How reduce number items listed 'start menu'

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From: srdiamond (srdiamond_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 01/26/05 

Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 19:29:03 -0800

Every miniscule freeware program I add to my disk automatically augments the
start menu. Even when a program offers the choice omission from that
over-populated morass, I am reluctant, because nowhere can I find
documentation on how to initiate a program "off menu."

If I right click on a start menu shortcut to a program or a directory (NOT
the *pinned* items, they're under control), and delete the aliases of
programs and directories, a) how do I start the unlisted programs; is
Explorer the only way, or is even Explorer somehow dependent on the Massive
Menu; and b) how do I get some alternative list of the programs on my
computer.

I can't be the only one. I have a 19 inch lcd screen. What do people with
15-inch crts do when their start menus get too big?