Windows 7 - Shortcut to start menu?

So I want to have a desktop shortcut that launches the start menu. Is this possible?

The reason that I want to is to but it on the task bar with the rest of my shortcuts and use a custom icon. I know I can edit the explorer.exe to change the orb but there are so many problems getting the look I want. I am using Startkiller to hide the original orb and I can bring up the start menu with the windows key on the Keyboard.

An image can be seen below for the look I currently have.

bayimg - image: deskbar.png - free uncensored image hosting

I know you can do this with the control panel, so I figured it must be possible with the start menu. Also considering that the keyboard can bring it up means some kind of shortcut must be possible.

Thanks.

Hello Modtaco,

You can use this one.

Start Menu Shortcut Program

You can create a shortcut of your start menu on your desktop.

Go to "Control panel", select "Folder options".

Under the view tab, check "Show hidden files, folders and drives" and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files".

Now navigate your explorer to C:/ProgramData/Microsoft/Windows.

Right click on the "Start menu" folder then navigate to "Send To".

Select "Desktop ( Create shortcut)".

I asked this very question a few months ago on multiple forums and no one could help me. People said I was dumb for wanting that and that there is no way to do it. Luckily you got an answer.

Both work perfectly. I ended up using Start Menu Shortcut Program as it did the required job the fastest. Thanks again! The start menu is now the power icon which ties into the theme well.

Nice theme.