I've found if I manually cram the start menu with shortcuts, this will shrink down the most recently used programs area-I keep only one in case I have to quickly get out and back in. I use File Commander to create the extra shortcuts (but I suppose any other file utility will work). You can by-pass the 7 program limit imposed by the Start\Settings\Menus\ system application.
By the way the folder you want to place the shortcuts into is: \Windows\Start Menu\
Another thing I've done is to create some folder in this area so I can group programs together, for example, I have a GAMES folder, and a NOTES folder.
Hope this helps... :approve: