How do I change the OEM Mfg link in WinXP?

[debonairOne]

In OEM versions of Windows XP, there is a manufacturer's link on the start menu. There is a check box in the properties of the start menu that can be used to remove this link from the start menu, but I would like to add my own custom link there. This will make it visible to all users current and new... in one convenient location. How can I change that link? I can't seem to find the registry key...

debonairOne

"I look in the mirror and what do I see..."

 

[wolluf]

http://www.xteq.com/

- x-setup (multi-tweak) has OEM Branding under Appearance where you can change these settings.

 

[debonairOne]

Wolluf,
Good post, but - this OEM Branding only changes the info on the system properties.. not the OEM Link on the start menu... I did find a lot of useful features here, so thanks anyway... I still need to find a way to do this.. any other ideas.... I called M$ and Dell and they couldn't tell me... I have read of posts where people have accidentally put there machines in Manufacturing Mode, but there is no mention of how to get into it, just out...

debonairOne

"I look in the mirror and what do I see..."

 

[linney]

Any clues or help from this.


Policy Settings for the Start Menu in Windows XP (Q292504)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q292/5/04.asp

 

[debonairOne]

linney,
Good info, but M$ probably would not list the way to remove rhe Manufacturer's link from the start menu... I did find a way to add my own though.. on another forum, that may give me something to look for in the registry... seems to be buried in the class id's... will post exact keys when I find them.... debonairOne

"I look in the mirror and what do I see..."

 

[debonairOne]

The below info has been exported directly from my registry... the keys listed actually create a check box on the start panel in the properties of the start menu... this box when checked shows a predetermined icon/link to a url, which you can determine.. all you need is the two entries.. here is the first...


Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartMenu\StartPanel\ShowOEMLink]
"Type"="checkbox"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30516"
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced"
"ValueName"="Start_ShowOEMLink"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000001
"UncheckedValue"=dword:00000000
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000001
"NoOEMLinkInstalled"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartMenu\StartPanel\ShowOEMLink\Policy]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartMenu\StartPanel\ShowOEMLink\Policy\NoOEMLinkInstalled]
"RegKey"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\StartMenu\\StartPanel\\ShowOEMLink"

Just copy the above items in bold into a text file and save as a *.reg file... then double click and import it into the registry... then follow the next post... debonairOne

"I look in the mirror and what do I see..."

 

[debonairOne]

Here is the second part of the answer... this registry file actually creates the linked button beneath the run button... this is available to all users...

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@="Tek-Tips"
"InfoTip"="Tek-Tips Forums is Member Supported"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
@="%SystemRoot%\\tektips.ico"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"method"="ShellExecute"
"Command"="Tek-Tips"
"Param1"="

http://www.tek-tips.com/"

anywhere you see tek-tips within "", just replace the value with info of your own... the %systemroot%\\tektips.ico value, refers to the file tektips.ico that must reside in the ..\windows or ..\winnt directory... the infotip value appears when the cursor is placed on the button...

This effectively answers my original post and I hope others can learn from it as well... debonairOne

"I look in the mirror and what do I see..."

 

[sonnysavage]

Make a FAQ!

 

[debonairOne]

Think its good enough... Well I guess I'll do it..

Thnxs... debonairOne

"I look in the mirror and what do I see..."

 

[dellboy]

Did you write an FAQ, and if so where can I find it? The problem I have is that I have found this link through another within the tek-tips site so I am not sure where I am. To that end if you could post the link I would be very grateful.

Cheers

 

[wolluf]

http://www.tek-tips.com/faqs.cfm?spid=779&sfid=2751

(in the XP FAQ - 3rd tab near top of screen).

 

[debonairOne]

Glad to see that this info is still paying off for people...

debonairOne

"I look in the mirror and what do I see..."