I use Classic Start Menu.

When viewing Customize Classic Start Menu, I have a button for Sort... but when I click it, nothing happens.

There is no recognizable order of the apps in Start > Programs. I want them alphabetized.

How can I do this?

Thanks!

Hi Rick,

Go to Start, Programs, right click one of the programs, then click Sort by Name. Have you checked for viruses and/or spyware? Go to: http://sarc.com/ Scroll down and click on,"Free Online Virus and Security Check" and run the virus check. Write down exactly anything it finds, then return to: http://sarc.com/ and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually.

I would suggest downloading Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4 from:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,22262,00.asp

Once installed, enable Tea Timer. Open the Spybot Search & Destroy, click the "+" sign next to Tools on the left side of the screen, click System Startup, then on the right side of the page check HK_CU Run Spybot Tea Timer.

Hope this helps!
Whiskey14

I use Spybot S&D ritually. No spyware. I've got all Windows updates too.

When I right click on a shortcut at Start > Programs, I do get the Sort by Name option, but nothing happens.

When I right click on the programs link at Start, I get an option to open, and there is a folder I can re-arrange, but it does not show all items that I have showing on the list of all folders and shortcuts I have when I go Start > Programs.

So this is odd, huh? Typically easy to rearrange them to alpha order?

Hi Rick,

I did the same as you did, using the Sort button. After clicking OK to leave the menus I noticed that my Programs Groups were inded sorted alpha followed by the individual entries sorted alpha also.

When I right click on a shortcut at Start > Programs, I do get the Sort by Name option, but nothing happens.
Very odd


When I right click on the programs link at Start, I get an option to open, and there is a folder I can re-arrange, but it does not show all items that I have showing on the list of all folders and shortcuts I have when I go Start > Programs.

These are the programs that are specific to your user account.

Have you tried doing a sort on the contents of this folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs, then sorting the ones for your user account?

May work but not too sure.

Yes. I checked All Users, Admin and Rick... the three set up.

Odder yet: Now I'm home; on my brand new laptop.

Same thing.

Clicking the Sort button on the Customize Classic Start Menu window does nothing.

Could it be a bug with that feature for Classic Start Menu users do you think?

I tried doing it via the control panel as MS suggests (http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/expertzone/columns/honeycutt/03may05.asp) but the same thing happens... er, doesn't happen.

If you're using the XP start menu, I'd be thrilled if you'd try switching to the Classic start menu and trying that Sort button.

If it happens for you too, I'd have to think I need to let Bill G. know about this next time we're out having a beer :p

Try logging on to your Pc with a different user account. If you don't currently have another, control panel & user accounts & just create another. If this allows you to sort, it could be your user profile is corrupted! Let us know if it works and I'll describe copying the profile.

Edit : I posted this at the same time as rick - more likely a bug if on more than one computer!

Have you tried using the XP start menu, sorting there and then going back to classic?

As a side note, why are you using the classic menu as the XP one offers so much more ?

1. No, I didn't try it on the XP menu - or as another user. I will.
2. I've had this look on my computer since Windows98... old habits are hard to break. :p

2. I've had this look on my computer since Windows98...old habits are hard to break. :p

Hehehehe, now may be the time to be dragged kicking and screaming into the century of the fruitbat ooops meant 21st ;)

Strike 1: The XP start menu does not have a Sort option.
Geez. You'd think something like this would be simple!

Start > all programs > right click on any NON folder > select sort by name.

Bingo!

I must have right clicked on a folder before.. . and I see whiskey14 did say "program"... but I just right clicked on anything.

I'd give you the big kiss of an "Approve" Rate but I've exceeded my limit for you.

You are so often right there to see some crucial detail.

Thanks!

I try my best mate.

Glad to help.

Now are you going to stick with the XP menu ?

Yes, I am. I thought it was that "bubbly" look that I don't like, but see that it's not.

I'll play with the tweaks it offers to see what neat stuff is offered.

Hi,
As just some "side information" about tweaking XP, here is a link to one of the best information sites about tweaking I have yet found.

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1590&page=1

99 tips and tweaks for XP. If you have some time, might be worth checking out.