Creating a Shortcut on the Windows Start Menu

Putting frequently used programs and folders on your Start Menu makes it very fast and easy to launch these programs/open the folders without ever touching your mouse or trackball. The Start Menu pops up when you type the Windows key on your keyboard. After you've programmed an application on the Start Menu, all you have to do is type the Windows key and the first letter of the application/folder in the menu. Voila!

There are two types of PC Start Menus: the "classic" and the XP icon menu. (Note: View them by going to "settings" or "control panel" then "taskbar" then "start menu" from your Start Menu). You can add to either of the menus by dragging the program from "Programs" or the task bar, "pinning" it by highlighting the item and typing the right click key, or by following the directions below. You can also change the name of something on the Start Menu with either the right click or F2 key.

1. Windows key
2. S (for Settings)
3. T (for Taskbar)
4. Ctrl + Tab to move to "Advanced" or "Start Menu Program" tab
   For Windows XP: alt + C to customize
5. Enter to activate "Add"
6. Tab then Enter to Browse

   Now, locate the application you want to add, usually found in your Program Files. Open "My Computer", then open the C or D drive where your programs are kept (either C or D), then opening "Program Files". Now locate the .exe file (e.g. excel.exe under "Microsoft Office")

7. Enter to activate "OK"
8. Enter to activate "Next"
9. Up Arrow to highlight Start Menu in "Select Program Folder"
10. Name for shortcut (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Netscape, Internet Explorer, My Documents) in "Select Title for the Program"
11. Enter to finish
12. Esc to get rid of menu bar