Friday, May 11, 2007
Remove "Nonremovable" Desktop Icons
To create your own customized XP interface, you need to be able to remove certain desktop icons. A Registry hack lets you remove any you want, including those apparently protected by XP.
Creating the perfect, customized XP interface doesn't mean just changing icons; it also means removing them. For example, many power users look down their noses at America Online, and yet, on many systems, that icon can't be removed easily.
America Online isn't the only icon protected in this way; many others are as well. Which desktop icons are protected on your system will depend on your exact version of XP (for example, SP-1) and the manufacturer of your PC. The Recycle Bin is protected on all versions, but the America Online icon is protected on some systems, and not on others.
To customize XP to your liking, you'll want to be able to delete these protected icons. To do so, you'll need a Registry hack. Run the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace. Here's where you'll find various special desktop icons. They're not listed by name, but instead by CLSIDfor example, {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} for the Recycle Bin. Table 2-3 lists CLSIDs of common desktop objects, so use it to find the CLSID of the icon you want to delete.
To remove an icon from the desktop, simply delete the key of the iconfor example, {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} for the Recycle Bin. Then exit the Registry, go to your desktop, and press F5 to refresh the screen. The Recycle Bin icon should now be gone.
On some systems, the icons might not be deleted immediately. Instead, after making the Registry change, you might have to right-click the icon and choose Delete.
Some CLSIDs in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace can be deleted from the desktop without having to go through this procedure, but when you try to delete them they might give you a special warning message. For example, when you try to delete Microsoft Outlook from the desktop, you get the warning message "The Outlook Desktop icon provides special functionality and we recommend that you do not remove it." If you like, you can edit that message to display whatever you want. In the CLSID's subkeyfor example, {00020D75-0000-0000-C000-000000000046} for Microsoft Outlookyou'll find the value Removal Message. Edit this value to whatever text you want, and your warning message will appear whenever someone tries to delete the icon.
Keep in mind that when you remove desktop icons you're removing only icons, not the underlying feature or program. So, the Recycle Bin still works even if you remove its icon. To open the Recycle Bin, go to C:\RECYCLER and open the folder inside it. To restore an item that's been deleted, right-click it and choose Properties Restore. Delete items as you would any other item.
Some manufacturers make America Online a nonremovable desktop icon. If that's the case with your PC and you want to remove it, delete the CLSID {955B7B84-5308-419c-8ED8-0B9CA3C56985}. America Online will still work, but its icon will no longer be on the desktop.
Posted by Vipin at 11:46 PM
Labels: The User Interface
49 Comments:
Hey there! I understand this is kind of off-topic however I needed to ask.
Does building a well-established blog such as yours take
a lot of work? I am completely new to operating a blog but
I do write in my journal daily. I'd like to start a blog so I can easily share my experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!
my weblog ... website
Hi there, after reading this remarkable paragraph i am also happy to share my familiarity here with friends.
My web site - addiction therapy Cape Town
Also see my webpage > outpatient group therapy Cape Town
Please let me know if you're looking for a author for your weblog. You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd absolutely love to write some material for your blog
in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested.
Thank you!
My blog; yoga Cape Town
Howdy! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I'm trying to
find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!
Here is my website :: http://platinumlimousine.org
If you wish for to obtain a good deal from this article then you have to apply such methods to your won web site.
My blog: website
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday.
It will always be helpful to read articles from other authors and use a little
something from their web sites.
my web blog ... more information
I used to be able to find good info from your content.
my webpage: visit link
This page truly has all of the information I needed concerning
this subject and didn't know who to ask.
Feel free to surf to my web-site :: visit link
wonderful issues altogether, you simply received a emblem
new reader. What could you recommend about your publish that
you just made some days ago? Any sure?
My page - click here
I'm really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog readers have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?
My blog - more information
1- Number your curse words and call out a number when
stress strikes. The first lesson is that life can be humorous and fun again when you
make time to play. If you cannot get over something that went wrong in your life, remember this quote, 'Do not blame yourself for past errors.
Have a look at my weblog: http://chatstudents.co.uk/index.php?do=/profile-4491/info/
This amazing information is priceless. How could I discover more?
my weblog; http://sexynaughtyflirty.com/
Helping optimistic people excel - in 7 areas of life is her mission.
The reason this is important is because you will have a stronger knowledge base and bag of tricks to
keep you going on the rougher days. These tips are followed
by every pregnant woman all around the world but remember whatever you do,
you should first check with your gynecologist so that there is no complication in your pregnancy.
Take a look at my blog post fitness tips articles
This simple app provides lots of funny facts that you have ever known.
It is hard to imagine how athletes can do such entertaining and funny facial expressions, but
apparently the desire to win is more important than image.
While almost every cat is a work of aesthetic beauty, they are often animals that combine silliness and a fierce disposition.
Also visit my web page - lol pictures
Your means of describing all in this article is really fastidious, every one be capable of without difficulty know
it, Thanks a lot.
my weblog: visit the following web page
Put it someplace where you cannot miss it if you tried.
The second option is to use headphones as you probably did at the gym in the past.
Menopause weight gain is not inevitable, but it can be more difficult to maintain a healthy
weight as your metabolism slows.
My weblog: Jillian Michaels Challenge
What's Taking place i'm new to this, I stumbled
upon this I've found It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist other customers like its aided me. Good job.
Review my page; site
Hi, I believe your website might be having browser compatibility problems.
Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in
IE, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other than that, great website!
Feel free to visit my webpage - Know More
Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post
is just great and i could assume you're an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.
Take a look at my website :: more information
Somebody essentially help to make critically posts I would
state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far?
I surprised with the analysis you made to make this particular post amazing.
Wonderful task!
My web blog :: click here
Please let me know if you're looking for a writer for your blog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd really like to write some
content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please blast me an email if interested. Regards!
my web page ... more info
We're a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You've done a formidable job and
our entire community will be grateful to you.
Have a look at my blog; Marquee Hire Gauteng
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you really
understand what you're talking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally discuss with my site =). We could have a hyperlink exchange contract between us
Feel free to visit my page; any repairs to garage doors Sandton
I visited various sites but the audio feature for audio songs present at this
web page is really fabulous.
Look at my page; aloe vera Moisturiser cheshire
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.
Take a look at my web-site - minerals processing equipment
I read this post fully about the comparison of latest and preceding technologies, it's amazing article.
my blog - {accounting services Gauteng
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and
it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to
suggest you some interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
I wish to read even more things about it!
Look at my site ... vip marquee hire Sussex
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or
copyright violation? My blog has a lot of unique content I've either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help prevent content from being ripped off? I'd truly appreciate
it.
my weblog office cleaning Midrand
I couldn't refrain from commenting. Well written!
my weblog - architecture Gauteng
This design is incredible! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
..HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you
presented it. Too cool!
My web page interior design and architecture
I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
my webpage; home decor
Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice even as
you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog web
site? The account helped me a applicable deal.
I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vivid clear concept
Here is my page; bookkeeping
Terrific article! That is the type of information that should be shared around
the internet. Shame on the search engines for now not positioning this submit higher!
Come on over and discuss with my website . Thanks
=)
Have a look at my web blog :: air conditioning servicing
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However,
how could we communicate?
Stop by my webpage flowers Cape Town
Just wish to say your article is as astounding.
The clearness in your post is just spectacular and i could assume you're an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
Also visit my webpage: Click here
Wonderful items from you, man. I have consider your stuff previous
to and you're simply too excellent. I actually like what you've acquired right here, really like what you're stating and the way in which in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you continue to take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to learn much more from you. This is really a wonderful website.
Feel free to visit my weblog - CNC production
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find
almost all of your post's to be what precisely I'm looking
for. Does one offer guest writers to write content
for yourself? I wouldn't mind writing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome web site!
Feel free to surf to my web page - cranes
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or
copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of unique
content I've either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being ripped off? I'd certainly appreciate it.
Stop by my weblog - dating
My brother suggested I might like this website. He was entirely right.
This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had
spent for this info! Thanks!
my site - bookkeeping around Durban
Hello, yup this piece of writing is actually good and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
thanks.
Look into my blog - vehicle signage Gauteng
I truly love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you develop this site yourself? Please reply back as I'm planning to create my own personal blog and want to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Thanks!
Feel free to visit my site :: Sign company
Exceptional post however I was wondering if you could
write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!
Here is my webpage ... General building & construction
I feel this is among the most significant information for me.
And i'm happy studying your article. However want to observation on few basic things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is in reality excellent : D. Just right activity, cheers
Feel free to visit my blog: simply click the up coming document
This is really attention-grabbing, You're a very professional blogger. I've joined your rss feed and look ahead to in search of more of your magnificent post.
Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks
My web page: team development
It improves blood and oxygen flow to the muscles that are
recovering from the prior hard workout. The reason this
is important is because you will have a stronger knowledge base and bag of tricks
to keep you going on the rougher days. Stretching will
help you prevent injuries and it will help you loosen up your muscles.
Here is my web page - fitness tips and workouts
Helping optimistic people excel - in 7 areas of life is her mission.
Men can follow these health and fitness tips to lose weight and get healthy and
fit. Stretching will help you prevent injuries and it will help you loosen up your muscles.
Here is my web blog - click through the following article
Just go through the internet and discover the best source to get all these
humorous images. That is why we have dedicated this page to help you renew your spirit and perhaps have a few laughs too.
And if you are not ready for it, then believe
it, your boredom will stay.
Here is my blog post http://reptile.ee/reptiwiki/index.php?title=Laughter_Is_Finest_Medication_-_Humorous_Movies_Can_Assistance_Restore_Laughter
I'm very happy to find this great site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new things in your web site.
my web page - http://www.inspiredfilmfund.com
Great blog you've got here.. Itís hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
My weblog :: Biotechnology Courses
Post a Comment