Customize and “Pin” Your Favorite Programs
to the Top of the Start Menu
One of
the most recognizable changes in Windows XP is the new look of the
Start Menu. I’ll admit, the first time it popped up I think I let
out an audible “Whoooooaaaa” because it was so damn big compared to
what I was accustomed to seeing. Frankly, I didn’t like it at all,
but in putting together this web site and having to refer to it
frequently I’ve come to realize it really isn’t so bad -- although a
bit of customization never hurts.
One thing I
didn’t care for on the XP Start Menu was the listing of programs on
the left hand side which constantly changed with my usage pattern. I
much prefer to have a constant list with the programs in a specified
order. XP accommodates this by using the pin command. Right click on
any program listed and select [Pin to Start Menu]. The program will
be moved to the top section of the left pane and remain as a
constant. The entries can be ordered by left clicking and using drag
and drop.
Once I had the
applications listed and pinned to the Start Menu in the order I
wanted, it was time to keep new or repeat applications from being
placed in the bottom half of the left pane. Click in any open area
of the left pane and select [Properties] to open the Taskbar and
Start Menu Properties Sheet. Select the [Start Menu] tab at the top
of the sheet then click [Customize] next to [Start Menu] at the
middle of the property sheet. The Customize Start Menu Property
Sheet shown below will open.
In the Programs
section, click [Clear List] and then set [Number of Programs on
Start Menu] to zero. This prevents any new entries from being added
in the lower section.
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