Customize and “Pin” Your Favorite Programs to the Top of the Start Menu
One of the most recognizable changes in Windows XP is the new look of the Start Menu. I’ll admit, the first time it popped up I think I let out an audible “Whoooooaaaa” because it was so damn big compared to what I was accustomed to seeing. Frankly, I didn’t like it at all, but in putting together this web site and having to refer to it frequently I’ve come to realize it really isn’t so bad -- although a bit of customization never hurts.
One thing I didn’t care for on the XP Start Menu was the listing of programs on the left hand side which constantly changed with my usage pattern. I much prefer to have a constant list with the programs in a specified order. XP accommodates this by using the pin command. Right click on any program listed and select [Pin to Start Menu]. The program will be moved to the top section of the left pane and remain as a constant. The entries can be ordered by left clicking and using drag and drop.
Once I had the applications listed and pinned to the Start Menu in the order I wanted, it was time to keep new or repeat applications from being placed in the bottom half of the left pane. Click in any open area of the left pane and select [Properties] to open the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Sheet. Select the [Start Menu] tab at the top of the sheet then click [Customize] next to [Start Menu] at the middle of the property sheet. The Customize Start Menu Property Sheet shown below will open.
In the Programs section, click [Clear List] and then set [Number of Programs on Start Menu] to zero. This prevents any new entries from being added in the lower section.

- srikanth dhanwada