Start Menu Locations (XP PRO SP-2)

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I have just installed the above O/S and am the only user. There are three users in the file system. Administrator, All Users and Default User. As I am installing programs they are being placed into the “Start Menu” or “Start Menu>Programs” in different user locations. How do I collect all this information into one location?

I (Under Win98) used to keep all my Utilities in the one heading, I had a further heading for General Applications, one for Microsoft.

Do I move all under the All Users or default User? I am competent at moving files etc. But cannot understand why some programs install as the Administrator, some as All Users Some as Default User.

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You have listed the required 3 default accounts, where is yours?

I install ALL software so it can be used by ALL accounts, which means that the desktop icons, menu entries are all under “All Users”.
If you do NOT use the All users area, then only that account will have access to them.

As for the Administrator account, I do NOT use except as my back door, and it is highly passworded. There will be times when you may NEED to use this account.

If you are new to Windows XP I would suggest that you get a GOOD system book and read up about the Accounts in XP.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Take a look here for some basic information about XP and User Accounts and from MS on installing programs. HTH

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Edited by StuartR to reduce picture size

Thanks for the advice, I do have two books but find this area very confusing. As I install how do I direct the program to install under a particular user? I have been booting directly into the OS, and installing. All have gone to the before mentioned places.

The books are “Windows XP Secrets” by Simmonds and “The Complete Reference ~ Windows XP” by Margaret Levine Young. neither seem to cover how to install to a particular user.

I have had one program on the install ask “Did I want the program accessible to all users”

Can I move or copy between the three options?

I will attempt to include screen captures of the areas.

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Yes you can move and copy shortcuts between the start Menus for All Users, Default User and specific usernames.

I get very annoyed at installations that place things in my personal start menu folder, and regularly move them to All Users.

StuartR

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Thanks Stuart, the way I read your Post is that all software is better in the All Users folder, I guess that some utilities could be omitted. I am a lone user until the grandchildren invade.

Ted

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I wouldn’t go so far as to say that “all software is better in the All Users folder”.

Some tools are best installed for use when logged in as Administrator only.
Some products need separate licenses for each username (e.g. PGP if you buy the corporate version)

But generally I put things in the All Users folder, unless there is a reason not to.

StuartR

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Thanks Stuart, I will create a profile for myself and get to work in the morning.

Ted

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