Q. 11035 » How can I use the registry to remove the frequently used program list from the Windows XP Start Menu?

In tip 5777, I explain how to remove the Pinned Programs area from the Windows XP Start Menu.

To remove the frequent programs list from the Windows XP Start Menu:

1. Open a CMD.EXE window.

2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:

REG ADD HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /V NoStartMenuMFUprogramsList /T REG_DWORD /F /D 1
REG ADD HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /V Start_MinMFU /T REG_DWORD /F /D 0

3. Log off and log on for the changes to become effective.

NOTE: You can also use group policy by enabling the User Configuration / Administrative Templates / Start Menu and Taskbar / Remove frequent programs list from the Start Menu Group Policy Object (GPO).