Start Menu setup

[pandigel]

Going to Start -> All Programs on my machine, there are some 21 folders and a number of shortcuts to programs. Many of these are not required. Opening Windows Explorer, I went to . . \Documents and Settings\Martin\Start Menu\Programs thinking to remove a few unwated folders and shortcuts, only to find that the items here bore very little relationship to the Start Menu on screen - 9 folders and fewer shortcuts. I have checked that no other user’s . . \Start Menu\Programs has the shortcuts that come up on the screen.

I’ve checked that the correct User is logged in, and that Explorer has been set to view hidden files (and Extensions: what use is a half-blind explorer?) While I was at it, the Desktop also shows far more icons than there are shortcuts in . . \Documents and Settings\Martin\Desktop.

Is this a fault or is there some arcane way of hiding items in these two folders?

TIA for any help.

Pandigel

 

[smah]

The items that you're seeking might be under '\Documents and Settings\All users' instead of your specific user. But, you should be able to delete by right-click, delete.

 

[bcastner]

right-click the Start button, select "Explore all users"
You are in an Explorer window and can remove the entries for the Start Menu.

 

[linney]

Control Panel\ Display Properties/ Desktop/ Customize Desktop, will show you the Icons that are automatically included in any Desktop (if selected and shown). These will not appear in any Desktop folder. Other icons like IE are not shown in any folder. The remaining icons are inserted by you and appear in your Desktop folder or the All Users Desktop folder.

It is a bit similar with the Start Menu.

http://depts.washington.edu/sacg/facilities/workshops/networking/intro_os/win_startmenu.shtml

Description of the Start Menu in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279767&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[pandigel]

Thanks guys, problem solved. Linney, you added the last piece of the jigsaw.
I'd done a search for shortcuts but not found these extra ones - that's XP's stupid search hound. If anyone knows how to put Win 98's search system onto Win XP that would really benefit mankind.
Pandigel

 

[gpalmer711]

Start > Search > Change Prefrences > Change Files and Folders Search Behaviour > Select Advanced > Click OK

Voila

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk