Member Avatar for marceta

Im using windows XP home ed. at 1280 x 1024 and just ran out of space in the start menu. How can i get it all in one list, rather than 5?

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As discovered at 1280x1024, XP will split the Programs list into several columns once the top‑level menu contains more items than fit vertically; 's suggestion addresses the immediate symptom. For a longer‑term, cleaner result, reduce the number of top‑level shortcuts rather than fighting the layout.

Start menu shortcuts live in two physical folders:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs
and
C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Start Menu\Programs.
Move related shortcuts into subfolders (for example, "Office" or "Graphics"), delete broken/duplicate links, and uninstall unused programs so the top level shrinks. That prevents Windows from creating extra columns in the first place.

Additional tips: check for installers that leave whole program suites as separate entries (consolidate those); moving the taskbar to the side or increasing vertical resolution/DPI can also change how many items fit; and always back up any Start Menu folders before deleting entries. Remember that cleaning the All Users folder affects every account on the machine.

If the single‑column behaviour does not persist after logon, or if settings are greyed out, look for a third‑party shell utility or an administrative policy enforcing Start menu layout. 's suggestion to investigate Taskbar/Start properties was a useful diagnostic pointer in that case.

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Member Avatar for Slade

I would laugh if I wasn't a walking zombie, have you tried right clicking on the task bar then going properties? have a fool around in there :yawn:

Member Avatar for marceta

ive tried, dont know how to though!!!

Member Avatar for Catweazle

Right-click on the Start Button and choose 'Properties'

On the 'Start Menu' tab, ensure that 'Start Menu is checked, and click on the 'Customise' button. On the 'Advanced' tab, scroll down the list and tick "Scroll Programs".

Use 'Apply" and "OK" as appropriate to get out of there, and BINGO!!!!!!!!!

(Should work, anyway ;))

Member Avatar for marceta

thanks, much better

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