how to change default shell in windows 7

Changing the default shell (all users):

1) open regedit (start menu > run, and type in regedit)
2) go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.
3) Change Shell from explorer.exe to the new shell path e.g C:\Litestep\litestep.exe
4) log out and log back in.

Changing the default shell (only current user):

1) open regedit (start menu > run, and type in regedit).
2) go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.
3) add a new string value (Edit > New > String Value) called shell. and set the value to the path of the new shell e.g C:\Litestep\litestep.exe.
4) log out and log back in.

Doubt that will will affect windows mbr therefore dual boot. it will change the look of your windows but not master boot records. If for any reasons the new shell fails to load perhaps because the new desktop explorer becamed corrupted somehow.

You could use the registry to set another font which could be bigger with the 8 size than tahoma with the same size.
Anyway, in the display properties, appearance, advanced, you have the choice to change the size and the font for most used fonts.

ska,

I haven’t tried any of the above one but did you check out the Xplorer2 Lite. It’s free and has lots of cool features. We have also mentioned as a top choice in The 5 Good Free Windows File Managers.

Alternatively, you should also check out the free extensions that are available for generic Windows Explorer.

- 7 Windows Explorer Addons for Power Users - The Ultimate Extension for Windows Explorer