Windows Vista Start Menu: Only show most frequently used items?

I go through this every time I get a new computer. I use the classic start menu and toolbar. I can never remember how to get the programs to compact to show only the frequently used ones at the outset. Can anyone help me on this?

 

this is on by default

 

Unfortunately, unlike XP it's not configurable though. In XP you could change the default 6 number of programms displayed to whatever you liked.

 

If you know how to edit the registry, you can do it like this:

1. Click Start
2. In the runbox type regedit and press OK
3. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

4. Click Edit Menu
5. Select New -> DWORD
6. Name it MaxRecentDocs
7. Double click your new DWORD to change the value to ever how many documents you wish.

The default value is 15. Even if you set it really high, windows will still set other limits on how many documents are shown here.

If you are not familiar with editing the registry, don't do it before setting a system restore point and backing up your system.

 

Start Menu

It doesn't appear to be on this computer.

 

Which?

 

I think what you want is:

Right click "Start" > Properties > Classic Start Menu > Customize, and then verify (or check) the item "Use Personalized Menus ". If it's already checked (like dale456654 said), but you still don't see your menu items compact, it's because it takes some time until it does so from first time use. Sorry if it's not what you wanted.