Disable the new program highlight feature

[Geekgirl]

Windows XP user interface enhancements are designed to make the operating system easy to work with for users at all levels. However, some features are distracting for intermediate to advanced users, such as the new program highlight feature.

When you install new applications in XP, the corresponding shortcuts on the Start menu are highlighted so you can quickly locate them. Until you actually use these shortcuts, they remain highlighted. If there are numerous shortcuts on the application's menu, you have to access each one to turn off the highlighting.

Here's how to disable this feature:


Right-click the Start button and select Properties.
Click the Customize button.
On the Advanced tab, deselect the Highlight Newly Installed Programs check box.
Click OK twice.

You may need to restart the system or log out of XP for the change to take effect.