Dan Knox Consulting

December 7, 2004

 

 

Customize the Start Menu Using Windows XP

Want to keep your programs within easy reach? Windows XP lets you customize the Start menu and task bar so you can launch your favorite programs whenever you want them. No more searching for your favorite programs; you can easily pin, or assign, programs to the Start menu. Or you can use the Quick Launch bar as a way to keep other programs at your fingertips; ready to go at the click of the button.

You can also place convenient shortcut icons on your desktop. Shortcut icons provide instant links to important files, folders, and other applications—even your printer and Internet connection—with a touch of your mouse.

Here's how to pin a program to the Start menu. As an example, we'll pin the Windows XP Calculator program to the Start menu.

To pin Calculator to the Start menu

1.

Click Start, and then click All Programs.

2.

Click Accessories and point to Calculator.

3.

Right-click Calculator and click Pin to Start menu.

Pin Calculator to the Start menu

4.

Click anywhere on the desktop to quit the Start menu.

That's all there is to it. The above works for any program on your computer, putting those programs on the Start menu until you decide to remove them. By the way, removing programs from the Start menu is even easier. Here's how:

To remove Calculator from the Start menu

1.

Click Start, and then point to the program you want to remove (in this case, Calculator).

2.

Right-click Calculator and click Unpin from Start menu.

3.

Click anywhere on the desktop to quit the Start menu.  

 

Need help? Call the DKC Help Desk: 415-869-1340 or email helpdesk@danknox.com.  For more Tech Tips click here.

 

[ Back ] [ Home ] [ Up ] [ Next ]

 
Send mail to webmaster@danknox.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Dan Knox Consulting
Last modified: April 10, 2008