Go to the Windows 8 start screen and start typing "Start8". When it appears, select it.
If you are still using the trial, select the appropriate option to continue the trial, purchase, or unlock.
If your trial has expired, please select the 'About' option and then click the 'Unlock/Purchase' button and enter in your purchase information.
From the configuration, select the Windows 7 style and select a button image.
If you selected 'Custom Image' but did not select one, no button will show. Select 'Default' to see if it reappears.
If that does not help, it may be that the Start8 service is not running. From your Windows 8 start menu, start typing to search 'services', select 'settings' then 'view local services'.
Scroll down to find the 'Stardock Start8' service. 'Start' it and make sure the startup type is set to 'Automatic'.
If you still have trouble, there may be an issue with your Start8 installation. In that case, please download and run the following utility: http://sd.stardock.com/SDSupportTool.exe
This is a tool that we use to gather relevant log files and basic information about your computer. Once the utility finishes running, please send the .zip file it creates on the desktop to: Submit a ticket