In Windows 2000 or XP, how do I remove program icons from the Start menu?

Note: This document explains how to remove shortcuts, not the programs themselves. To remove the programs themselves, use Add/Remove Programs in the control panel. For more information, see In Windows, how do I uninstall programs?

To remove program icons from the Start menu in Windows 2000 or XP:

1. Right-click Start and select Explore. Windows Explorer will open and display the items on the Start menu in the right pane.
   
   
2. If the item you wish to remove is in the Programs folder (which is inside the Start Menu folder), select the Programs folder in the left pane. The contents of the Programs folder will appear in the right pane. To display all folders within the Programs folder, click the + (plus sign) next to it in the left pane. To remove an item from any of those folders, select the folder containing the item in the left pane.
   
   
3. In the right pane, select the item you wish to remove and press the Del key. You can remove single items as well as folders.
   
   
4. You will be asked if you wish to move the item to the Recycle Bin. Select Yes.