Remove Common Groups from Start Menu

This tweak will remove all the entries located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu and its sub-folders from the Start Menu when All Programs is accessed. The entries in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu are referred to as the Common Groups.

[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Modify/Create the Value Name [NoCommonGroups] according to the Value Data listed below.
Data Type: REG_DWORD [Dword Value] // Value Name: NoCommonGroups
Value Data: [0 - Display Groups / 1 - Hide Groups]
Exit Registry and Reboot

TEG Vista Main

TEG Win 7 Main

TEG Win 8 Main

Slipstreamed XP/SP2 CD
How to create including
burning instructions for
Nero and Roxio

Slipstreamed XP/SP3 CD

Be sure to visit TEG on
Vista and Windows 7

Service Pack 2
Articles Archive

Guide to Simple File Sharing
Share Folders, Files, and Printers in XP Home and Professional

Virtual Memory Paging File
Size - Optimize
Defragment - Monitor

Common Solutions

Consider A Donation

Basic How To Articles
for XP Newbies

- Managing Starting / Stopping XP
- Managing Desktop Components
- Managing Basic Hardware Settings
- Managing Folders and Files
- Managing Applications

System Services Guide

Troubleshooting Shutdown Issues

XP File Management
Tips to organize Quick Launch, Search, and Windows Explorer for easier, efficient use.

Protecting System and Data Via NTBackup
Backup w/ Wizard
Backup w/ Adv. Mode

Windows Update Catalog
Windows Update Catalog offers centralized XP and .NET Critical Updates, Service Pack, and Hardware Driver Downloads

Automatic Update

Advertise with TEG
Rate Card

XP Power Toys
Power Toys Download

Clean or Upgrade
XP Installation?
Which is better?

Consider A Donation

Bare Bones Troubleshooting
Tried everything and can't get XP to install? Take a look here.

The 'System Volume Information' Folder
What is it and why is it taking up room on your hard drive(s)?

Microsoft Management Console
A Guide to Understanding and Using This Often Overlooked but Useful XP Feature

Registry Tweaks and Edits

Backing Up and Restoring the XP Registry

Accessing The Different Methods of Repair Available in Windows XP

Generate File Listings from IE Context Menu

The "Send To" Menu Command
Add your own frequently accessed locations to make this context menu more useful.

Consider A Donation

Create A Personalized Boot Logo Screen

Using XP Disk Cleanup Utility

Using Disk Defragmenter Utility

Common Solutions

Tips and Solutions Arranged by XP Control Panel Groupings

- Reminder -

For many months now I've been posting a reminder about 'Patch Tuesday' or 'Second Tuesday' as it has come to be known when Microsoft releases the latest round of updates for Windows XP and other products.

If you're using a Microsoft operating system (and it's likely you are or you wouldn't be on this site) it's once again time to head for Windows Update for the latest round of Critical and Security updates.

As always, I strongly suggest you read about any update prior to installation, especially updates carrying a less than 'Critical' rating, and have a current system and data backup available in case it's necessary to restore the system to a pre-patch condition.

More info at Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

Custom Search

Important Information
The Elder Geek sites contain many articles and suggestions for modifying the Windows operating system. I've tried these tweaks and tips on many systems. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. The point is, ensure you have a current, tested backup of all system and data files and understand how to restore the system in case something goes very wrong. You can still yell at me, but I assume no responsibility for your actions and use of the information and disclaim any legal responsibility for any consequences of such actions.

Copyright © 2002/2003/2004/2005/2006/2007/2008/2009/2010/2011, Jim Foley/The Elder Geek, All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Reproduction, in any form, of information on this site is prohibited without express written permission.
Microsoft is in no way affiliated with, nor offers endorsement of, this site.