To create a compact start menu, make the User panel width to be 240 pixels, and make either the Programs or the Places sections width 50. That 50 can vary slightly depending on different parts of your skin, but its a good place to start. I prefer shrinking the Programs area, but then you have to twiddle around with the All Programs button to make it look good, which is no easy task. Hope this info helps. You can jdcerebro@gmail.com me if you need more help.
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