Switch to classic mode after installing /without/ using the GUI

Hello all,

I'm trying to create a fast-and-easy method to configure a new install of
XPsp3 (meaning: without having to manually go thru a gazillion of
configuration windows), and have been trying to edit the registry instead.

For most stuff this works well enough, but there are a few changes/settings
I cannot seem to get a grip on, and I could use a bit of help with:

-- How do I:
1) change the /taskbar/ to classic mode
2) on the taskbar, enable and unlock the "quick launch" area.
3) in the file browser, change the file display mode (to "list")
4) on the desktop, set the "arrange icons by" to "auto arrange"

I've been able to find where some of those settings are stored (in the
registry), but a manual change of them has no effect and gets overwritten
when I shut down Windows.

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

In message , R.Wieser
writes:
[]
-- How do I:
1) change the /taskbar/ to classic mode
2) on the taskbar, enable and unlock the "quick launch" area.
3) in the file browser, change the file display mode (to "list")
4) on the desktop, set the "arrange icons by" to "auto arrange"

I've been able to find where some of those settings are stored (in the
registry), but a manual change of them has no effect and gets overwritten
when I shut down Windows.

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

By "manual change", I take it you mean you _did_ use the GUI.

For your 3), I _think_ it can be made permanent, but it's certainly not
intuitive: IIRR (I'm not on XP now) it involves selecting list in one
place, and "make all folders like this one" in another place. I _think_
that sticks (though may still not affect "special" "folders", such as I
think "My ..." ones).
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's
money."

John,

By "manual change", I take it you mean you _did_ use the GUI.

My apologies. I shoud have mentioned that was by way of editing the registry
by hand. And yes, that means that, in a way, I did use the GUI there. :-p

I should probably have said "configuration dialogs" instead of "gui" there
....

For your 3), I _think_ it can be made permanent, but it's certainly not
intuitive:

:-) Thats the /next/ problem: First I need to know how to do it for a
single one.

IIRR (I'm not on XP now) it involves selecting list in one place, and
"make all folders like this one" in another place

Yep. Select, in the file browser, the "list" option from the "views"
(rightmost icon) and than tools - folder options - view - apply to all
folders. Easy-peasy. Now I only have to convert that to registry
settings ... :-D

I've been googeling for that and others most of yesterday. With varying
success ...

though may still not affect "special" "folders", such as I think "My ..."
ones

It does. I always have to "switch them back" do something more to my
liking (mostly the "icon" style).

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

R.Wieser wrote:
John,

By "manual change", I take it you mean you _did_ use the GUI.

My apologies. I shoud have mentioned that was by way of editing the registry
by hand. And yes, that means that, in a way, I did use the GUI there. :-p

I should probably have said "configuration dialogs" instead of "gui" there
...

For your 3), I _think_ it can be made permanent, but it's certainly not
intuitive:

:-) Thats the /next/ problem: First I need to know how to do it for a
single one.

IIRR (I'm not on XP now) it involves selecting list in one place, and
"make all folders like this one" in another place

Yep. Select, in the file browser, the "list" option from the "views"
(rightmost icon) and than tools - folder options - view - apply to all
folders. Easy-peasy. Now I only have to convert that to registry
settings ... :-D

I've been googeling for that and others most of yesterday. With varying
success ...

though may still not affect "special" "folders", such as I think "My ..."
ones

It does. I always have to "switch them back" do something more to my
liking (mostly the "icon" style).

Regards,
Rudy Wieser



There is a command line "reg" command for updating the registry.

This page illustrates how to do it, a bit.

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-e...mpt-windows-10

On WinXP, there shouldn't be a problem with permissions,
as the registry doesn't have quite as many accounts
"floating around" in it. Vista+ would have some
entries protected by TrustedInstaller. And I've also
put some of those "reg" commands into a .bat and
used Scheduled Tasks to provide a stronger "owner"
to run the commands with. The SYSTEM account that
Scheduled Tasks uses, is a bit stronger.

Paul

Paul,

There is a command line "reg" command for updating the registry.

How to make those changes is not the problem. Its the what & where that
eludes me.

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

On Mon, 18 Mar 2019 09:14:57 +0100, "R.Wieser"
wrote:

Hello all,

I'm trying to create a fast-and-easy method to configure a new install of
XPsp3 (meaning: without having to manually go thru a gazillion of
configuration windows), and have been trying to edit the registry instead.

For most stuff this works well enough, but there are a few changes/settings
I cannot seem to get a grip on, and I could use a bit of help with:

-- How do I:
1) change the /taskbar/ to classic mode
2) on the taskbar, enable and unlock the "quick launch" area.

Right click "start" and click on "properties"
3) in the file browser, change the file display mode (to "list")

Make it the way you want then in settings "apply to all
folders"
4) on the desktop, set the "arrange icons by" to "auto arrange"

Right click anywhere on the Desktop.

I've been able to find where some of those settings are stored (in the
registry), but a manual change of them has no effect and gets overwritten
when I shut down Windows.

Just run something like RegShot and it will log all the
registry changes. It's portable, so you can delete the folder after
you've saved the differential snapshot(s) to a USB.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/regshot/


However you do it, make an image and burn it to a DVD.

It took me 3 days to get my XP EXACTLY how I wanted it. No
third party drivers or programs installed.
Now when I install, I just copy that image back to the new
computer, install the drivers that come with the motherboard and
finally the programs I use most. I then make an image of that and use
it if I even run into trouble.
[]'s
--
Don't be evil - Google 2004
We have a new policy - Google 2012
Nineteen Eighty-Four was a work of FICTION !!!! - Orwell

Shadow,

Thanks for your reply, but trying to put something together that /doesn't/
involve me to go thru configuration dialogs.

Just run something like RegShot and it will log all the
registry changes.

I know what you mean, and I've used it in the past. But as mentioned, some
of the found (using google)registry changes will not "stick", because the OS
shutting down overwrites them. But how/where to apply them instead ?

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

On Mon, 18 Mar 2019 18:57:07 +0100, "R.Wieser"
wrote:

Shadow,

Thanks for your reply, but trying to put something together that /doesn't/
involve me to go thru configuration dialogs.

Just run something like RegShot and it will log all the
registry changes.

I know what you mean, and I've used it in the past. But as mentioned, some
of the found (using google)registry changes will not "stick", because the OS
shutting down overwrites them. But how/where to apply them instead ?

Some changes are not written to the registry. Some are written
to files. You can configure RegShot to take a snapshot of //documents
and settings// . //appdata// and //windows// as well as the usual
registry changes.

The registry changes are easy to apply.

Just make a textfile, rename it to update.reg and write down
the changes RegShot records in it.

Just as an example, if you want to disable scripting host, AND
disable autoplay on all removable drives (both are important security
settings):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Script Host\Settings]
"UseWINSAFER"="1"
"Enabled"=dword:00000000
"Remote"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\policies\Explorer]
"NoDriveAutoRun"=dword:03ffffff
"HonorAutorunSetting"=dword:00000001
"NoDriveTypeAutoRun"=dword:000000ff


------------------

You can add as many items as you need. Double-clicking or importing
the file into the registry (from the command line in safe mode) and
then rebooting will apply the changes.
[]'s
--
Don't be evil - Google 2004
We have a new policy - Google 2012
Nineteen Eighty-Four was a work of FICTION !!!! - Orwell

Shadow,

Some changes are not written to the registry.

Remember, we are talking about the OS here. It stores /everything/ in the
registry.

Just as an example, if you want to disable scripting host,
AND disable autoplay on all removable drives (both are
important security settings):

Thanks for those samples. I already have the latter (among several), but I
see the former could be interresting too. Will google it some more.

But its currently really about those 4 points I named. How do I apply
those without going thru a configuration dialog.

And again, its not about how I include those settings into the registry, its
about what and where.

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

On Mon, 18 Mar 2019 21:59:23 +0100, "R.Wieser"
wrote:

Shadow,

Some changes are not written to the registry.

Remember, we are talking about the OS here. It stores /everything/ in the
registry.

Not everything. It's why "Documents and Settings" and it's
various subfolders exist.

Anyway, most personal settings are kept in

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer

and its sub-keys, like:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer\Advanced

And remember, you will probably have to set them in safe mode
and reboot.
It would be much easier to do it through the GUI ...... and
the shell "reloads" the new settings. No need to reboot.
[]'s


Just as an example, if you want to disable scripting host,
AND disable autoplay on all removable drives (both are
important security settings):

Thanks for those samples. I already have the latter (among several), but I
see the former could be interresting too. Will google it some more.

But its currently really about those 4 points I named. How do I apply
those without going thru a configuration dialog.

And again, its not about how I include those settings into the registry, its
about what and where.

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

--
Don't be evil - Google 2004
We have a new policy - Google 2012
Nineteen Eighty-Four was a work of FICTION !!!! - Orwell

On Mon, 18 Mar 2019 09:14:57 +0100, R.Wieser wrote:
1) change the /taskbar/ to classic mode

Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer
Value Name: ShellState
Data Offset: 0x20
Data Byte: 1 = Classic, 3 = New

2) on the taskbar, enable and unlock the "quick launch" area.

Taskbar lock state:

Key: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Exp lorer\Advanced
Value Name: TaskbarSizeMove
Data: 0 = locked, 1 = unlocked

Taskbar additional toolbars (e.g. Quick Launch):

Key: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Exp lorer\Streams\Desktop
Value Name: TaskbarWinXP
Data: ???

3) in the file browser, change the file display mode (to "list")

Current file views:
Keys: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags\ number\Shell
Value Name: Mode
Data: 1 = icons, 3 = list, 4 = details, 5 = thumbnails, 6 = tiles
_____

Namespace default file view:
Key: KCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Expl orer\Streams\Defaults
Value Name: GUID of shell namespace

Global default file view:
Key: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Exp lorer\Streams
Value Name: Settings

Data Offset: 0x04
Data Byte: 1 = icons, 3 = list, 4 = details, 5 = tiles, 6 = thumbnails

4) on the desktop, set the "arrange icons by" to "auto arrange"

Key: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\1\Deskt op
Value Name: FFlags
Data Bit 0: 0 = auto arrange disabled, 1 = auto arrange enabled

I've been able to find where some of those settings are stored (in the
registry), but a manual change of them has no effect and gets overwritten
when I shut down Windows.

That's because some settings when changed, are not immediately written into
the registry. They're only written into the registry when the desktop
process is gracefully closed.

Gracefully closing the desktop process can be done by opening the
Logoff/Shutdown dialog (not the Switch User screen), then press the Cancel
button while holding CTRL+ALT+SHIFT keys. There may be a way to automate
this, but I don't know it (yet).

You can apply the registry settings by forcefully closing the desktop
process, but if you also need those lazy-written settings to be apllied into
the registry, you'll need to gracefully close the desktop process.

Shadow,

Not everything. It's why "Documents and Settings" and it's
various subfolders exist.

True. But no /OS settings/ there.

Anyway, most personal settings are kept in

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer

and its sub-keys, like:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer\Advanced

I know. I've got a number of them in my single-click configuration. Show
extensions. Do not hide system files & folders. etc.

And remember, you will probably have to set them in safe
mode and reboot.

Specify "them" please. I know of very few which need a reboot. The
"classic desktop" setting is one of them. Disabeling certain services is
another.

And as for the four I'm still looking for ? The "safe mode" desktop does
have a taskbar too, and will most likely thus also, on shutdown, overwrite
changes to the registry ...

It would be much easier to do it through the GUI ......

I disagree. Me going thru my list takes me the better part of an hour.
Letting the 'puter "execute" that list takes less than 5 seconds - with
/way/ less chance of missing a step or ****ing things up.

and the shell "reloads" the new settings. No need to
reboot. []'s

I could see if I could send a "stuff changed!" app broadcast as the last
step. Than again, (automatic) rebooting would probably as easy. Besides,
installing drivers mostly needs one-or-more too.


But, if I cannot apply those settings by changing the registry (or other)
and /have/ to go thru configuration dialogs I will probably use AutoIt for
it.

Grumble ... Stupid Windows. You cannot even export/import your
preferences. :-( :-)

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

JJ,

Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Explorer
Value Name: ShellState
Data Offset: 0x20
Data Byte: 1 = Classic, 3 = New

Alas, that one only changes the start menu. Also, the value I used is 0x20
(from 0x00).

Taskbar lock state:

Thanks. I already encountered it, but was too focussed on the Quick Launch
it seems. :-\

Key:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Exp lorer\Streams\Desktop
Value Name: TaskbarWinXP
Data: ???

Yep, found that one too. No info on what to change where though.

Current file views:
Keys: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags\ number\Shell
Value Name: Mode
Data: 1 = icons, 3 = list, 4 = details, 5 = thumbnails, 6 = tiles

Alas, thats the one which gets overwritten when you try to make manual
changes ...

Global default file view:
Key: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Exp lorer\Streams
Value Name: Settings

Data Offset: 0x04
Data Byte: 1 = icons, 3 = list, 4 = details, 5 = tiles, 6 = thumbnails

Can you tell me when this setting is used (by the OS I mean) ? I've
changed the value, but when opening folders it still shows the contents in
the old mode (also after rebooting).

Key: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\1\Deskt op
Value Name: FFlags
Data Bit 0: 0 = auto arrange disabled, 1 = auto arrange enabled

Yep, found that one too. But its another of those values which gets
overwritten when you shut down Windows. :-\

You can apply the registry settings by forcefully closing the
desktop process, but if you also need those lazy-written settings
to be apllied into the registry, you'll need to gracefully close the
desktop process.

Quite a catch22. To get it to work I would need to apply the "normal"
settings first (and reboot), after which I apply the "abnormal" ones and
make the desktop "crash" (close forcefully). Hmmm ...

Thanks for the detailed help. :-)

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

In message , R.Wieser
writes:
[]
Grumble ... Stupid Windows. You cannot even export/import your
preferences. :-( :-)

Regards,
Rudy Wieser


I was irritated by that years ago - I think it might even have been in
'9x, but certainly XP (and almost certainly later) - when I set up a
sound scheme (what sounds go with what events), and "saved" it: it
doesn't ask you where, and of course in practice it doesn't save it as a
file, but in the registry _only_. (Fair enough, has to be in memory
_while running_, but. If nothing else you can't - easily, at least -
copy them from one machine to another.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

(Incidentally, it was made in Spain so shouldn't it be a "paella western"?) -
Barry Norman [on "A Fistful of Dollars"], RT 2014/10/4-10

R.Wieser wrote:
Shadow,

Not everything. It's why "Documents and Settings" and it's
various subfolders exist.

True. But no /OS settings/ there.

Anyway, most personal settings are kept in

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer

and its sub-keys, like:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Explorer\Advanced

I know. I've got a number of them in my single-click configuration.
Show extensions. Do not hide system files & folders. etc.

And remember, you will probably have to set them in safe
mode and reboot.

Specify "them" please. I know of very few which need a reboot. The
"classic desktop" setting is one of them. Disabeling certain services is
another.

And as for the four I'm still looking for ? The "safe mode" desktop does
have a taskbar too, and will most likely thus also, on shutdown, overwrite
changes to the registry ...

It would be much easier to do it through the GUI ......

I disagree. Me going thru my list takes me the better part of an hour.
Letting the 'puter "execute" that list takes less than 5 seconds - with
/way/ less chance of missing a step or ****ing things up.

and the shell "reloads" the new settings. No need to
reboot. []'s

I could see if I could send a "stuff changed!" app broadcast as the last
step. Than again, (automatic) rebooting would probably as easy. Besides,
installing drivers mostly needs one-or-more too.


But, if I cannot apply those settings by changing the registry (or other)
and /have/ to go thru configuration dialogs I will probably use AutoIt for
it.

Grumble ... Stupid Windows. You cannot even export/import your
preferences. :-( :-)

Regards,
Rudy Wieser

I admit it's a bit of a pain configuring it just right, but one hour sure
doesn't sound bad to me! It will be interesting to hear if you ever get it
down to one simple registry patch, and decide to share it.

I was curious if you're doing this because you have several XP computers you
want to set up quickly?