Q. How do I add an item to the Start menu for all users in Windows 7 and Windows Vista?

A. The easiest way to add an item to the Start menu for all users is to click the Start button then right-click on All Programs. Select the Open All Users action item, shown here.

The location C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart Menu will open. You can create shortcuts here and they'll show up for all users. You could navigate directly to this folder, but it's hidden by default, so you'd have to select the "Show hidden files, folders and drives" folder option.

If you try to access C:UsersAll UsersStart Menu, you'll get an access denied message, and despite the name, it's not the location you should be using anyway. You need to use the path C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart Menu.

See also, "How can I force Windows Vista machines to use the classic Start menu?" and "Grocking the Windows 8 Start Menu."

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