Is it possible to modify the Windows Start icon in the taskbar?

I would like to see if

1. It's size could be reduced
2. Get rid of the 4 color flag
3. Get rid of Start or substitute GO

Thanks,
          Andy
Posted on 2009-09-09 06:14:21 by skywalker
Yes you can.

First, make a copy of Explorer.exe , call it something else, say, Explorer2.exe

Now you need to modify the 'resources' which are inside Explorer2.exe, you can use google to find resource editor tools.

To change the Text on the start button, you need to edit the resource in group 37, and ID is 1033.
Here you will find a bunch of string, change the Start text.
Save the changes.

Finally, you need to change a registry key to point to your new file.
Go to “Start,” “Run,” and type in “regedit”.
When the Registry Editor loads expand to the following directory: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE,SOFTWARE,Microsoft,Windows NT,CurrentVersion, and WinLogon.
Now look for “Shell”, andright-click it.
Select “Modify.”
Now, type in Explorer2.exe

You now need to reboot to see the changes.

Use this same logic to edit other stuff for your windows shell.
Posted on 2009-09-09 06:52:11 by Homer
To change the "Start" to "Go":


main proc
local hwnd
invoke FindWindow,T("Shell_TrayWnd"),T(0)
.if eax
invoke FindWindowEx,eax,0,T("Button"),0
.if eax
mov hwnd,eax
;;  invoke LoadImage,0,T("d:\images\Excel.bmp"),IMAGE_BITMAP,0,0,LR_LOADFROMFILE
;;print eax
;;invoke SendMessage,hwnd,BM_SETIMAGE,IMAGE_BITMAP,eax

invoke SetWindowText,hwnd,T("Go")
invoke InvalidateRect,hwnd,0,0

.endif
.endif
ret
main endp


Can't find a way to change the icon without any intrusion. I see people prefer to create a new button at the position of the Start button.
Posted on 2009-09-09 08:13:59 by Ultrano

Yes you can.

First, make a copy of Explorer.exe , call it something else, say, Explorer2.exe

Now you need to modify the 'resources' which are inside Explorer2.exe, you can use google to find resource editor tools.



Thanks, the icon is a lot smaller now.
On bootup, windows had to check some things on my disk.

Was that related to the change in my explorer or something unrelated.

It works fine in both limited user and admin modes.

Andy
Posted on 2009-09-09 10:41:50 by skywalker

To change the "Start" to "Go":



Thanks.

Does this code accomplish the goal without editing the .exe and making registry changes?

Using the resource editor, I saw what I think is the "flying window flag" icon.

I may see if I can delete it or use Paint to "white it out."

Andy
Posted on 2009-09-09 10:45:56 by skywalker
Yes, it's simple non-intrusive SetWindowText
Posted on 2009-09-09 11:07:40 by Ultrano