Windows 7 - Display the Programs Menu (Like in XP)
How to Display the XP Style Program Menu Favorites in Windows 7
This is a multi stage project. One stage involves
checking the box next to 'Favorites' in the Start Menu properties sheet, and
the other stage requires editing two Shell Icons settings in the registry.
Topics for Displaying The XP Program Menu in Windows 7
The concept for stage two is to rewire 'Favorites' so that it displays
the items in the C:\ProgramData folder. Also be aware that this registry tweak
changes the label 'Favorites' to 'Programs'.
Incidentally ProgramData is a hidden
folder.
Launch Regedit
Start in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER section of the registry, then
navigate to:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
Before you continue, as a safety measure, I recommend exporting this
part of the registry. Then you can import the original values
should anything go wrong.
From the list of Shell Folders double-click Favorites.
Change the value of Favorites to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start
Menu\Programs
One more change, navigate to the nearby User
Shell Folders, specifically:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User
Shell Folders
Once again change the value to: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start
Menu\Programs
Because this is a current user settings, I merely logged off, then
logged on. Other registry tweakers say reboot at this point.
Either way it's no big deal with Windows 7.
Troubleshooting: Make sure that you display the 'Favorites' on the Start
Menu, see stage 1 above for detailed instructions. I am sorry that
there is a discrepancy between the customize menu, which show
'Favorites', and the actual menu which shows Programs.
Screenshot of Windows 7 Programs Menu Snap-out
Guy
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Add to Favorites? One of the most underused registry
tips is make use of 'Add to Favorites'. If you come back a week later
it can be frustrating to find registry settings that you worked on.
Why not tag them with Add to Favorites.
How far should you go with registry safety? It probably
depends on your experience. The least experienced are vulnerable
through ignorance, and the most experienced take their eye of the ball due
to complacency.
What I do is to Export the section of the registry that I am working on.
One reason that I like this approach is that you can open the file in
notepad, and if necessary make changes before exporting back into the
registry.
'The Health and Safety' committee would recommend backing up the registry,
creating restore points, and backing up the entire machine. How much
extra protection I use depends on the nature of the registry editing task,
but I admit that the danger of this ad hoc approach is complacency and
carelessness.
The secret of persuading Windows 7 to display the Programs Menu as it did
in XP, is to combine settings in the registry with those the Start Menu
properties. I find it easiest to understand, and easiest to
troubleshoot if I split the task into two parts. Stage 1 getting
'Favorites' to display on the Windows 7 Start Menu, followed by stage 2
finding the Shell Icons setting in the Use section of the registry.
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