Registry Tips for customized Windows XP

The Registry is the single best tool available for customizing Windows XP.

1. Rename the Recycle Bin

HCR\CLSID\{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}\LocalizedString

Changing the text at the end of this value from Recycle Bin to the text of your choice will change the name of the recycle bin.

2. Add a Right-Click Context Menu Item to an Unknown File Type

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\Shell

To add a right-click context menu item to an unknown file type, right-click on the Shell subkey and choose New - Key. This will add a new subkey below the Shell. Give the new subkey the name of the application, as you’d like it displayed on the context menu. Next, you’ll need to create another new subkey under your newly created application subkey called command. There will be a Default value automatically created. Double click this value and enter the full path of the application’s executable file, but append a %1 to the end (i.e. c:\winnt\notepad.exe %1). The next time you right-click on that unknown file extension, you should see your new menu item.

3. Change the Internet Explorer Window Title

HCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Window Title

This is where you can change the browser name that appears in the Internet Explorer window title.

Remember that their is no UNDO in registry - once you make a change to it, that change is permanent. So it is always safe to backup the registry before making any manual changes to the registry.

HCR = HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - Contains information about file types, filename extensions, and similar information.

HCU = HKEY_CURRENT_USER - Contains configuration information about the system setup of the user that is currently logged into XP.