How to Sort Programs on the Windows XP Start Menu

The Windows XP Start menu was designed to make using your computer easy and provide a central point to launch programs. As programs are installed, many users find a cluttered assortment of icons or folders in their Start menus, and it becomes more difficult to find the program you wish to start. These instructions will show you two ways that you can sort programs on the Windows XP Start menu.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP

Sort by Name

1. Click on the "Start" button.

2. Select "Programs."

3. 
    

   Right click anywhere in the listing and select "Sort by Name." All programs will now be listed alphabetically.

Sort by Explore

4. 
    

   Right click on the "Start" button and select "Explore." You can also select "Explore All Users" to make changes to the Start menu for everyone who uses the computer.

5. 
    

   Click "Programs" on the left side of the Explorer window to display all the program folders on the right-hand side.

6. Click and drag folders to move them into the positions you desire. You can place folders inside one another, drag items out and onto the Desktop or Start menu, or delete a folder altogether.

7. Click the red "X" in the corner to close the Explorer window when finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Any item placed in the Start-up folder will load as soon as Windows starts. This is useful for frequently used programs such as email clients or instant messengers.