I've been using ClassicShell for a year and a half to fix the broken Win7 start menu, and am pleased to confirm that it works in Win8 as well, restoring all the things you loose otherwise.

This is exactly the point that many seem to be missing, it doesn't matter if the subject of the photos knew the laptop was stolen. It is my laptop, and therefore all data within it is my property. I have a contractual agreement with the theft tracking company whereby I grant them full and unlimited access to the device, and they may use any of my data on my laptop to identify the parties responsible, and share any such information with law enforcement to recover it.