By default, certain objects on the Windows Start menu open their respective folders. Click Control Panel, for example, and the Control Panel opens on the desktop. However, you can configure these items individually to expand rather than open when you click them. For example, the Control Panel can display its contents on the Start menu rather than open in a folder window. The same is true for My Documents, Printers, and Network And Dial-Up Connections.

To configure these items to expand:

1. Right-click the taskbar and choose Properties.
2. Click the Advanced tab and select the options in the Start Menu Settings list for Expand Control Panel, Expand Printers, etc.
3. Click OK to apply your changes. Those items will expand instead of opening, enabling you to select individual items (such as Control Panel objects) from the Start menu. If you need to open an object that is configured to expand, right-click the menu item and choose Open from its context menu.