Customizing the windows xp start menu

[1101]

Hi I'm using windows xp (hate the newer OSs) and want to make a few changes to the start menu. Also I'm using the classic start menu (so it's harder to make changes). I would like to do 2 things.

1) I would like to remove the pinned programs link in the start menu, i have tried going into the registry editor under the windows/currentversion/policies key and adding the dword NoPinnedStartMenu (then setting it to a value of 1) but this did not work. I tried this with several other things (help and support, the favorites folder) and it has worked so I'm assuming i just have the incorrect dword name.

2) I would like to have a shortcut to my computer in the start menu but do not want it to cascade (that is expand when I hover over it). I would simply like it to open windows explorer and show all my drives when I click on it (ie what happens if you double click the my computer shortcut on the desktop).
Again here i have tried messing around in the registry to no success. I should also note that because I am using the classic menu there is no option to change this under properties when i right click the start menu.

Thanks

 

[OvenMaster]

#1: http://www.pctools.com/guides/registry/detail/1036 You just didn't use the right words. No biggie.

#2: Right-click My computer and drag it a bit on your desktop. When it asks what you want to do, click Create Shortcut Here. Do it. Then drag that shortcut onto your Start button and then put it wherever you wish

 

[1101]

That didn't work. The registry value you gave me doesn't work for the classic start menu (it even says so in the link you gave me). The my computer shortcut is still cascading.