Did you try Classic Shell? It's free and does not have an agenda like pokki.
The sidebar is also able to be turned off in Classic Shell (Microsoft calls that the Charms menu.)
So yup, I can do this but installing Windows 7 or any Windows on a modern PC is a nightmare for most folk.
Bob
I bought a Toshiba Satellite Laptop L955-S5330. Didn't realize it came with Windows 8. I absolutely hate this Operating system. It is always jumping to full screen and it is near impossible to get the sidebar that contains the Shutdown link to pop up when you want it to and it pops up repeatedly when you don't want it to on the web.
Can wipe thisOp Sys from the laptop and install an older version like Windows 7?

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