No-scroll Programs menu for Windows 98 users.

This trick is for Windows 98 users who would like to pick up one useful feature from Windows NT or the Windows 95 interface. When you had too many programs to fit in one column on the Start/Programs menu in W95 or NT, a second column with the additional items appeared beside it. In Win98, however, you have to scroll from the bottom of the column to see more items.

One option is to upgrade from W98 to Windows XP. This will boost performance, save money, and give you an easier-to-use computer. And it's not hard to do. However, many people have warranties or other situations that prevent such an upgrade from being an option.

The good news is those stuck with Windows 98 can make its Programs menu work better by adding a line to your Registry. (Editing the Registry can be a bit tricky and risky).

Click on the Start button and on Run. Type regedit and click on OK to bring up the Registry Editor.

In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Advanced. Right-click on Advanced and select New and String Value. Name the new string that appears in the right pane StartMenuScrollPrograms without spaces and with capitals as shown. Then right-click on the icon beside the name you just created and select Modify.

An Edit String dialogue box appears. In the Data field, enter the word false and click on OK. Close the Registry.

You may or may not have to reboot the computer first, but you’ll see that your Programs menu will now continue across the screen in as many columns as it requires—no more scrolling.

Whenever you update the Registry, always reboot before doing any critical work or loading in any new software.

Free *Cheap Trick* of the Week: October 18, 1999