Start Menu Notes

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

19990904: Start Menu Notes

September/1999
Tech Note #4

One of the most noticeable changes for the end user on the new (Summer 1999) workstations is the structure of the Start Menu. In previous years, we had placed Early Years, Middle Years, and Internet Software right at the root of the Start Menu, to save mouse clicks for our younger users. Unfortunately, changes to the operating system, the advent of IE 5, and the latest implementation of the locking software cannot accommodate this structure. As a result, only menu items and submenus which are within the Programs folder of the Start Menu will be accessible to locked users.

One other note about the Start Menu. When techs install software or otherwise modify Start Menus in school labs it becomes desirable to find an expedient way to distribute the updated menus to multiple workstations without having to go to the trouble of doing so manually. As has been extensively documented in the Tech Notes, this is extremely hazardous, because of the way shortcuts are built on networked systems that have File and Print Sharing enabled. I'll refer you to those tech notes for more information about that issue. See January/1999 Tech Note #3 (Managing Start Menus in Windows 9x Labs) and November/1997 Tech Note #2 (Creating Distributable Shortcuts for Windows 95).

However, if you are working on modifying the start menu of one of the new workstations, and wish you had a "clean" copy to start with, you may find it helpful to know that I have posted a copy of the original Start Menu - with no corrupt shortcuts - on the shop ftp site. (To download it click here.)

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.

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Click here to visit the Information "Super-Cul-De-Sac". This page was updated
2001 June 9

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