Add Files & Folders to the Start Menu

(Tested on Windows XP Professional)

One of my favorite time savers is to add frequently used files (or folders) to my Windows start menu. It saves me having to dig through folders to find the files I use most often.

Some of the files and folders I have added to my Start menu include:

• my Writing Projects folder
• templates for one of my blogs
• my cash flow projection spreadsheet

Step 1 - Remove what you don't need.
In order to make sure there is enough space for items you are adding,remove the ones you don't need.

• Click the Start button
• Right clickthe item
• Select Remove from this list.
  

Step 2 - Add the programs.

• Through MyComputer or Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder that contains the file or folder you want to add to your start menu.
• Click and drag the item over your start button. 
  
• Drop the item

Step 3 - Confirm

• Click the Start button
• The file or folder will appear on the list of available items.

Office 2007 - Adding Items to the Quick Access Toolbar

In this post, I revealed one of my favorite Office 2003 time savers, adding buttons to the toolbar.

Unfortunately, this feature was removed in Office 2007. Instead, it has been replaced by the Quick Access Toolbar.

• Position your mouse in the blue area next to the Ribbon tab.
• Right click, then choose Customize Quick Access Toolbar.
• Under Choose commands from, change Popular Commands to All Commands.
• Select a command, click Add.

Add the rest of the commands to the list, and click OK.

Outlook 2007 - 2 Ways to Create an Appointment from an Email

One way to keep your inbox clear of clutter is to take action on every email that comes into your box. Here are two ways to create an appointment from an email.

1st Method
• Drag the email to the calendar on the To-Do Bar.
• The email changes to an Appointment.
• Make sure the date and time are correct.
This method copies places a copy of the email on your calendar. If you delete the email, the appointment is not affected.

2nd Method
• With the email open, click the Move to folder button.
• Move the email to the Calendar folder.
This method removes the email from your inbox, and places it on your calendar. If you delete the appointment, you are also deleting the email.

For additional information: Clearing Inbox Clutter - Outlook 2007