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Disable New Programs Installed Alerts in Windows XP

When you install software onto a Windows XP computer, a "New programs installed" balloon will usually appear on the Start menu. The newly installed software will also be highlighted in the "All Programs" sub-menu.

For many XP users, this "New programs installed" alert is unnecessary and can become somewhat irritating. The majority of users will know they have installed new software and will not need to be reminded of the fact. What's more, the balloon tends to obscure the "Log off" button.



If you feel you can get by quite well without the new programs installed alerts, here are instructions for disabling them:

  1. Right-click the Start button and then click "Properties" to open the "Taskbar and Start menu Properties" window.

  2. Click the "Customize" button to open the "Customize Start Menu" window and then click the "Advanced" tab.

  3. Remove the tick in the check-box labelled "Highlight newly installed programs".

  4. Click "OK" to save the changes and exit the "Customize Start Menu" window.

  5. Click "OK" again to exit the "Taskbar and Start menu Properties" window.

Uncheck Highlight newly installed programs

The "New programs installed" balloon should no longer appear after you install software, nor will new software items be highlighted in the start menu.

If you find you miss the "new software" alerts, you can easily enable them again by proceeding to step 3 above and placing a tick in the check box labelled "Highlight newly installed programs".





© Brett M.Christensen, 2006 All Rights Reserved


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