Programme menu

[Dabbit]

Is there any way in which you can 'reduce' the menu when you click on 'start' My list is growing and I am now on three 'line boxes' of menu and wonder if I can reduce it in anyway by maybe putting certain things in folders or something?

[Mark]

Good question, Dabbit - I'll look into it. I'm assuming you mean when you click on 'Start' and then on 'Programmes'?

[Mark]

Ok, this is what I've discovered. This is applicable to Windows XP, I don't know about earlier versions of Windows.

Rearrange the Start Menu to suit your needs

Normally when you click the Start Menu, you click on it with the left mouse button. To customize your start menu, all you have to do is click with the right mouse button, then choose "Explore" from the menu that appears. Windows Explorer will open and show you all the programs and submenus on the Start Menu. Submenus are shown as folders and the menu items are all just shortcuts to the real programs, so you can do anything with them that you would with any other shortcut, such as those on the desktop. If there's a program that you don't want on the start menu, just find it in the explorer window and delete it. You can do the same thing with submenus by deleting the folder with the same name as the submenu you want to get rid of. If you accidentally delete something that you shouldn't have, it stays in the Recycle Bin on your desktop so you can get it back.

I would start small to make sure it's working properly for you. You can create folders, while in the 'Explore' mode and give them meaningful names. Then cut and paste whatever shortcuts you want to put in them. Just be careful. Then when you look at your Start menu the folders will have a little plus (+) sign by them which you click on like other folders and it will expand to show the contents. I assume the folders can even have sub-folders, but I haven't tested it that far yet.

Putting the Start Menu in Alphabetical order

If your Start Menu has become cluttered and disordered, you can easily put all the shortcuts back in alphabetical order. Just click the Start button then go to "All Programs" as usual but instead of clicking on an application right-click on an item in the folder you want to sort. A context menu will appear and you'll see an item that reads "Sort by Name." Click "Sort by Name" to alphabetize the items in menu you're looking at.

[Dabbit]

I've had a bash Mark but I can't seem to do anything with it...I tried to drag and drop the programes but they still appear on the menu, any further tips?

[Mark]

I don't think dragging and dropping will work. I think you have to cut and paste, either by right-click selections or Ctrl-X and Ctrll-V. Try that and see if it works any better.

[Dabbit]

Oh right I'll have a bash at that then Mark...

[Mark]

It's a tad tricky since XP is not always very straightforward, but with care and a little trial and error it's very doable, I think. I haven't done it myself, but plan to, now that I know it's possible.

[Dabbit]

Mark I've now managed to reduce my list into folders...Many thanks for your help

[Mark]

Was it very difficult, Dave? I haven't had a lot of time to devote to it yet, mine goes for several columns and I'm sure it will take me a while. Don't know why I never thought to ask about such a thing. Good show though, your're bringing it up!

[Dabbit]

If I can do it Mark then anyone can, I just created a folder and put the programmes in it to suit. For example I created one named Scan print and put all my epson, and scanning software in it...It really didn't take too long either. I do have another question though

I have two accounts me the administrator and one for everyone else on my WXP. Is there anyway I can set the laptop to forbid the 'everyone else' people from deleting history, cookies etc? If they delete them will they mine (the administrator's) be deleted too? I have set the 'everyone' to a limited account but when I check they can still delete cookies etc

[Mark]

Hmmm...don't know the answer to that one. I'll have to look into it.

[Dabbit]

Thanks Mark

[Mark]

Dave, this is what I've found:

Go to your Control Panel, Open up 'User Accounts', then on the left hand side of the window which pops up you'll see 'Learn About' with a little Question Mark {?} icon by a link to 'User Accounts' - this opens up another window.

Near the bottom of this window you'll find 'Walkthrough: Sharing your PC' - Click on that link. The window will change to a 'Getting Started' page. Read that and then continue by clicking on 'User Accounts' at the bottom. Then read that page and follow the directions - you can apparently set up user accounts as 'Limited' or as 'Guest Access'.

I would try that and set it up so each user has to 'Login' with passwords or as a Guest. If they don't log in as you, or as Administrator, in other words, then I believe having limited access they won't be able to delete things they shouldn't. That's what I would try. Then you can test it out yourself by logging off as Administrator, then logging back in as a Guest and see what happens.

Hope that works - that's the only thing I can find which might do the trick...

[Dabbit]

I have set them up as a limited account but they can still do things such as delete cookies history etc...I'llhave to nose around the user accounts a bit more - thanks Mark

[Mark]

If you can't put your finger on what to do with the 'Limited' account, perhaps a 'Guest' logon might be the answer. Again, it would take some testing, probably to get it nailed down. I'll have to think about it a bit more.