The search box on the new Start Menu in Windows Vista can be very useful for everyday tasks. This search box is very powerful because not only does it search the start menu and control panel, but it also searches your pictures, documents and even your e-mails. The scope of the search is very wide and you can see some performance benefits if you narrow it down to just searching the start menu and control panel. Follow these steps to optimize your start menu search:

1. Right click on the start button and select Properties.
   
2. Click on the Customize button.
3. Remove the check from Search Communications.
4. Set Search Files to Don't search for files.
   
5. Click OK.
6. Click OK once more.