Firefox IE7 Theme: Make Firefox Look Like Internet Explorer 7
Achieving an Internet Explorer 7 Appearance in Firefox on Windows Vista
Recently, a common observation among Firefox users has been that the browser’s default theme doesn’t visually harmonize with the Windows Vista aesthetic. Following some investigation, a series of steps have been identified to closely replicate the look and feel of Internet Explorer 7 within Firefox. Let's explore how to enhance Firefox’s visual appeal.
To accomplish this visual transformation, the initial step involves installing several Firefox add-ons. The "myFirefox" theme is a particularly effective starting point, demonstrating excellent design quality. Additionally, the "Personal Menu" extension is required, as it facilitates the concealment of the menu bar.
- myFirefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4129
- Personal Menu: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3895
Update: An even more refined theme, Vista-Aero, is now available.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4988
Configuring the Menu Bar
After installing these add-ons and restarting Firefox, you’ll observe a change in the menu bar’s position. It now aligns with the location of the IE7 menu bar when activated with the Alt key. Importantly, existing keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+S, Ctrl+T, Ctrl+O, etc.) will continue to function as expected.
To hide the menu bar using the Personal Menu extension, simply right-click on an area of the top toolbar – the home button is a convenient choice. A new option, labeled "Menus Toolbar," will appear in the context menu. Selecting this option will conceal the menu bar.
An informational dialog will also be displayed, revealing the shortcut key (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S) for redisplaying the menu if needed. This key combination can be customized by installing the Keyconfig extension.
Within the right-click menu, you’ll also find a "Menus \ Edit This Menu" option. Choosing this will open a dialog allowing you to manage the menu’s visibility.
This provides an alternative method for accessing the menus, or you can utilize the shortcut key.
Customizing the Toolbar
You can also add a "Personal Menu" button directly to your toolbar and personalize it with frequently used items. Right-click on the toolbar and select "Customize." Then, drag the "Menu" button (located on the left side of the customization screen) to your desired position on the toolbar.
Once the button is added, you can edit its menu to include the items you use most often.
These steps provide a comprehensive guide to altering Firefox’s appearance. Many users find the shortcut key sufficient for accessing the menu, negating the need for further customization. However, it’s crucial to ensure the "Menu" menu isn’t hidden if you intend to disable the Personal Menu plugin. Hiding the menu beforehand may require reinstalling an extension to restore access.
