Is there any way to set it so that the start menu doesnt condense itself to only show the most used programs?

you can go to "windows classic" mode.. I think that gives you a regular start menu

I've already got it set to Windows Classic and Classic Start Menu, but it still condenses the submenus.

Right click on taskbar goto properties

Click start menu tab

Enable Classic Mode

Click Customize button

UNCheck Use Personalized Menus

Now I feel retarded... I didn't even notice the checkbox menu in there yesterday when I was trying to figure it out. Thanks for the help AdamJ :)