Frequently used programs not automatically added to the Start menu

This article discusses the circumstances in which a shortcut to a program is not displayed in the most frequently used list in the Start menu.

Microsoft Windows XP includes a new Start menu that automatically displays the user's most frequently used programs (a most frequently used list). Only shortcuts to .exe files are displayed in the list.

If any of the following strings are included in the shortcut name, the program is not displayed in the most frequently used list:

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The preceding list is located in the AddRemoveNames value at the following registry location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileAssociation
The following list of programs are excluded from the most frequently used list:
Setup.exe
Install.exe
Isuninst.exe
Unwise.exe
Unwise32.exe
St5unst.exe
Rundll32.exe
Msoobe.exe
Lnkstub.exe
Msascui.exe
The preceding list is located in the AddRemoveApps value at the following registry location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileAssociation
Programs can also be registered to be excluded from the most frequently used list by creating the following NoStartPage string value:

(The REG_SZ string value must be empty or blank) HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications\Appname.exe

The following programs have the preceding setting by default:
Explorer.exe
Icwconn1.exe
Inoculan.exe
Mobsync.exe
Navwnt.exe
Realmon.exe
Sndvol32.exe

APPLIES TO
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Starter
Windows Vista Ultimate

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