Display the Windows XP Control Panel as a Menu

Normally, Windows XP users open the Control Panel in a separate window by clicking the "Control Panel" icon in the Start menu.

Default Control Panel Window

However, if you would prefer a different, and perhaps more efficient, method of accessing Control Panel items, you can have them display as a sub-menu on the Start menu.

Part of Control Panel displayed as a sub-menu

Here's how to display the Control Panel as a menu:

1. Right-click the "Start" button and click "Properties".
   
2. In the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window, click the "Start Menu" tab (if it is not already open) and then click "Customize".
   
3. In the "Customize Start Menu" window, click the "Advanced" tab.
   
4. In the "Start menu items" section, choose "Display as a menu" as the "Control Panel" option.
   
5. Click "OK" to exit the "Customize Start Menu" window and then "OK" again to close the "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window".

Now, holding the mouse over the Start menu Control Panel icon will reveal a sub-menu that gives access to all the control panel items.

To go back to the default Control Panel display option, repeat the steps above but choose "Display as a link" in step 4.