Technofriends

By default, Windows XP adds most frequently used applications to the Start menu. This feature is certainly handy and helps you provide quick access to the programs you use the most.

Windows XP provides two configuration options : the ability to completely clear the list and the ability to specify the maximum number of programs that can appear on this list at a point of time. However, though you might be using Calculator or Notepad or Paint pretty often but you may still want to prevent them ( or the other applications, whatever they be) from appearing on the list.

This article describes step by step instructions to block certain applications of your choice from appearing in the list of frequently used applications under start menu. Its important to note that the below mentioned steps require modification to the Windows registry. Therefore, its advisable that you do take a backup of the registry before carrying out the steps mentioned below.

1. Launch the Registry Editor (Regedit.exe).

2. Go to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications.

3. Right-click on the Applications key and select New -> Key.

4. Give the key the same name as the application’s executable file ( for blocking notepad, enter notepad.exe)

5. Right-click your new key and select New -> String Value.

6. Name the string value NoStartPage.

7. Close the Registry Editor.

8. Reboot or log off and log back on for the change to take effect.

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