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How to Access Your Computer's Programs on Windows Without Using the Start Menu

If your computer won't let you access all programs through the start menu, here's how to access them otherwise. Open the start menu.

Author: Micah Soto1 minutes read
Table of Contents
Method 1 of 2:

Windows Vista

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    Open the start menu.
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    Click Computer.
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    Double-click on the Local Disc (C:) icon (May be named slightly different on some computers).
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    Click an empty space on the address bar (Bar at top of screen that says Computer > Local Disc (C:)).
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    Type C:ProgramData and press enter/return.
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    Open the Microsoft folder.
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    Open the Windows folder.
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    Open the Start Menu folder.
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    Open the Programs folder.
Method 2 of 2:

Windows XP

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    Open My Computer, on your desktop.
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    Double-click on the Local Disc (C:) icon (May be named slightly different on some computers).
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    Open the Documents and Settings folder).
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    Open the user folder that you want to access programs from.
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    Open the Start Menu folder.
  6. images 1 of How to Access Your Computer's Programs on Windows Without Using the Start Menu
    Open the Programs folder.

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