Start Menu in Columns

I'm tired of having to scroll thru all of my programs in the start menu. What's the trick to get them into columns, so I can see them all at one time? But, I also want to make sure, because of the vast number I have, that they don't run off the right side of the screen without me being able to slide over and see them.

 

davott--Maybe I have deleted that Start|Settings option from the XP Start menu. If you have, too, right click on an empty spot on the Taskbar (near the clock)|Properties. Then you will have the Taskbar & Start Menu tab options.

 

Unchecking the scroll box gives me only 2 columns, which is about 1/3 of my needs. There IS a way to get unlimited columns, with horizontal scrolling. I know this because I used to have it under a previous edition of windows. I just can't remember how.

 

I'm using the classic.

 

If I am thinking about the same thing that you are here is what I did.

Alias-Start/Programs.

I made folders. Drag-N-Dropped things into them.

Folders were created for different types of things. Program folders are mostly Company Folders. Otherwise I would be off the screen also.

I click on Start and I see ( from the top )

Audio Related Tools
Claeaners ( AV etc )
Games
Network Games
System Tools
and about 6 more items below
and all ABOVE
---------
Programs

I Point to Favorites and I get 23 FOLDERS. Again with Group names. Such as Odds-N-Ends. Or Music or Music 1.
--------
Start

BillyBob

PS
My Actual Programs column is only one column.

BB

 

Not just restricted or do-able using classic: I am using luna xp themed and have three (3) columns. Perhaps it's more dependant on the length of the shortcut folder names, or the choice of the font (and size). If you have folders with unusually longs names, shorten then with a rename. I don't need four but I'm sure I could get this by shortening those folders named, using five of six words, for a name of one or two or making a new main folder with a name that makes sense to me and dragging and dropping like folder programs into those folders. (You wouldn't believe what I have tucked away in that "Game folder ".)

BillyBob's suggestion of folder consolidation by organization is a very good idea. I do this, when needed. I have other computers where startmenu> "All Programs" folder organization was necessary. They have main folders named such as Games (all things related to games), Tools(all cleanup and maintenance related), Office C rap(elegant name huh? Holds all word processors and such), Movie C rap(once a habit... ). I even have been known to make a folder for those shortcuts that stand alone, as opposed to being folders, and dragging all into it. You get the idea.... Just try to leave windows defaults alone and use the organization technique for those programs you have added by installs.

 

My Actual Programs column is only one column.

WOW ! Was I every wrong. It is just over 2 columns. With the 3rd column partly off screen. But I see at least three Items that can be sent South. The unistall did not clean out the Programs menu.

I was looking a Favorites which is another place where I created folders and added like things together. That is the one that is only one Column.

BillyBob