Windows 7: Customizing programs list on start menu?

In older Windows up through XP I have always customized the start menu to reduce the clutter of programs shown. I create several main categories/folders such as Work Programs, Multimedia Programs, Games, Utilites, etc. and then move all the programs shortcuts listed into each category that I wanted them to be. Thus, when I clicked on Start, I would just see my category folders, then go to the category I wanted and see just the programs of that category. I am about to start using a computer with Windows 7 and I want to be able to do that also. I hate clicking on Start and seeing a long, jumbled up list every program. What a mess! Not being familiar with Windows 7, I don't know how to do it. I know that the "old" Documents and Settings is no longer "real" and that everything is listed under Users. Which is listed as "access denied". So -- can I do what I want and, if so, how? I have to change security/permissions or something?

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You might want to look at Classic Shell developed by one of our members here ANN: Classic Shell 0.9.8 -now with skinnable start menu
Jerry

Another idea is to create a bunch of shortcuts to your most frequently used programs. Put those shortcuts in a folder. Then make a new toolbar with a link to those programs in that folder.

The result is a pop-up list, as seen in this pic. With this list of programs, I rarely look for programs in the start menu.