Windows 8 Desktop back to factory default

If your pc has a mouse, then move it to the top right corner of the screen until a panel containing the Pc Settings appears, then drag down the right edge to expand this desktop strip (called the Charms Bar), then you can click on  the link for Change Pc Settings.  (I'm in Windows 7 now, but I believe that was the way I did it in Windows 8.  I'll have to boot back to Windows 8 to check for sure.)

additional info http://www.howtogeek.com/132428/everything-you-need-to-know-about-refreshing-and-resetting-your-windows-8-pc/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=030113

Windows 8 Explorer - no preview available for more file types

Make Windows 8 Explorer Preview Pane Work for More File Types

How to get windows 8 looks like windows 7

How to get the Start menu back in Windows 8
Several Windows 8 Start menu replacements:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33642_7-57496506-292/how-to-get-the-start-menu-back-in-windows-8/

Classic Shell  interest to you.
Classic Shell is a collection of features that were available in older versions of Windows.
 http://download.cnet.com/Classic-Shell/3000-2072_4-75553853.html