Computer and Software Support


Quick Launch 

Windows XP

When you have a program that you use often, it is easier to access if you do not have to search for it in the start menu.

You have a couple of options.

  • You can have a shortcut on the desktop to have quick access to it

    • Only drawback on the desktop is that if you have programs open, the icon will be covered and you would have to show desktop to see it

  • You can have a shortcut on the Quick Launch. This is located by the Start button and always will be visible for quick access (unless you have the taskbar to hide when it is not in use. If that is the case, when you move your mouse to the taskbar area it will apear)

To enable quick Launch do the following

  1. Access Quick Launch

  2. Put a check on Quick Launch

   

  1. Click Apply

   

  1. Click OK

   

  1. The Quick Launch will appear by the Start

   

  1. Create a shortcut on the Desktop of the program you want on the Quick Launch. Here is instructions on doing this (For these instructions we are going to put Internet Hearts on the Quick Launch)

  2. Drag the shortcut from the desktop to the Quick Launch. For instructions on how to drag, click here.

  3. Do not drag a program from the start Menu, Click here for more information

  4. You can click and drag the icons in Quick Launch to have them in any order you want

  5. If there is more icons then there is space for it, an arrow will appear.

   

  1. Click on the arrow and you will have access to the icons that is not visible.

   

  1. If you want the Quick Launch to show more Icons, you can click and drag the edge of the Quick Launch to make it bigger. If it will not allow you to resize Quick Launch, you will need to unlock the Taskbar. Click here for instructions on doing that.

  2. If you do not want the icon in the Quick Launch anymore, just Right-click on the item and select Delete

   

 

 

Note: Do not drag a shortcut from the Start Menu to the Quick Launch. Doing this removes the shortcut from the Start Menu. If you want a shortcut added to the Quick Launch, create a Desktop shortcut and then drag it to the Quick Launch