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Dani 5,664 The Queen of DaniWeb

I found this in a few different places around the 'net - hopefully it's helpful:

Keep Your Favorite Programs Near the Top of the Start Menu

Do you have a favorite application that you frequently use? If so, you can elevate its priority on the Start menu by putting it at the top of the list. This ensures that the program will remain on the Start menu and cannot be bumped by other programs, even if you use the others more frequently.

  • Right-click the link to your favorite program on the Start menu and select Pin to Start Menu.
    Your program will be moved permanently to the top part of the list, just below your browser and e-mail programs.

Use the Address Bar to Launch Programs or Web Page. Windows XP enhanced the functionality of the Address bar to make it easier to launch your favorite programs. You can add the Address bar to the taskbar on the bottom of your desktop. Then you can launch programs simply by entering their names in the Address bar.

For example, to launch Calculator, simply enter calc in the Address bar. Anything you would normally enter in the Run box on the Start menu can be entered in the Address bar. The Address bar also lets you quickly go to any Web page you specify.

To add the Address bar to the taskbar:

  • Right-click an empty area on the taskbar.
  • Point to Toolbars, and then click Address.
  • Open the Address bar by double-clicking it.
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Dani AI

Generated

pointed out two simple, widely used tricks — good baseline ideas. Below are complementary, practical ways to make favorite apps reliably accessible (without repeating the exact right‑click/Address‑bar steps already posted).

Put shortcuts where they cannot be overwritten

  • For machine‑wide permanence, place a shortcut into C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs (XP). Installers that add or remove per‑user entries generally cannot change this folder, so items placed there stay visible for every account.

Make typed launching more predictable

  • The shell resolves program names either by the system PATH or by App Paths registry entries. To let users launch an app by a short name without changing PATH, register it under:
    HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\<appname>.exe
    Creating that key (or adding the folder to PATH via System Properties → Advanced → Environment Variables) makes the program callable from Run/Explorer fields by name.

Other fast‑access options and admin controls

  • Quick Launch icons and assigning a keyboard shortcut on a program shortcut are fast alternatives to relying on Start‑menu ordering. Administrators can enforce a layout or prevent user changes via Group Policy, or deploy shortcuts into the All Users Start Menu to keep a consistent setup.

Troubleshooting notes

  • If pinning or modern Start features seem missing, the Classic Start menu is often enabled. Also watch for installers that reinsert entries; moving desired shortcuts to the All Users folder or registering App Paths usually fixes that.
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