In Microsoft Office XP and earlier for Windows, how do I automatically start the Office Shortcut Bar?

The file that controls the Office Shortcut Bar (OSA.exe or OSA9.exe) has a switch that controls whether it opens automatically. To set the switch to have the Shortcut Bar open automatically at startup, follow the appropriate steps below.

Note: The Office Shortcut Bar is not included in Office 2003. Instead, you can use the Start menu to launch an Office application. For more information, see In Windows, how do I add an application to the Start menu? You can also use the Quick Launch toolbar, which provides functionality similar to the Office Shortcut bar. For more information, see In Windows 2000 and later, how do I use the Quick Launch bar?

Windows 2000 and XP

Note: You may need the Office installation disks if this feature has not been installed.

1. Log in with administrative rights.
   
   
2. Browse to the c:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup folder.
   
   
3. Right-click the Microsoft Office icon and select Properties.
   
   
4. Click the Shortcut tab.
   
   
5. In the "Target:" field, add  -o  (the letter o) to the end of the string.
   
   
6. Click Apply, and then OK.

Windows NT

1. Log in with administrative rights.
   
   
2. Click the Start button, and from the menu that appears, select Programs, and then Windows NT Explorer.
   
   
3. In the window on the left, highlight the [C:] folder, and then follow this path: WINNT\Profiles\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
4. Right-click the Microsoft Office icon and select Properties.
   
   
5. Click the Shortcut tab.
   
   
6. In the "Target:" field, add  -o  (the letter o) to the end of the string.
   
   
7. Click Apply, and then Close.

Windows 95 and 98

1. Browse to the C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp folder.
   
   
2. Right-click the Microsoft Office icon and choose Properties.
   
   
3. Click the Shortcut tab.
   
   
4. In the "Target" field, add  -o  (the letter o).
   
   
5. Click Apply, and then OK.

For more information about switches used with Office, see articles 165071, 210875, and 290144 at the Microsoft Help and Support web site.

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