Mimsings

In xp I was able to move like applications in to folders in the All Programs menu. For example: folder call Graphic Applications held all Graphic Apps.
In Vista I can't figure out how to do it directly on the menu drop down nor find it in Explorer. Can anyone help me?

nickster_uk

Hi Mimsings, welcome to Tech Support Forum..

the Start Menu folder in Vista is hidden by default....think it may even be a system folder as well. It's one of the folders I usually change the attributes to after I install Vista as it's handy being able to access it when need to.

Have a look in:
C:\Users\*Username*\Start Menu\

Inside that folder is a subfolder called Programs.

To view it, you may need to enable the viewing of hidden folders and files as well as protected Operating System files.

Mimsings

Thanks, I think that would work except that I get a can't access error message. I have configured for hidden files to be seen although I'm not sure about "operating system files."

nickster_uk

In that case, you will need to give yourself full permissions to the folder....plus you could change ownership too:

Ownership instructions:
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/67...ship-file.html

Permissions instructions:
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/15...rmissions.html

Mimsings

Too tired to try to figure out a tutorial tonight. Will try both in the morning. Thanks. M

nickster_uk

Ok...it will sort the problem out but if you get stuck, just let us know.

Mimsings

That was easy----on my laptop---but when I followed the same path to get to start menu on my desktop......there is no "start menu!" Incidently, there are two Program Files on the desktop--"Program Files" and "Program Files (86)."

nickster_uk

Have you enabled the viewing on hidden files and folders as well as protected Operating System files on the desktop?

As for the Program Files folders on the Desktop..what are the contents of the (86) one? Are they programs you have installed yourself?

Mimsings

Had enabled viewing of hidden files and I just used the same download from the tutorial (although I hadn't been blocked from accessing any files on the desktop) and Start Menu is not there in my user file...or anywhere else that I can find with a search.

The two program files do seem to be divided between before sale and after sale applications although the Windows apps like calendar are in both!

I thank you so much for the help you've been able to give me.

Mimsings

I found the programs folder in c:\programdata\microsoft\windows\startmenu\programs. There was another partial file in the users file. That windows location doesn't seem right to me, but it works so I can now move the shortcuts around. Thanks, Miriam

nickster_uk

That folder you mentioned is in effect the start menu folder for 'All Users' so if you have some start menu shortcuts in your local user profile folder, they may not be in there.

When you enabled the viewing on hidden files on the Desktop, did you remember to enable the viewing of protected Operating System files?

If you still can't find it under the location I suggested previously, try:
C:\Users\*Username*\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows
There should be a Start Menu folder in there which contains your local profile shortcuts.

is2fu

Can't you just access the "Start Menu" folder through the right-click context menu?

(Right-click)START > (left-click)Open ... for current user
(Right-click)START > (left-click)Open All Users ... for all users

nickster_uk

Yep...would save a lot of hassle too

Mimsings

Thanks, now getting into everything and using is2fu's suggestion so I don't care WHERE start menu is anymore...just that I can get into it.

Next question tho is: why do I not have any thumbnails for Coreldraw, Photoshop or psd graphics/photos. I have unselected the proper "use icons, not thumbnails" and followed a few other suggestions but although they show up on Vista on my laptop, my desktop is a white page for cdr, a PS logo for pse and an Adobe loge for SOME psd files.

nickster_uk

Can you show us a screenshot of the 'white page' please?

For PSD files, you can use the attached dll and registry file. All you need to do is unzip the contents and copy the psicon.dll file to:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Shell
You may need to create the folder if it doesn't exist. Then double click the Adobe.reg file to merge with the registry. That should enable thumbnail views for all .psd files.

Attached Files

Enable PSD Thumbnail Preview.zip (61.4 KB, 0 views)

Mimsings

sorry....meant pdf file --not psd

Mimsings

I've already done the download and merge that you suggest....nothing.

nickster_uk

That's cos it's for PSD files not PDF's

Try changing the views of the folders which contain pdf files to medium or large icons.

Mimsings

I don't know how to do a screen shot but the "white page" thumbnail looks like a piece of 8.5x11 paper with top right corner turned down. M

nickster_uk

Press the PrtScrn key on your keyboard then open Paint (Start -> Run -> mspaint) -> then click Edit -> Paste and the screenshot will appear in Paint. Then all you need to do is save the image then attach it to you post.