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    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #1

    Nov 11, 2005, 06:53 AM
    WindowsXP: Customize Start Menu
    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!
    Whiskey14's Avatar
    Whiskey14 Posts: 219, Reputation: 16
    Full Member
     
    #2

    Nov 11, 2005, 06:59 AM
    Start Menu
    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/fil...d,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
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Nov 11, 2005, 07:18 AM
    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?
    NeedKarma's Avatar
    NeedKarma Posts: 10,635, Reputation: 1706
    Uber Member
     
    #4

    Nov 11, 2005, 07:20 AM
    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.
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
     
    #5

    Nov 11, 2005, 11:43 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by rickj
    When I right click on a shortcut at Start > Programs, I do get the Sort by Name option, but nothing happens.
    Very odd

    Quote Originally Posted by rickj
    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.
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
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    #6

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:17 PM
    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 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
    StuMegu's Avatar
    StuMegu Posts: 576, Reputation: 64
    Senior Member
     
    #7

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:19 PM
    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!
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
     
    #8

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:23 PM
    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 ?
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #9

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:31 PM
    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
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
     
    #10

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:34 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by rickj
    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 ;)
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #11

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:37 PM
    Strike 1: The XP start menu does not have a Sort option.
    Geez. You'd think something like this would be simple!
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
     
    #12

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:40 PM
    It does ;) honest
    Start > all programs > right click on any NON folder > select sort by name.
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #13

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:44 PM
    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!
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
     
    #14

    Nov 11, 2005, 12:58 PM
    I try my best mate.

    Glad to help.

    Now are you going to stick with the XP menu ?
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #15

    Nov 11, 2005, 02:23 PM
    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.
    fredg's Avatar
    fredg Posts: 4,926, Reputation: 674
    Ultra Member
     
    #16

    Nov 12, 2005, 06:47 AM
    XP tweaks
    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.c...id=1590&page=1

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

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