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Start Menu X Pro 5.02 Giveaway
$19.99
EXPIRED

Giveaway of the day — Start Menu X Pro 5.02

Start Menu X is a replacement of the system menu for professionals.
$19.99 EXPIRED
User rating: 483 42 comments

Start Menu X Pro 5.02 was available as a giveaway on November 30, 2013!

Today Giveaway of the Day
$36.00
free today
Download music from 1000+ sites anytime and anywhere!

Start Menu X is a replacement of the system menu for professionals. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu, so Start Menu X is the right solution!

Benefits of PRO version:

  • Single-click launch!
  • Assign a primary program to any folder and start it simply by clicking this folder.
  • Change the structure and add tabs.
  • Manage the Virtual Groups
  • Sort files by name
  • Free minor 5.x updates.

System Requirements:

Windows 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP (x32/x64)

Publisher:

OrdinarySoft

Homepage:

http://www.startmenux.com/index.html

File Size:

13.6 MB

Price:

$19.99

GIVEAWAY download basket

Bring back the Start button and menu to Windows 8.
Use Windows 7 desktop gadgets on Windows 10/8.1/8 operating systems.
View various meters for resource consumption.
Developed by Microsoft

Comments on Start Menu X Pro 5.02

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Please add a comment explaining the reason behind your vote.
#42

Agree with MarieS #25.

I use icons on desktop to rapidly execute any often-used software. So much faster.

I did not uninstall StartMenuX. ( I do not care whether it is Std or Pro version). Keep it for fun but do NOT allow auto-start up with Windows.

Important to note 3rd (last paragraph)of comment by MarieS.

Reply   |   Comment by ric  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#41

I am #15 above. Installed today and looks good. A very nice offer from GAOTD.

I think my experience will be more and more pressing to all here. I am converting from XP to 7, and I am discovering what so many discovered a few years back: 7 is disruptive in so many COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY ways. I'm late to say this, but I am dumbfounded at how MS made 7 so annoying and difficult.

If you ever see a photo of Bill Gates with TWO black eyes, you'll know I finally had a chance to thank him properly for Word and, now, Win 7.

Reply   |   Comment by glnz  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#40

Nice program! Allowed me to replace my start menu icon with my own custom made graphic that animates when you click it.

Reply   |   Comment by tim  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#39

And yes the program , Vista Start Menu, is from the same developer, This Start Menu X is actually the replacement.

Reply   |   Comment by HOODY  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#38

@30

This program has the same "highlight" new installed programs feature. in fact you can even set the number of days for the highlight to be active on the new program. I myself found it distracting, and due to my email to the developer, he did make that change, before it stayed highlighted for 5 days period.

Reply   |   Comment by HOODY  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#37

I am tickled pink for the chance to bypass the ridiculous app start-up page on Windows 8! Thank you OrdinarySoft and GAOTD for saving my computer from going out the window... LOLOL... This program is truly a godsend for this moldie oldie.

Reply   |   Comment by Mary  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#36

@9 (Giovanni) : XP will be continued to be supported another 5 years for corporations and for the homeuser they will release critical updates if needed.

As the homeuser You can stay with XP if You want to, but there will be a slight risk of doing it though, but if You have backups on external drives it will be quite easy to restore if a disaster strikes !

Reply   |   Comment by Steffo  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#35

@23 there is really no comparison. Startmenu8 is for those that want their startmenu back in win8.x and bypass the metro screen. Current offer is for those that want a more elaborate startmenu that can be skinned and ordered and that sort of things. If you "just want your startmenu back" I would go for startmenu8, if you want the extra options like foldercolors, sorting of programs, grouping of programtypes and such this offer is for you.

personally I like my startmenu as simple as can be and I will stick with startmenu8 because of that

Reply   |   Comment by NoName  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#34

Today's GOTD, Start Menu X. --- Brought out my new Sys7 from the closet, [because I can't stand the Sys7 and 8's manner of launching programs], and installed, and it works very well on the 7 box.
Personally I get very impatient, hovering over areas of [Sys7] my screens, WAITING for something to happen. Todays GOTD, does what M$ [MicroSoft] can't, and it does that very well. Yes there's a couple GUI flaws that could [easily] be updated, but as a whole, it should be a welcomed pleasure for most, including me.

Re: [#9] above, WinXP [and it's Start Menu] will no longer be supported by M$ [who cares?] in the near future, but, that does not mean it's dead, by any means. Aside from the USA crowd, the rest of the world happily embraces WinXP not only because it's compatible with just about everything, but more stable and reliable than what followed.

[a little insight for you non-believers of WinXP] . If you've been to his home; one of the richest men on this planet who can afford anything [Bill Gates], does not use, Vista, Sys7 or even 8, so what'cha think he uses? [take a wild guess!]

Last but not least:
Thank you GOTD and 'everyone' who took the time to comment. If it were not for your thoughtful opinion [good, bad or indifferent], a lot of these programs, I wouldn't bother [at least] trying.

Reply   |   Comment by Maximus  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#33

Installed, played with, uninstalled, then used the restore point I had thankfully created just prior to installing today's offering. Reason, after installed I did what most people do, I played with the settings. All of a sudden my task bar disappeared! No problem I thought and checked the help file... no hits. After an hour of searching I uninstalled using Advanced Uninstaller. Thank god I looked, it wanted to delete ALL of my start menu (the real one) entries. Didn't do that but anyway uninstalling did not get my task bar, clock, pinned items back so resorted to a restore. My advice, be very careful with this one!

Reply   |   Comment by Ken  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#32

Correction: I see that in this new Pro version, highlighting recent installed program is possible in the option menu. Even the number of days while highlighting is made. Anyway, it's a very nice program I have been using for years, paid and free version.
I couldn't resist to thank Giovanni again for everything he provides to us. And for his humour too. A big big thank you and I wish you the best in your life.

Reply   |   Comment by Roland  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#31

a)
Re 9 "XP is (unfortunately) about to die"

No it isnt . Microsoft is not selling as much of its useless windows 8 as it would ,like , so it is trying to scare people into upgrading to one of their operating systems that also is already a security risk as it has a built in NSA back door.

Several Anti virus companies have said they are willing to support WinXP if MS stop support, though how they would specifically do this I have still to see announced.

b) Whether you have Win XP or any other MS operating system then I thoroughly recommend Start Menue X. If you instal lots of progs then they end up running off your screen . Although it is possible to make folders and manually put different progs in each, start menu does it all for you .

I have been using an earlier version of start menu x for years and look forward to upgrading to this one.

c)I think MS may have been drunk when they designed Windows 8 ( the security risk version of MS software, ) especially if you dont have a touch screen , everyone needs the start menu back, and with Start Menu x you will be glad you downloaded it and notice the difference.

Reply   |   Comment by Peter B  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#30

The freeware "Vista Start Menu" provides nearly the same advantages. I think it's made from the same company. What I like in it, lost in the paid version, is that any new installed program is highlighted in the start menu during a few days. No need to search for it, which is sometimes difficult to find when the program name in the start menu is different of what you think it should be. It works perfectly well in Win7 64 Bits. I don't know for win 8. Download version 3.8 free here : http://www.vistastartmenu.com/index.html

Reply   |   Comment by Roland  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)
#29

IMHO this program has struggled over the years to be at all useful. Perseverance apparently pays off, however, because I've found this version to be a whole lot better on Win h8 than any other replacements. It's completely customizable and super quick to open.

What I'd like to see is a list of Win h8 apps (ala Classic Shell) but this is a minor problem. Well done!

Reply   |   Comment by Gruber  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#28

Hi, to Scott #10 with Q: "Since this really can’t be re-installed if you have to do a system restore, are you back to square one, and unable to re-install this ?" - check what Free version of today's Giveaway offers:

http://www.startmenux.com/registration.html


That could be the answer to those who like a look and feel of this particular Program, if 3 differences in Free are 'minor' issue and they don't fancy purchasing Pro?

Btw.. my personal 'dislike of Win7 (after sticking to XP for ages and keeping it on my older PC) covers 3 basic areas: right clicking on desktop doesn't bring graphics like Xp did to change whatever with previous ease, searching for any File, or Folder on bigger drives especially is a task for those with plenty of time (and nerves!) only.., older favorite Games won't play:(

Perhaps today's Giveaway can ease 'pain' just a little bit, at least Start Menu can make more sense.. That said - I could truly rant about what I had to learn when swiching to Win7 (tricks upon tricks, as many features I don't call 'progress', but stupidity), so - often joining and not fighting is what Microsoft likes to hear throwing at us what clearly doesn't always make sense, at the same time classing 'regular' folks as dinosaurs that have to come good or die?..
Well, that's where the whole army of 'savvies' (and Programs like this Giveaway) play their part:)

Reply   |   Comment by fran  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)
#27

ANYONE, PLEASE HELP:

I do not remember (age 70 might explain) how it happened, but I have both the Standard and Pro versions installed on my computer.

How do I change which one loads (Win7-64HE)?

HOw do I check the version number?

Best regards,

Jeff

Reply   |   Comment by JWS  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+12)
#26

Need to reduce the transparantcy but did not find that option on the help options.

Reply   |   Comment by Jim Baxter  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#25

I uninstalled it because it uses 5% of the CPU time slices in the background, whether you are using it or not is irrelevant.

Second, I do not classify the menu as this software suggests, I have separate folders and appropriate icons for each category and can find and start any program with just 2 clicks.

And by the way, you are not replacing the windows start menu (it is still running in the background) it was just made not to display on the screen, so you have two menu softwares running at the same time, one visible and one invisible (but still running).

Reply   |   Comment by MarieS  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+7)
#24

The thought of attempting to organise my start menu is daunting and has put me off using this or similar downloads.
For those of a similar disposition I have for years been using DsRun on which there is an improved version called Pretty Run.
In essence it just type in part of the program name and it lists matching items, clicking on this list opens the item.
Initially it was only for program files but has been updated now so that it does browser links etc.
It does too many things to mention here but there is a good description on the download link page which is as follows;-
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Pretty-Run.shtml

Reply   |   Comment by XP-Man  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+9)
#23

How does this stack up to Iobit's Start Menu 8, which is free?

Reply   |   Comment by Wildcat  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#22

PS, even though I have the paid Pro version, its still good to get this "free" version, as you can install it on any other computer, my paid version won't install on a 2nd machine when I try to register it with my key as it checks like windows. So if you need a newer "free pro" version for another computer but you have a pro key, get it now.

Reply   |   Comment by HOODY  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#21

I been using this since W8 came out, like it a lot, used the free version at first, bought the Pro version for a deep discount a while back. Have looked at a lot of these start menu programs, and find this one has more to offer. Its too bad W8/8.1 doesn't have AERO, but it still looks OK.

Since I already have a paid version of Pro I can get the updates as is anyway, so I don't need to download this one, but if I didn't have the Pro version I would definitely get this one if you use W8/8.1, not as useful on W7.

Reply   |   Comment by HOODY  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#20

#15 I have been using it on Win 7 Home Edition 64 bit since it was last offered. #16 there is no bug on the Run command. I have used it many times without a problem.

Reply   |   Comment by Robert  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#19

Nice giveaway. Nice software, i already have it in my pc as a replacement of windows 8 start menu. Not too much worries. Works perfectly. No one should miss this giveaway.

Reply   |   Comment by Sarath  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)
#18

Thanks Dennis for the giveaway, but like everything else. . . I've been paying for the software for a long time.

Satisfied customer, and currently running the latest version on Windows 8.1 64 bit with an AMD FX 8320, 8 core with no issues.

For the record when bugs/issues had arose in the past, the developer had always corrected without haste.
Heidi-Ann Kennedy

Reply   |   Comment by Heidi-Ann  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)
#17

Wasn't impressed with it at last GOTD. Don't need more to organize.
Most of the programs and tools I use I already have in my taskbar
not hidden by windows, nor do I need to search in Start menu.

Reply   |   Comment by van  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#16

Had last version of this GAoD. This version have also bug, where "Run ..." command is something like "Calistir ..."

Reply   |   Comment by alo  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-2)
#15

Quick questions - if I install on Win 7 Pro 64-bit:

1) Can I select which users it is available for?
2) If it's turned on for a user, is it easy for that user to turn it off and go back to Win 7's native Start? (Only turn off, not uninstall.)

Please advise step-by-step as I'm setting up and using Win 7 right now for the first time. (I know I shall miss XP for the rest of my life.)
:(

Reply   |   Comment by glnz  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+9)
#14

Thanks for this software.
Read the full Review & Learn how to use Start Menu X Pro http://goo.gl/l06BqF

Reply   |   Comment by Naveen Thakur  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-7)
#13

Some strange behavior observed:
1. the invention of the hourglass icon has escaped the programmers. while populating a menu (example: control panel), it seems like nothing is happening.
2. virtual groups: so I have them enabled, configured... where are they?! do I have to do anything else to make my defined groups appear?

OH! I have to exit and restart the app. strange. OK. so, to open a group, I have to click it. but I have to click ON the tiny, miniature triangle at the end of the line . WHY?? why go out of your way to make it more difficult? Also, why is the group in the same color of the background, so I can't differentiate?

some thinking is required to make this comfortably usable. I am amazed that in 7 years, no one thought to fix these simple design bugs, in my opinion.

Reply   |   Comment by Al  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+14)
#12

thanks for a great rerun. one of my favorites that i look forward to every time i see the main program wanting to update.

and thanks to the developer for including 5.x updates on this giveaway. nice to know if they have a bug fix or just a minor tweak, we don't have to pay for that update!

Reply   |   Comment by JackS  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)
#11

Whenever this program shows up at giveaway sites, I always chime in with the same comment: this is one great program. In fact it is so good that I have purchased 2 Pro copies for my two computers - the only software (besides the OS) that I have ever paid for, everything else on my computers are either open source or giveaway products!

So what is so great about this program?

1) It enables me to see all 100 programs I have on my computer, no scrolling required.
2) When I click on a program's name, it opens up that program immediately, no hunting through myriad icons.
3) All functions of the computer - Control Panel, Search, Run, etc. are also located from the main window, no searching through menus to find what you're looking for.

As is evident from this review, I think very highly of this program - it is the first program I load after installing (and reinstalling) Windows - so much so that I've purchased two commercial licenses for it to date, and recommend it to anyone who asks what I use for my Start button / menu.

Thanks to GOTD and Denis for making this opportunity available to all.

Reply   |   Comment by BearPup  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+29)
#10

I have a question. Since this really can't be re-installed if you have to do a system restore, are you back to square one, and unable to re-install this ?

Reply   |   Comment by Scott  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+20)
#9

XP is (unfortunately) about to die (Microsoft is going to stop support it in a few month time) and for sure Windows7/8 turned out to be far superior as OS, except for one aspect: the Start Menu Skin.

So a tool like this GAOTD is a GODsend for geeks like me who use Windows7/8 but at the same time want to recreate the old XP start menu format.

In fact with this tool you can personalize the Start menu skin, groups and programs and even insert the Start button in Windows 8
You can also create so called "virtual groups" to include or exclude programs for each group of your choice (e.g. system, graphics, games, movies etc..) and even edit the existing ones.

In this new version the developer has added a cool feature, which enables you to assign a primary program to any folder, so as to start it automatically by simply clicking over the folder.

2 Thumbs UP from me!

BEST FREE ALTERNATIVES (and probably even BETTER than this GAOTD with regards to Windows8 users)

http://www.handystartmenu.com/handy_start_menu_overview.php
https://code.google.com/p/power8 (==> Can block Metro Features)
http://www.iobit.com/iobitstartmenu8.php (==> Windows 8 users only)

Reply   |   Comment by Giovanni  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+109)
#8

Classic Shell is highly recommended, and free !

Reply   |   Comment by Tonyl  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+24)
#7

Check out the latest CLASSIC SHELL,
not only is it FREEWARE,but also open-source.
Highly customizable, and supports Windows 8.x fully!

http://www.classicshell.net/

Reply   |   Comment by Slaikka  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+51)
#6

Works as advertised, does what it says on the box. Easy install and registration on Win 7 64 bit. It puts the classic start menu on and allows easy customization. If you like the classic menu, it's cool, otherwise nothing to get excited over.

Reply   |   Comment by Axiomia  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+14)
#5

System: HP Pavilion, Win 8.0, 8 GB RAM, fast AMD quad-core processor. I have used previous versions of this program and found it useful, but this particular version seems to have some "issues." During install, it froze twice, during configuration it was incredibly slow instituting each of the selected changes from one thing to the next. Finally, just as I had it like I wanted it, it froze for the last time and crashed.

IF you are just using this on a home system where you have time to fuss with things, it might be worth continuing to poke around with it and see if you can get it to work well. However, for production use, I suggest you avoid this version - which is sad, because production machines were one of the main things it was designed to benefit.

Reply   |   Comment by Mark Magill  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+20)
#4

For years I've used a start menu I manually organise into folders (Office, Games, Multimedia, Utilities...). I've customised the icons for these subfolders.

When I then run StartmenuX, I note:
1. The folders are present, but the icons for some have been changed.
2. The folders and shortcuts are simply arranged alphabetically, so it is now actually hard to navigate rationally as folders and shortcuts are mixed, and of course some icons changed.
3. Large menus have a slider at the bottom so you can see the rest of the menu, which requires click and drag.

By contrast, Aston Menu is completely compatible.
1. Folders have the appropriate icon
2. Under Programs, folders are listed first
3. Large menus can be viewed merely by moving the mouse.. no extra click to activate the slider.

Reply   |   Comment by David  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+44)
#3

I do already have a commercial licence for this and its nice to have the classic menu back. The windows menu has never been any good since Windows 98, which was always the simplest and best.

However, the brilliant and free Classic Shell, kind of makes this software redundant: http://www.classicshell.net/

Reply   |   Comment by Faye Davies  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+44)
#2

Installed and running very well, loads of options and for me a great giveaway, thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by Michael N Hart  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#1

Pros
*Allows users to customize the menu adding any folder, file, program, etc.
*Supports ‘Virtual Groups’
*Completely replaces the Start Menu, so using the Windows key brings up Start Menu X instead of default Start Menu
*For Windows 8/8.1: Adds a Start Menu, and has the ability to automatically skip Start Screen upon Windows 8 boot
*Allows users to skin Start Menu X.

Cons
*Nothing too major

Free Alternatives
Start Menu Reviver
Classic Shell
Vistart

Final Verdict
Click here for final verdict and full review

Reply   |   Comment by Ashraf  –  10 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+87)
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