Can't Access Some Programs in Start Menu - Vista Home Prem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kathy So
  • Start date Start date
K

Kathy So

I have a problem accessing some programs in my start menu. I use Windows
Vista Home Premium. Some programs are accessible (such as iTunes) and some
are not (such as Nero ShowTime). When I compare the properties of the Start
Menu links for the accessible and the nonaccessible programs, I notice
differences: In the Properties windows of the nonaccessible programs, there
is no "Compatibility" tab and the "Target field" is grayed out, as are the
"Open File Location" and "Change Icon" buttons. I don't get an error message
when I click on the non-accessible links, I just get nothing. btw, I can
access the programs from the Quick Launch bar or from Windows Explorer, but
that is a hassle.

What is the problem and how can I fix it? Help.
 
I had this same problem recently. I never did find out the cause, but the
only solution I found that worked was to track down the executable file in
Explorer, create a new shortcut, and use it to replace the one that doesn't
work. A bit time consuming, but all my menu items now work fine.

Buddha
 
Sorry. By "nonaccessible" I mean that when I click on the link, I get
nothing. The swirly icon shows for about half a second, and the start menu
disappears, as if it responded to my request, but the program does not load.
Does that make sense?

Kathy
 
I may have to do that. I was looking for an easier way, but I should know
better, when dealing with Windows. Thanks.
Kathy
 
The program may be hanging up prior to opening so you can see it. After the
swirly goes away, check in Task Manager or even better, Process Explorer, if
you have it. See if there are any indications it is running. Since you can
apparently run the program by accessing the executable in explorer, I doubt
that's the problem though.

Buddha
 
I'm trying it, but I know just enough to be dangerous. I have created a
shortcut. But I was given a choice if I wanted to create it on the Desktop.
How can I move or copy a shortcut onto the Start Menu. Do I have to pin it
to the menu?

Kathy
 
R-Click the programs executible and create shortcut. Name the shortcut
whatever you wish, and Edit/Cut. R-Click the start orb and Explore. Locate
the Start Menu folder you wish and Paste.

Buddha
 
Create a shortcut anywhere (right click, Create Shortcut) - often it ends
up automatically on the desktop and often automatically in the same
directory as the executable.

To make it easier have two Windows Explorer windows open. Open one by
right-clicking on the Windows Orb and choosing Open or Explore, then in the
right panel of that window, open the Programs folder.

The other copy of Explorer should be showing the desktop or the folder
where the executable is - in ohter words, wherever the new shortcut is.

Now just drag that shortcut to a blank area of the first folder I described
(Programs). While you're at it, you can rename the shortcut to something
more pleasing that the default name.

Being new to Vista, I tested the above today; it worked for me.
 
On Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:04:20 -0800, Gene E. Bloch wrote:

<Long-winded explanation snipped>

On the other hand, Buddha's instructions are a lot easier... :-)
 
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