Shortcuts in the start menu restored by updates

[Derek Cooper]

I've been mildly irritated by this for a long time and I finally
decided to ask around. I'm using Windows XP SP3. If there's a more
appropriate forum to ask this question I'd appreciate a pointer.

When I install a program it often puts the shortcuts in the root of
the start menu. To keep down clutter I go into Windows Explorer and
move the shortcuts into sub-folders. The problem is that when I
update the programs, their installer rebuilds the original shortcuts.
It gets tedious having to repeatedly move the same shortcuts.

I gather that the applications store their start menu paths in the
registry. Is there a utility that I can use to permanently change
those paths? If no utility, is there any consistency to where these
paths are stored?

Thank, you

Derek Cooper