Used this few weeks. Eats up memory ram and slows start up.