Solved Start Menu - All Programs (Shortcuts)

[craigmh]

A month ago, I upgraded my OS from Vista to Win 7. I'm trying to clean up my Start Menu. I have other folders merged in with my All Programs folder (Downloads Folder, Documents Folder, etc) I just want the programs that are listed in the /Windows/Start Menu folder to show. So how can I correct this?

Please help.

Craig

 

[SundRance]

The 'All Users' Start menu is located on your disk at C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu.

The User Start menu is located C:\Users\YOUR USER NAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu.

You can type both paths of either into the Explorer Address Bar to access these folders. Note the User Start menu is your user name. You can remove any items you wish, or try to merge the two start menu sets.

Best Wishes,
Rªnce

 

[craigmh]

If I move or delete the shortcuts that don't belong (Downloads folder, Documents folder, etc), it seems like they come back. Do I need to change the target of those folders? If so, do I use the path you mentioned above? When it comes to behind the scenes stuff with computers, I'm a beginner.

 

[SundRance]

I think I've misunderstood. I was thinking of multiple and/or incorrect All Program entries. The standard Windows 7 Start menu features links to the User, Documents, Pictures, Music, etc. The standard way to customize your Start menu is to right click the Start menu Orb, select Properties, and Customize. You can choose to NOT display items. Beyond anything in the customization tab, you will have to install a third party UI software I think.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/265-start-menu-customize.html

 

[craigmh]

Thanks.....I'll give it a shot. Much appreciated.

 

[craigmh]

Windows 7 Start Menu Issue

Hello,

I have a problem that's been unsolved since my recent upgrade. I hope you guys can help. Here's the problem:

A few months ago I upgraded to Win 7 from Vista. In Win 7, my Downloads folder is in my Start Menu (All Programs) list. So every time I download a file, it shows up in the All Programs menu. If I create a folder in the Downloads folder, it shows up...etc. How can I fix this? Hide the downloads folder? change the target of the downloads folder? I don't know. It's been bothering me because I just been deleting the shortcuts. Then next time I do something involving the Downloads folder, it shows up again. I want a permanent solution.

I'm not a computer expert, so please be simple in the language.

Thanks,
CH

 

[Ranger4]

The easiest way is to have your Download folder accessible is to have it on the Start menu. Right click on the Task Bar & select Properties, then Start Menu, then Customise scroll down to Downloads & select Display as a Link. This will put it on the start menu. See the attached screen shots.




In your web Browser settings make sure Downloads go to your Download folder.

 

[Ranger4]

craigmh:

There should not be a Download folder in your All Programs list. Open the All programs list & locate the folder, Right Click on it & select Delete from the list.

If you have Downloads set up as I have shown above then you will have Downloads selectable directly by just clicking on the Start Button.

There should be a Download Folder shown in your Favourites list. Click on your User Name, that is, the one at the top of the Start list & this will open a list of folders & Downloads should be one of them. See the attached screen shot.



Normally you only use the Downloads Folder for programs etc. that you download from the internet via your browser. Once you have installed any such programs you can delete them from the downloads folder.
If you have downloaded a PDF reference file that you wish to keep then set up a new Folder in your Documents Library, naming what you like, & copy the PDF from the Download folder into your new folder. Then delete the old one from the Downloads folder.

I hope this helps you. If you need further help please post back again.