Windows Tutorials - The Lazy Start Menu posted in the Tutorials forums; Right click the title of the toolbar(Links in this case) and untick Show Title. That removes the text.
But you have to unlock the taskbar first. right click on a ...
Welcome to PCHF. This is a really easy mistake to make, but you may want to check the activity dates before posting, this thread hasn't been used since the begining of June. Your information will probably not reach it's target. Thanks for helping out.
One word, Launchy. That's what I use. Navigating the start menu, especially when you've got a gazillion programs listed there can be a pain I know. The links tip is a good one though.