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Why are some entries missing from the Start Menu?

Intended For
Windows XP
Windows 2003
Windows 2000
Windows Me
In Windows Me, 2000, and XP, Microsoft has added a feature called "Personalized Menus." This is one of the worst designs they've ever inflicted on us. Instead of allowing users to turn on or off certain features, Windows does it automatically, hiding items that aren't used frequently. This constantly changing interface is not only annoying, but it goes against one of the major precepts behind good user interface design - keep the interface consistent! Here's how to fix it:

Windows Me/2000:

  • Select Settings in your Start Menu, and then select Taskbar & Start Menu.
  • Turn off the Use Personalized Menus option.

Windows XP:

  • Select Settings in your Start Menu, and then select Taskbar & Start Menu.
  • Choose the Start Menu tab, choose Classic Start Menu, and click Customize.
  • Turn off the Use Personalized Menus option, and click Ok when you're done.


Written by: Annoyances.org
Last updated: Wednesday, February 7, 2007

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