how to get start is back to work with open shell (HELP) (win10 1809)

Uninstall StartIsBack from the Programs and Features window:

Assuming Startisback is a program set to start up when you log in, simply disable that startup - if you wish to keep the program as your title suggests. The two don't work together- just give you different views of the same data.

Otherwise simply uninstall it- it's just a program.

Disabling its startup is the same issue as for any program- so as usual the possible startup options are:
- a shortcut in the Startup folder
- a registry key
- a scheduled task

You have three approaches to disabling it:
a. Look for a setting in the program's own options
b. Use e.g. Autoruns (free from MS) - lists all startups of all kinds. It has a useful Find feature. Simply uncheck the relevant box.
c. Find it manually (not recommended).

You refer to keeping the 'Windows 7 taskbar'. Mine looks very like Startisback's screenshot- and I only have Open Shell installed:

I used Open Shell to change the start button, importing an 'Orb' from a Win 7 theme pack.

As stated, You can't Run Start Is Back and Open-Shell on the same computer. They basically do the same thing so they conflict. You will have to choose and Uninstall one and leave the other.

Your title says you have v1809, your system specs say you have v2004.
Both are long out of support.
Windows 10 Home, Pro EoS - MSLearn


All the best,
Denis

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And you can, as I suggested, and as I did, scrap that in favour of Stardock's Curtains- which works rather better in my experience, and not be stuck on 1809.


Your PC, your choice, of course.

I use Open Shell, and extracted the images for the Orb from a Win 7 theme and used Open Shell's feature:


It's not just a flat image- it has the glow on hover effect as it should.