Start menu filling up

[stevie m]

When I go to start>All programs my screen is completely full of the list of programs i have, is there anyway I can compartmentalise these, i.e put them into named folders such as you might do in ie explorer favourites. Im running xp.

[VHG]

Yes you can do that.

You can create "folder" that sits above the "line" (at the top) on the Start menu.

If you RIGHT click on the word START in the bottom left, then select Open All Users a window opens showing you the menus as icons. All your Programs will be in the Programs folder.

You can create a new folder here (Right click on the MAIN window, then New, then Folder, give it a name). Any folder you create will sit "above the line" on the Start menu.

You can then use options like drag / drop or cut / paste to move things from the Programs menu to yor new folder (or folders)

[VHG]

I just realise I use the "Classic" start menu, you may have the original start menu (XP offers two menus the original one or the classic one) so it may look different if you have the origihnal menu.

But the same principle appplies, if you have the original menu (thick blue bars top and bottom) then when you hover with the mouse over the words "all programs" a menu will appear.

Any new folders you add will appear on this menu.

[VHG]

Can I add one more thing that I hope will simplify things (but may also confuse you).

Windows builds up the "All programs" list from 2 places (it combines them).

First is what Windows calls "All users". These are menu options that will appear on ALL USERS menus (if more than one person uses the computer).

Next is for an individual user (lets call him Fred). User Fred may have items that appear on HIS menu, that dont appear on other people menu.

So users Freds "All programs" will be a combination of "All Users" and "Fred".

If you are going to combine items into groups you need to make sure you do it for "All Users" as well as "Fred".

So when I asked you to select "Open All Users" in the first append, that was of course opening the folder for All Users (as you would expect).

What you can also do is right click and select Open (not Open All Users). This will open your individual set of "All Programs". You can then sort these into folders.

This may explain the layout of the Start menu better

http://www.windows-he...s-xp-start-menu2.html

[stevie m]

Great stuff VHG exactly what I wanted, I used to do it on windows 98 but this is a more convluted way but none the less effective. Thanks