Problem with Start/Programs Window

[Pete]

I have xpsp2 home edition. When I click start and point to programs, the
programs window is truncating (i.e. chopping off) the last entry (i.e. it is
below the damn screen border of my pc). There is just enough of it to get a
pointer to it,which will put up the little yellow labeling window.

How can I get the window to either raise itself up (there is a little space
above the top - less than a half an inch), or expand itself into another
column. Right now it displays two columns and they are full, and the last
entry in the right column is truncated.

I hope you see what I am getting at. If not write back and ask for more
info. I tried to explain it the best I could. If I added a new program, I
would think it would automatically add a third column, but I don't have
anything to add right now . Thanks...Pete

 

[Guest]

Why not R.click the desktop,properties,advanced,adjust youre screen in
display.
Also,you might uninstall youre display adapter in device mgr,xp will
reinstall on
next restart,then reinstall mfg software/drivers...

 

[Pete]

Why not R.click the desktop,properties,advanced,adjust youre screen in
display.

Andrew...it is not obvious to me how to adjust the screen in the advanced
button of the "appearance" tab. I have never messed with that before and
don't know anything about it. And I don't know what you mean by adjusting
my screen. My screen borders are already very close to the "edge" (for lack
of a better word). The item that I mentioned that is being truncated,
belongs in a newly formed third column I believe, and windows is not doing
it. Can you explain a little more about the adjusting my screen please.
Thanks...Pete

Also,you might uninstall youre display adapter in device mgr,xp will
reinstall on
next restart,then reinstall mfg software/drivers...

I will leave it alone before I will do all that. I thought there would be a
simple fix. What do you think has caused this peculiarity (some kind of
corrupted file or what)...Pete

 

[Pete]

Andrew...I may be confusing you about something here. When I said "the
programs window is truncating (i.e. chopping off) the last entry", I didn't
mean it was a window, as in a collapsable window with an "x" in the corner.
I merely meant when you click start and point to programs, a pretty white
display shows up with all the programs in it (it is not a window in the
conventional sense of the term). That is what is truncating the last item,
and needs to form a third column, but it is not...Pete

 

[Glenda P]

Hi Pete
right click task bar and open properties
go to start menu tab and click customize, go to the advanced tab and tic
the "scroll programs" box.
That will put the programs all in one column.
Glenda

 

[Sharon F]

Andrew...it is not obvious to me how to adjust the screen in the advanced
button of the "appearance" tab. I have never messed with that before and
don't know anything about it. And I don't know what you mean by adjusting
my screen. My screen borders are already very close to the "edge" (for lack
of a better word). The item that I mentioned that is being truncated,
belongs in a newly formed third column I believe, and windows is not doing
it. Can you explain a little more about the adjusting my screen please.
Thanks...Pete


I will leave it alone before I will do all that. I thought there would be a
simple fix. What do you think has caused this peculiarity (some kind of
corrupted file or what)...Pete

Pete, I think what Andrew is suggesting is that the monitor is not adjusted
correctly - that perhaps the bottom edge is a touch out of view and needs
to be "pulled up." However if that was the case, I would think that you
would have parts of the taskbar or any "bottom" item cut off - not just the
last item in the start menu. If looking at the situation closer, you think
this might be the problem, then use the monitor's own buttons to "pull up"
the bottom edge of the screen.

From your description, it sounds like you've hit a spot where the
calculations that determine where a column should end and a new one should
start are not in sync with what is displayed on screen.

This might be a quirk of your current display driver or a side effect of a
setting you are using within display properties. You could tweak in these
areas or try updating a driver but if you have long start menu columns, I'm
of the opinion that the same problem would eventually reappear. A different
approach would be to change your start menu...

-If you don't mind scrolling, try the "Scroll Programs" option in
Taskbar/Start Menu properties as another reply mentions.

OR

-Condense your start menu. Right click on the Start button and click
Explore. Explorer will open with the focus on the Start Menu folder for
your user account. Right click on Start again and click Explore All Users.
A second Explorer window will open showing the All Users start menu folder.
You need to work with both windows to reorganize the start menu.

Use existing folders and, if necessary create new folders, under Programs
or Accessories to group similar programs. For example, I have a folder
under Programs named "Hardware." I tuck all folders and loose shortcuts for
various programs that support specific hardware devices: mouse, keyboard,
printer, scanner and so on. I could tuck all of that under
Accessories/System tools but I like having it a few clicks "closer."

Nothing is written in stone here. I recommend holding onto folders created
by the operating system, especially: Programs, Administrative Tools (if
shown), Startup, Accessories and System Tools. It's very possible that XP
updates might expect those folders to exist in their original locations.

And keep in mind that objects in All Users start menu folders are available
to any user account. Objects in your start menu folders are available only
for your account.

Anyhow, by condensing these things, you'll shorten the columns and
hopefully won't lose sight of the last item in the column.

 

[Pete]

Pete, I think what Andrew is suggesting is that the monitor is not
adjusted correctly - that perhaps the bottom edge is a touch out of
view and needs to be "pulled up." However if that was the case, I
would think that you would have parts of the taskbar or any "bottom"
item cut off - not just the last item in the start menu. If looking
at the situation closer, you think this might be the problem, then
use the monitor's own buttons to "pull up" the bottom edge of the
screen.

From your description, it sounds like you've hit a spot where the
calculations that determine where a column should end and a new one
should start are not in sync with what is displayed on screen.

Thanks Sharon...Now you're talking. I agree and I will leave it alone.
It's not a main issue and Im sure it will self correct if I add another
program. It's right at the point where it fills up two columns. I read
about the single scroll and that is a good option. The other stuff you
wrote about condensing the start menu is good info and I will save it.

PS - I know you are not supposed to switch topics in a thread, but you are a
smart person, and while I got you, do you have any ideas why my printer
doesn't show up in my device manager. I just didn't want to lose you if I
wrote a new post and maybe you didn't see it. Thanks...Pete

 

[Pete]

Thanks Glenda...Pete

Hi Pete
right click task bar and open properties
go to start menu tab and click customize, go to the advanced tab
and tic the "scroll programs" box.
That will put the programs all in one column.
Glenda

 

[Sharon F]

Thanks Sharon...Now you're talking. I agree and I will leave it alone.
It's not a main issue and Im sure it will self correct if I add another
program. It's right at the point where it fills up two columns. I read
about the single scroll and that is a good option. The other stuff you
wrote about condensing the start menu is good info and I will save it.

PS - I know you are not supposed to switch topics in a thread, but you are a
smart person, and while I got you, do you have any ideas why my printer
doesn't show up in my device manager. I just didn't want to lose you if I
wrote a new post and maybe you didn't see it. Thanks...Pete

You're welcome, Pete. As far as the printer goes, can't help with the info
given so far. In general, a no-show in device manager means it is not
compatible or that it needs drivers installed. However, there are always
exceptions to generalizations...

I think it would be best if you did make a separate post but please be sure
to include some details about the situation. Printer model can be relevant.
What kind of connection the printer uses (USB, LPT or something else). How
is it connected? Example: directly to computer or, if USB, through a hub.
If you have devices that use a similar connection, do they work? Example,
if USB do other USB devices work or not.

Also, has the printer ever worked on this setup? If yes, what changed
between working and not working?

You might also want to post this to the
microsoft.public.windowsxp.print_fax
newsgroup. While I know about my own printers and XP, Cari the and other
hardware/printer MVPs, who specialize in printer/xp issues, post in there
regularly.

 

[Pete]

You're welcome, Pete. As far as the printer goes, can't help with the
info given so far. In general, a no-show in device manager means it
is not compatible or that it needs drivers installed. However, there
are always exceptions to generalizations...

I think it would be best if you did make a separate post but please
be sure to include some details about the situation. Printer model
can be relevant. What kind of connection the printer uses (USB, LPT
or something else). How is it connected? Example: directly to
computer or, if USB, through a hub. If you have devices that use a
similar connection, do they work? Example, if USB do other USB
devices work or not.

Also, has the printer ever worked on this setup? If yes, what changed
between working and not working?

You might also want to post this to the
microsoft.public.windowsxp.print_fax
newsgroup. While I know about my own printers and XP, Cari the and
other hardware/printer MVPs, who specialize in printer/xp issues,
post in there regularly.

Thanks Sharon...I realize I didn't give you enough info. I posted the
details in another group and didn't have any luck, so I thought I would just
ask the general question while I had you - sorry. I will write a printer
group later maybe. It's no big deal. The printer works fine and always
has. It's a desk jet 932c and it is listed in control panel/printers (but
the driver isn't described in detail like it is when you see a driver in
device manager - it just gives the name of the printer). There is more info
also, but I don't want to bore you with it [like the only way I could find
the drivers for the two printers I have listed (I only have one printer,but
you can list it two ways) was to click "advanced system information" in the
lead screen of compaq help and support, i.e. I stumbled on to it by
accident, lol].

The only listing in device manager that relates to my printer is in "ports",
where it says "printer port - LPT1" (I have my printer connected directly to
a parallel port on my pc). Like I said its NBD, I just noticed it when I
was scavenging around, and wondered why it wasn't there, because I thought
device manager was supposed to list ALL connected hardware (and I did have
the printer turned on when I checked). It's probably a damn HP/Compaq
thing,

Reply back if you like. Thanks...Pete

 

[Sharon F]

You're welcome, Pete. As far as the printer goes, can't help with the
info given so far. In general, a no-show in device manager means it
is not compatible or that it needs drivers installed. However, there
are always exceptions to generalizations...

I think it would be best if you did make a separate post but please
be sure to include some details about the situation. Printer model
can be relevant. What kind of connection the printer uses (USB, LPT
or something else). How is it connected? Example: directly to
computer or, if USB, through a hub. If you have devices that use a
similar connection, do they work? Example, if USB do other USB
devices work or not.

Also, has the printer ever worked on this setup? If yes, what changed
between working and not working?

You might also want to post this to the
microsoft.public.windowsxp.print_fax
newsgroup. While I know about my own printers and XP, Cari the and
other hardware/printer MVPs, who specialize in printer/xp issues,
post in there regularly.

Thanks Sharon...I realize I didn't give you enough info. I posted the
details in another group and didn't have any luck, so I thought I would just
ask the general question while I had you - sorry. I will write a printer
group later maybe. It's no big deal. The printer works fine and always
has. It's a desk jet 932c and it is listed in control panel/printers (but
the driver isn't described in detail like it is when you see a driver in
device manager - it just gives the name of the printer). There is more info
also, but I don't want to bore you with it [like the only way I could find
the drivers for the two printers I have listed (I only have one printer,but
you can list it two ways) was to click "advanced system information" in the
lead screen of compaq help and support, i.e. I stumbled on to it by
accident, lol].

The only listing in device manager that relates to my printer is in "ports",
where it says "printer port - LPT1" (I have my printer connected directly to
a parallel port on my pc). Like I said its NBD, I just noticed it when I
was scavenging around, and wondered why it wasn't there, because I thought
device manager was supposed to list ALL connected hardware (and I did have
the printer turned on when I checked). It's probably a damn HP/Compaq
thing,

Reply back if you like. Thanks...Pete

Hi again, Pete. Am glad you posted back. Reading this reminded me that
printers are *not* in Device Manager in XP. They are only in Printer/Fax as
you've already noticed. So you're not "missing" anything. It sounds like
your Hp/Compaq Help and Support's System Information is the same thing as
Start> Accessories> System Tools> System Information? That lists printers
but as you have seen, not much info or control there.

I've seen dual listing for a single device before. Sometimes it is because
XP has two generic drivers that could accommodate your printer. Other times
it is because you have access to a generic driver provided by XP and have
installed a driver from HP. And still other times it's the result of
installing a different driver version from the same source - sloppy device
naming done by the two different setup programs.

The generic drivers usually can be counted on getting the printer working.
Drivers from the manufacturer are preferred if you want access to any extra
features the printer offers. I had an older 712c and could get its HP
drivers to install but found the XP generic drivers adequate for my needs
and less of a headache.

I'm not really sure what your question is so I hope I'm not rambling too
much.

 

[Pete]

On Fri, 14 Oct 2005 14:41:57 -0400, Pete wrote:

Thanks Sharon...Now you're talking. I agree and I will leave it
alone. It's not a main issue and Im sure it will self correct if I
add another program. It's right at the point where it fills up two
columns. I read about the single scroll and that is a good option.
The other stuff you wrote about condensing the start menu is good
info and I will save it.

PS - I know you are not supposed to switch topics in a thread, but
you are a smart person, and while I got you, do you have any ideas
why my printer doesn't show up in my device manager. I just didn't
want to lose you if I wrote a new post and maybe you didn't see it.
Thanks...Pete

You're welcome, Pete. As far as the printer goes, can't help with
the info given so far. In general, a no-show in device manager
means it is not compatible or that it needs drivers installed.
However, there are always exceptions to generalizations...

I think it would be best if you did make a separate post but please
be sure to include some details about the situation. Printer model
can be relevant. What kind of connection the printer uses (USB, LPT
or something else). How is it connected? Example: directly to
computer or, if USB, through a hub. If you have devices that use a
similar connection, do they work? Example, if USB do other USB
devices work or not.

Also, has the printer ever worked on this setup? If yes, what
changed between working and not working?

You might also want to post this to the
microsoft.public.windowsxp.print_fax
newsgroup. While I know about my own printers and XP, Cari the and
other hardware/printer MVPs, who specialize in printer/xp issues,
post in there regularly.

Thanks Sharon...I realize I didn't give you enough info. I posted
the details in another group and didn't have any luck, so I thought
I would just ask the general question while I had you - sorry. I
will write a printer group later maybe. It's no big deal. The
printer works fine and always has. It's a desk jet 932c and it is
listed in control panel/printers (but the driver isn't described in
detail like it is when you see a driver in device manager - it just
gives the name of the printer). There is more info also, but I
don't want to bore you with it [like the only way I could find the
drivers for the two printers I have listed (I only have one
printer,but you can list it two ways) was to click "advanced system
information" in the lead screen of compaq help and support, i.e. I
stumbled on to it by accident, lol].

The only listing in device manager that relates to my printer is in
"ports", where it says "printer port - LPT1" (I have my printer
connected directly to a parallel port on my pc). Like I said its
NBD, I just noticed it when I was scavenging around, and wondered
why it wasn't there, because I thought device manager was supposed
to list ALL connected hardware (and I did have the printer turned on
when I checked). It's probably a damn HP/Compaq thing,

Reply back if you like. Thanks...Pete

Hi again, Pete. Am glad you posted back. Reading this reminded me that
printers are *not* in Device Manager in XP. They are only in
Printer/Fax as you've already noticed. So you're not "missing"
anything. It sounds like your Hp/Compaq Help and Support's System
Information is the same thing as Start> Accessories> System Tools>
System Information? That lists printers but as you have seen, not
much info or control there.

Hi Sharon...The HP info at least gave you the driver file, the sys info just
tells you what the name of your printer is. See below for more info...Pete

I've seen dual listing for a single device before. Sometimes it is
because XP has two generic drivers that could accommodate your
printer. Other times it is because you have access to a generic
driver provided by XP and have installed a driver from HP. And still
other times it's the result of installing a different driver version
from the same source - sloppy device naming done by the two different
setup programs.

The generic drivers usually can be counted on getting the printer
working. Drivers from the manufacturer are preferred if you want
access to any extra features the printer offers. I had an older 712c
and could get its HP drivers to install but found the XP generic
drivers adequate for my needs and less of a headache.

I'm not really sure what your question is so I hope I'm not rambling
too much.

Hi again, Sharon. You were not rambling, and I enjoy conversing with you.
It's a pleasure to get replies that are not the "quick one or two lines with
no noun and verb, and no personal touch" - I'm sure you know what I mean. I
much prefer your method of taking some more time and adding a personal touch
(Wes is very good also). And you both are knowledgeable. Kudo's to you
both (I have told him this also). Sorry I got carried away there - lol.

Let me add one tid bit of info I learned about the dreaded printers not
being in the device manager in XP. The little buggers will show up if you
click view/show hidden devices in the device manager, but you won't get any
good info, other than it referring you to the printer folder in the control
panel, and that is useless also because it doesn't give you the details
about the driver - oh well. And incidentally, the hidden display only
showed one of my two that I have listed in the printer folder in control
panel - and it wasn't the default one - oh well again.

Do you know what the logic is for XP not showing printers in device manager
(other than hidden). I guess MS wants you to go to control panel.

Take care Sharon. If you see my name in the headers in the future, take a
peek if you can remember (I know you read a hundred or more a day). I do
enjoy your comments...Pete

 

[Sharon F]

Do you know what the logic is for XP not showing printers in device manager
(other than hidden). I guess MS wants you to go to control panel.

Take care Sharon. If you see my name in the headers in the future, take a
peek if you can remember (I know you read a hundred or more a day). I do
enjoy your comments...Pete

It was changed in XP and I don't know why. There have been times I would
have liked to check printer driver version. Sometimes Control Panel>
Add/Remove Programs will mention a version in the description. The version
in use is probably listed in the registry but that takes all the fun out of
looking for it in the UI.

Currently I'm using a Canon S9000. That company creates a Canon folder for
the driver files. I vaguely remember something similar for HP but perhaps
under Program Files. However, knowing where the drivers are stored doesn't
help in deciding which printer listing to choose.

Still don't know what problem you're having with the printer if any. If
it's just deciding which listing for the printer to select, try them both.
One may have basic features (driver provided with operating system) and the
other will have more features available in "preferences" (driver supplied
directly from HP).

Or they may both work exactly the same. You may be seeing what I mentioned
before - two descriptions for the same printer/same drivers. Again, have
seen this happen when an updated driver enters a slightly different device
name and doesn't remove the old one. This cosmetic error doesn't effect the
printer's functionality but it is "messy" and leaves one wondering what
that "other printer" is all about.

You take care too, Pete and thanks for the compliments. I will be sure to
watch for your posts in the newsgroups.

 

[Pete]

It was changed in XP and I don't know why. There have been times I
would have liked to check printer driver version. Sometimes Control
Panel> Add/Remove Programs will mention a version in the description.
The version in use is probably listed in the registry but that takes
all the fun out of looking for it in the UI.

Currently I'm using a Canon S9000. That company creates a Canon
folder for the driver files. I vaguely remember something similar for
HP but perhaps under Program Files. However, knowing where the
drivers are stored doesn't help in deciding which printer listing to
choose.

Sharon...interesting you mentioned that. It's weird stuff. One printer
listing has its driver stored in four different places, and the other one
stored in only one (didn't want to bore you with that earlier)

Still don't know what problem you're having with the printer if any.
If it's just deciding which listing for the printer to select, try
them both. One may have basic features (driver provided with
operating system) and the other will have more features available in
"preferences" (driver supplied directly from HP).

I mentioned two posts ago that my printer works just fine and it always has
(you may have missed that in my rambling). It was just my curiousity when I
was roaming around and noticed it wasn't in device manager. And you are
absolutely correct about the two printer listings having different setups,
especially with each one having a different driver.

Or they may both work exactly the same. You may be seeing what I
mentioned before - two descriptions for the same printer/same
drivers. Again, have seen this happen when an updated driver enters a
slightly different device name and doesn't remove the old one. This
cosmetic error doesn't effect the printer's functionality but it is
"messy" and leaves one wondering what that "other printer" is all
about.

We think the same way. I agree.

You take care too, Pete and thanks for the compliments. I will be
sure to watch for your posts in the newsgroups.

Thanks again Sharon. Hope to chat with you in the future. I always have
something to write about...Pete