Start > Programs - What's an easy way to trim the list?

masonite · 19th March 2007

I'm looking for a simple way to prune my Start>Programs list of unwanted entries.

I run XPP in Classic view, with the Classic setting on the Start menu. I'm aware that I can delete the entries one by one, but this can be time-consuming.

I'm also aware that there's a 'Customize' button for the Classic Start menu, with an Add and Remove facility. But this option isn't very effective. I've just counted the Programs listed after I click on Start>Programs and there are 51.

But using the 'Customize' button to Remove programs only reveals 14 listings.

Anyone know of an app that'll do this job? Or the actual location of the Program list?

Thanks :-)

**TeMerc** · 19th March 2007

Perhaps something like Tidy Menu?

masonite · 19th March 2007

TeMerc - that app looks to be EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Many thanks!

**TeMerc** · 20th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by masonite

TeMerc - that app looks to be EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Many thanks!

My pleasure. I install it on all the machines I deal with, people love it.

masonite · 20th March 2007

I tried Tidy Start Menu and it seems that you need the Pro version to get the easy delete features I was looking for.

However, I did discover that quite a bit of the Start Menu clutter originates from not only my user folder, C:\Documents and Settings\Masonite\Start Menu\Programs, but other User folders, such as C:\Documents and Settings\All Users and C:\Documents and Settings\Default User.

So that's worth knowing.

Cheers.

ispalten · 24th March 2007

I usually just trim it using the Windows Explorer substitute I have. Windows Explorer will work just as well.

Just go to "C:\Documents and Settings\USERID\Start Menu\Programs" where USERID is each of the users of the system. The list of files is split all over these ID's. Generally, if you are running as the Administrator, you'll need to look at 3, Administrator, All Users, 'your name as user', and possibly the Default user. Be aware, if you have more than one user, if you remove anything from anyone other than 'your name as user' you'll remove it from other users list as well.

Irv S

**usasma** · 25th March 2007

An easy, free tool for this: http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml It puts a "Startup" applet in your Control Panel.

A more comprehensive free tool (but a bit more complicated) is: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sys.../Autoruns.mspx

masonite · 26th March 2007

Thanks folks. But it's not Startups that I want to prune - it's the Program list that pops up from Start>Programs - the list that just keeps getting longer and longer and taking up more and more screen space.

As I discovered, as as ispalten confirmed, one can trim the list from within the 'User' folders.

But it would be a lot easier if the entire list could be accessed by a single application, rather than foraging through a bunch of folders.

**Bmoore1129** · 26th March 2007

I think you are going after mosquitoes with a hammer. I just rt click on the offending booger and select delete. They are only shortcuts.

ispalten · 26th March 2007

Masonite,

Quote:

Originally Posted by masonite

Thanks folks. But it's not Startups that I want to prune - it's the Program list that pops up from Start>Programs - the list that just keeps getting longer and longer and taking up more and more screen space.

As I discovered, as as ispalten confirmed, one can trim the list from within the 'User' folders.

But it would be a lot easier if the entire list could be accessed by a single application, rather than foraging through a bunch of folders.

There is another 'option' you might want to consider as well. You can use the above method to create new folders in the list. Then DRAG icons into it (even on the START-ALL PROGRAMS list.

For instance, there usually is a GAMES folder listed. All you need do it Right Mouse Button (and hold down) on a listed game and DRAG it to the GAMES folder showing. Release the button and it gets moved there, shortening the list.

Irv