REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS

REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS

REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTRY TRICKS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS

FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
UPDATED TILL MARCH 2008
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY
By:-TRICKS
ShobhitFOR Katoch WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
REGISTORY TRICKS FOR WINDOWS
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Tutorial on Registry.……………………………………………….03
2. Registry tricks…………………………..…………....……………..06
 Lock Out Unwanted Users…………………………………………………………..06
 Multiple Columns For the Start Menu………………………………………………06
 Changing Windows Icons…………………………………………………………...06
 Disable the Outlook Express Splash Screen……………………………………...07
 Creating a Logon Banner……………………………………………………………08
 Automatic Screen Refresh…………………………………………………………..08
 Disable Password Caching………………………………………………………….08
 Adding Items to the Start Button……………………………………………………08
 Disabling My Computer……………………………………………………………...09
 Recycle Bin Edits…………………………………………………………………….09
 Setting the Minimum Password Length……………………………………………10
 Removing the Shortcut Icon Arrows………………………………………………..10
 Protection on system files…………………………………………………………...10
 Increase BROADBAND……………………………………………………………...11
 Customize Windows Media Player Title Bar………………………………………11
 Specify Default IE Download Directory…………………………………………….11
 Increase Menu Display Speed……………………………………………………...12
 Create a Hidden User Account……………………………………………………..12
 Multiple login to yahoo……………………………………………………………….12
 Force windows XP to reboot upon crashing………………………………………13
 Customize Logon prompt with your Own Words………………………………….13
 Adding Administrative Tools Icon To The Desktop……………………………….13
 Modify Color Selection of Default Theme………………………………………….13
 Maximize Windows or Internet Explorer on opening……………………………..13
 Disabling Display of Drives in My Computer.............…………………………….14
 Take Over the Screen Saver………………………………………………………..14
 Pop a banner each time Windows Boots………………………………………….14
 Secure your Desktop Icons and Settings………………………………………….15
 Making the Internet Explorer & the Explorer Toolbars Fancy…………………...15
 Change Internet Explorer's Caption………………………………………………..15
3. Notes………………………………………………………………...16
 TUTORIAL ON REGISTRY
1) REGISTRY:- The registry is a hierarchical database that contains virtually all
information about your computer's configuration. Under previous version of
Windows, those setting where contained in files like config.sys, autoexec.bat,
win.ini, system.ini, control.ini and so on. From this you can understand how
important the registry is.
The structure of the registry is similar to the ini files structure, but it goes
beyond the concept of ini files because it offers a hierarchical structure, similar to
the folders and files on hard disk. In fact the procedure to get to the elements of
the registry is similar to the way to get to folders and files. In this section I would
be examine the Win95\98 registry only although NT is quite similar.

2) REGISTRY EDITOR:-The Registry Editor is a utility by the filename

regedit.exe that allows you to see, search, modify and save the registry database
of Windows. The Registry Editor doesn't validate the values you are writing: it
allows any operation. So you have to pay close attention, because no error
message will be shown if you make a wrong operation.
To launch the Registry Editor simply run RegEdit.exe (under WinNT run
RegEdt32.exe with administer privileges). The registry editor is divided into two
sectios in the left one there is a hierarchical structure of the database (the screen
looks like Windows Explorer) in the right one there are the values. The registry is
organized into keys and subkeys. Each key contains a value entry; each one has
a name, a type or a class and the value itself. The name is a string that identifies
the value to the key. The length and the format of the value are dependent on the
data type.
As you can see with the Registry Editor, the registry is divided into five
principal keys: there is no way to add or delete keys at this level. Only two of
these keys are effectively saved on hard disk: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and
HKEY_USERS. The others are just branches of the main keys or are dynamically
created by Windows.
Folder/predefined key Description
Contains the root of the configuration information for
the user who is currently logged on. The user's
HKEY_CURRENT_USER folders, screen colors, and Control Panel settings
are stored here. This information is referred to as a
user's profile.
This important key contains the sub key .Default and
another key for each user that has access to the
computer. If there is just one user, only .Default key
exists. . Each sub key maintains the preferences of
HKEY_USERS each user, like the desktop colors, the fonts used,
and also the settings of many programs.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER is a subkey of
HKEY_USERS.
 This key contains any hardware, applications and
services information. Several hardware information is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE updated automatically while the computer is booting.
The data stored in this key is shared with any user.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
Is a subkey of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software.
The information stored here ensures that the correct
program opens when you open a file by using
Windows Explorer. It also contains OLE, drag'n'drop,
shortcut and file association information.

Contains information about the hardware profile used

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG by the local computer at system startup.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE has many sub keys:

 Config:- It contains configuration data for different hardware configurations.
 Enum:- This is the device data. For each device in your computer, you can
find information such as the device type, the hardware manufacturer, device
drivers and the configuration.
 Hardware:- This key contains a list of serial ports, processors and floating
point processors.
 Network:- It contains network information.
 Security:- It shows you network security information.
 Software:- This key contains data about installed software.
 System:- It contains data that checks which device drivers are used by
Windows and how they are configured.
HKEY_USERS also has a sub keys:
 AppEvent:- It contains the path of audio files that Windows plays when
some events happen.
 Control Panel:- Here are the settings defined in the Control Panel. They
used to be stored in win.ini and control.ini.
 Keyboard Layouts:- It contains a voice that identify the actual keyboard
disposition how it is set into the Control Panel.
 Network:- This key stores subkeys that describe current and recent
network shortcuts.
 RemoteAccess:- The settings of Remote Access are stored here.
 Software:- It contains all software settings. This data was stored in win.ini
and private .ini files.
3) The following table lists the data types currently defined and used by the
system:
 Data type Description
Raw binary data. Most hardware
component information is stored as
REG_BINARY binary data and is displayed in
Registry Editor in hexadecimal format.

Data represented by a number that is

4 bytes long. Many parameters for
REG_DWORD device drivers and services are this
type and are displayed in Registry
Editor in binary, hexadecimal, or
decimal format.

A variable-length data string. This data

REG_EXPAND_SZ type includes variables that are
resolved when a program or service
uses the data.

A multiple string. Values that contain

lists or multiple values in a form that
REG_MULTI_SZ people can read are usually this type.
Entries are separated by spaces,
commas, or other marks.

REG_SZ A fixed-length text string.

A series of nested arrays designed to

REG_FULL_RESOURCE_DESCRIPTOR store a resource list for a hardware
component or driver.
 REGISTRY TRICKS
1. Lock Out Unwanted Users
Want to keep people from accessing Windows, even as the default user? If you
do not have a domain does not attempt this.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Network\Logon.
 Create a dword value "MustBeValidated".
 Set the value to 1.
This forced logon can be bypassed in Safe Mode on Windows 9x.

2. Multiple Columns For the Start Menu

To make Windows use multiple Start Menu Columns instead of a single
scrolling column, like Windows 9x had, also if you are using Classic Mode in XP.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Explorer\
Advanced.
 Create a string value "StartMenuScrollPrograms".
 Right click the new string value and select modify.
 Set the value to “FALSE”.

3. Changing Windows' Icons

You can change the Icons Windows uses for folders, the Start Menu, opened
and closed folder in the Explorer, and many more.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Explorer\ Shell
Icons.
 Add a string value for each Icon you wish to change.
Example: "3" ="C:\Windows\Icons\MyIcon.ico,0" This will change the closed
folders in the Explorer to "MyIcon.ico". Here is a complete list for each value.
0= Unknown file type
1= MSN file types
2= Applications Generic
3= Closed Folder
4= Open Folder
5= 5.25" Drive
6= 3.25" Drive
 7= Removable Drive
8= Hard Drive
9= NetWork Drive
10= Network Drive Offline
11= CD-ROM Drive
12= RAM Drive
13= Entire Network 14= Network Hub
15= My Computer
16= Printer
17= Network Neighborhood
18= Network Workgroup
19= Start Menu's Program Folders
20= Start Menu's Documents
21= Start Menu's Setting
22= Start Menu's Find
23= Start Menu's Help
24= Start Menu's Run
25= Start Menu's Suspend
26= Start Menu's PC Undock
27= Start Menu's Shutdown 28= Shared
29= Shortcut Arrow
30= (Unknown Overlay)
31= Recycle Bin Empty
32= Recycle Bin Full
33= Dial-up Network
34= DeskTop
35= Control Panel
36= Start Menu's Programs
37= Printer Folder
38= Fonts Folder
39= Taskbar Icon
40= Audio CD
You need to reboot after making changes. You may need to delete the
hidden file ShellIconCache if after rebooting the desired Icons are not
displayed.

4. Disable the Outlook Express Splash Screen

You can make OutLook Express load quicker by disabling the splash screen:
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OutLook Express.
 Add a string value "NoSplash".
 Set the value data to 1 as a Dword value.
5. Creating a Logon Banner
If you want to create a Logon Banner: A message box to appear below your
logon on.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go To
For Windows 9x and ME -
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Winlogon
For Windows 2000 XP 2003 Vista -
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Winlogon
 Create a new String value "LegalNoticeCaption "
 Enter the Title of the window. What is displayed in the Title Bar.
 Create a new string value "LegalNoticeText"
 Enter the text for your message box that will appear even before the Logon
window.

6. Automatic Screen Refresh

When you make changes to your file system and use Explorer, the changes
are not usually displayed until you press the F5 key to refresh automatically:
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Update.
 Set the value name "UpdateMode" to 1.

7. Disable Password Caching

To disable password caching, which allows for the single Network login and
eliminates the secondary Windows logon screen. Either use the same password
or:
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE \Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Policies\
Network.
 Add a Dword value "DisablePwdCaching" and set the value to 1.

8. Adding Items to the Start Button

To add items when you right-click on the Start Button:
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Shell.
 Right-click on Shell and select New Key.
 Type in the name of the key and press the Enter key.
 In the Default name that shows in the right hand panel, you can add a title with
a "&" character in front of the letter for a shortcut.
  Right-click on the key you just created and create another key under it called
command.
 For the value of this command, enter the full path and program you want to
execute.
 Now when you right click on the Start Button, your new program will be there.
 For example, if you want Word to be added, you would add that as the first
key, the default in the right panel would be &Word so when you right click on
the Start Button, the W would be the Hot Key on your keyboard. The value of
the key would be C:\Program Files\Office\Winword\Winword.exe.

9. Disabling My Computer
In areas where you are trying to restrict what users can do on the computer, it
might be beneficial to disable the ability to click on My Computer and have
access to the drives, control panel etc.
To disable this:
 Open Registry Editor.
 Search for 20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D.
 This should bring you to the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID section.
 Delete the entire section.
Now when you click on My Computer, nothing will happen.
You might want to export this section to a Registry file before deleting it just in
case you want to enable it again. Or you can rename it to
20D0HideMyComputer4FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D. You can also
hide all the Desktop Icons, see Change/Add restrictions.

10. Recycle Bin Edits

Fooling with the recycle bin. Why not make the icon context menu act like
other icon context menus.
Add rename to the menu:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08 00AA002F954E}\ ShellFolder
"Attributes"=hex:50,01,00,20
Add delete to the menu:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}\ ShellFolder
"Attributes"=hex:60,01,00,20
Add rename and delete to the menu:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} \ShellFolder
"Attributes"=hex:70,01,00,20
Restore the recycle bin to Windows defaults including un-deleting the
icon after deletion:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows \CurrentVersion\ explorer\
Desktop\NameSpace\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
@="Recycle Bin"
 Reset Windows defaults.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} \ShellFolder
"Attributes"=hex:40,01,00,20
Other edits to the recycle bin icon:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}\ ShellFolder
"Attributes"=hex:40,01,01,20 ... standard shortcut arrow
"Attributes"=hex:40,01,02,20 ... a different shortcut arrow
"Attributes"=hex:40,01,04,20 ... and still another shortcut arrow
"Attributes"=hex:40,01,08,20 ... make it look disabled (like it's been cut)
For Windows XP and 2000 also edit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Explorer\ CLSID\
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
For Windows ME also edit
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \Software\ Classes\ CLSID\ {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-
00AA002F954E}

11. Setting the Minimum Password Length

 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Policies\
Network.
 Now, choose the Edit/New/Binary value command and call the new value
MinPwdLen. Press Enter twice and Assign it a value equal to your minimum
password length.
Add\delete programs to run every time Windows starts.
You can start or stop programs from executing at boot up by adding or
deleting them to/from the run Keys in the Registry. Windows loads programs to
start in the following order; Program listed in the Local Machine hive, then the
Current User hive, then theWin.ini Run= and Load = lines. Then finally
programs in your Start Up folder.

12. Removing the Shortcut Icon Arrows

 Open Registry Editor.
 Open the Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
 Open the Key LNKFILE.
 Delete the value IsShortcut.
 Open the next Key PIFFILE.
 Delete the value IsShortcut.
 Restart the Windows.

13. Protection on system files

To enable protection on system files such as the KnownDLLs list, add the
following value;
  Open Registry Editor.
 Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\ Control\ SessionManager.
 Create the a Dword value and name it "ProtectionMode ".
 Set the Value to1.

14. Increase BROADBAND

This is for broad band connections, though it might work for dial up.
 Make sure your logged on as actually "Administrator".
 Start->Run->type gpedit.msc
 Expand the "Local Computer Policy" branch.
 Expand the "Administrative Templates" branch.
 Expand the "Network Branch".
 Highlight the "QoS Packet Scheduler" in left window.
 In right window double-click the "Limit Reservable Bandwidth" setting.
 On setting tab check the "Enabled" item.
 Where it says "Bandwidth limit %" change it to read 0.
Effect is immediate on some systems, some need to re-boot. This is more of
a "counter what XP does" thing. In other words, programs can request up to
20% of the bandwidth be reserved for them, even with QoS disabled.

15. Customize Windows Media Player Title Bar

Change the title bar to read Windows Media Player provided by <your text>,
so if I had entered text? Shobhitkatoch? , it would read: Windows Media Player
provided by ShobhitKatoch.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft.
 Create the Key [WindowsMediaPlayer].
 Create String value named [TitleBar].
 Data Type: REG_SZ // Value Name: TitleBar.
 Double click TitleBar and enter the text to be displayed in the title bar.
 Exit Registry / Reboot.

16. Specify Default IE Download Directory

This tweak changes the default directory where downloads initiated in Internet
Explorer are stored on the system.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer.
 Modify/Create String Value of Data type REG_SZ Named [Download
Directory].
 Value Data: [Enter Path to Directory to be assigned as Default for
Downloads].
  Exit Registry / Reboot .

17. Increase Menu Display Speed

When you click on the Start Menu there is some delay to display the contents,
just for no reason. Effects are pretty though. The default speed can be adjusted
with a quick registry entry.
The default value is 400. Set it to 0 and the delay is gone. If you are not able
to adjust pick a number that suits your style and make the change.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
 Modify/Create String value of Data type REG_SZ Named [MenuShowDelay]
 Value Data: [Default = 400 / Adjust to Preference].
 Exit Registry / Reboot.

18. Create a Hidden User Account

This tweak allows an account that is normally displayed on the Welcome
screen to be hidden from view. To log on using the account it's necessary to
use the Log On To Windows dialog box similar to the one in Windows 2000 i.e.
press CTRL+ALT+DEL twice.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\
SpecialAccounts\UserList
 Modify/Create DWORD Value of Data type REG_DWORD Named [Type
Name of Account to be Hidden]
 Setting for Value Data: [0 = Account is Hidden / 1 = Enabled]
 Exit Registry / Reboot
While the account is hidden on the Welcome screen, note that the account
profile will be visible in C:\Documents and Settings or wherever user profiles are
stored as well as in Local Users and Groups.

19. Multiple login to yahoo

 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_ USER \Software \yahoo \pager\Test.
 On the right page , right-click and choose new Dword value .
 Rename it as Plural.
 Double click and assign a decimal value of 1.
Now close registry and restart yahoo messenger and try Multiple Login.
20. Force windows XP to reboot upon crashing
This registry edit will cause your system to reboot itself automatically upon
crashing. This can be useful if you have a reason for keeping your system on
24/7:
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl.
 Edit the 'AutoReboot' value to '1'.

21. Customize Logon prompt with your Own Words

 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon].
 In right pane, look for key by the name "LogonPrompt".
 Set its value to whatever text you want to see displayed at login screen.
 And also see on the right side pane as DefaultPassword:-
 It shows the password of the administrator.

22. Adding Administrative Tools Icon To The Desktop

 Open Registry Editor.
 In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Des
ktop\NameSpace .
 Create the following key: {D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524153} (just
copy/paste, including the brackets).
 Close Registry Editor.
 There is no need to reboot.
 Just wait a few seconds and see how the icon appears.

23. Modify Color Selection of Default Theme

 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ThemeManager
and locate the key "ColorName".
 Right Click on it and select modify its value from "NormalColor" to "Metallic".
 Click Ok, and exit registry editor and restart your computer.

24. Maximize Windows or Internet Explorer on opening

It is convenient to open the Internet Explorer with maximized window any
times. We can set it maximized by Windows Registry. Let do these steps.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to : HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Console.
  In the right window of the Registry Editor program, double click on FullScreen
registry.
 Change the Value data to 1 in the Edit DWORD Value window.
 Click OK.

25. Disabling Display of Drives in My Computer

To disable the display of local or networked drives when you click My
Computer:
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explo
rer.
 Now in the right pane create a new DWORD item and name it NoDrives.
 Now modify it's value and set it to 3FFFFFF (Hexadecimal).
 Exit registry editor and press F5 to refresh.
 When you click on My Computer, no drives will be shown.
 To enable display of drives in My Computer, simply delete this DWORD item.

26. Take Over the Screen Saver

To activate and deactivate the screen saver whenever you want .
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ScreenSavers .
 Now add a new string value and name it Mouse Corners.
 Edit this new value to -Y-N.
 Press F5 to refresh the registry.
 Now you can activate your screensaver by simply placing the mouse cursor
at the top right corner of the screen and if you take the mouse to the bottom
left corner of the screen, the screensaver will deactivate.

27. Pop a banner each time Windows Boots

To pop a banner which can contain any message you want to display just
before a user is going to log on.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WinLogon.
 Now create a new string Value in the right pane named “LegalNoticeCaption”
and enter the value that you want to see in the Menu Bar.
 Now create yet another new string value and name it: “LegalNoticeText”.
 Modify it and insert the message you want to display each time Windows
boots.
28. Secure your Desktop Icons and Settings
You can save your desktop settings and secure it from your nerdy friend by
playing with the registry.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
 In the right pane create a new DWORD Value named “NoSaveSettings” and
modify it's value to 1.
 Refresh and restart for the settings to get saved.

29. Making the Internet Explorer & the Explorer Toolbars Fancy
The Internet Explorer toolbar looks pretty simple. Want to make it fancy and
kewl? Why not add a background image to it.
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ Internet Explorer\Toolbar.
 Now in the right pane create a new String Value and name it “BackBitmap”
and modify it's value to the path of the Bitmap you want to dress it up with by
right clicking on it and choosing Modify.
 When you reboot the Internet Explorer and the Windows Explorer toolbars will
have a new look.

30. Change Internet Explorer's Caption

Don't like the caption of Internet Explorer caption? Want to change it?
 Open Registry Editor.
 Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main.
 In the right pane create a new String Value names “Window Title” (Note the
space between Window and Title).
 Right click on this newly created String Value and select Modify. Type in the
new caption you want to be displayed.
 Restart for settings to take place.

Well that's it for now, more tricks later, till then goodbye.
Shobhit Katoch
For any queries you may contact shobhitrocks@gmail.com.
NOTES