XP64 how to return to full Windows on exit from FE shell?

[BuZz880]

I know this has probably been answered but I searched around and didn't find it so here goes.

I boot directly to Windows XP 64 Bit with Mamewah as my shell.

When I used to be on 32 bit XP, I very simply had Mamewah run c:\windows\system32\explorer.exe on exit which returned me to the full "normal" windows desktop.

Now I assume there is a way to accomplish this in 64 but I cannot seem to find it.  Running the above path leaves me in windows with an explorer session but no shell (ie no Start menu/taskbar).  Using c:\windows\syswow64\explorer.exe gives me a shell (taskbar and start menu) but most or perhaps all 32 bit programs will not run, including Mamewah.

Does anyone know how to manually load the Windows shell with full functionality? 

thanks in Advance.

[headkaze]

Try C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe

[BuZz880]

Pretty sure I did but I'll make sure tonight. I think it just gave me an explored window, no task bar, no start menu ie no Shell.

[BuZz880]

that definitely does not work; thanks anyway.  Hopefully someone knows.

[BuZz880]

I should mention I used Instant Sheller, maybe that is doing something?

[MrXBob]

I'm having the exact same issue, using Instant sheller also, but I'm running XP Home 32bit  

Theres a post I found on this very forum regarding the same problem, it being fixed as follows:

"Evidently the automatic SHELLER that is floating around does not change one of the registry keys from SYS to USR.  As soon as I did that,  the desktop started to appear"

But I'm stumped on how to find which registry key he's talking about 

[BuZz880]

Solved: Using your tip I went back here http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=88575.msg931028#msg931028 to the thread on hiding XP 64 boot screens and found this:


PART 2: Replacing the shell with MA

Click Start, select run, run regedit and browse to the following:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\IniFileMapping\system.ini\boot

There will be a string named "Shell". Edit the beginning of this string, changing SYS: to USR: For example, my Shell value was:
SYS:Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
and now reads:
USR:Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Even if you go back to the way things were at some point, you do not need to change this option back.


Worked for me.

[MrXBob]

This has worked for me too  but now windows asks for a password when booting up... even though there isnt one. Pressing ok or hitting enter gets rid of it, but im not sure why its now appearing.. any ideas?

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

You should probably add AutoAdminLogin to the winlogin registry section:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315231

Code: [Select]

   1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
   2. Locate the following registry key:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
   3. Using your account name and password, double-click the DefaultUserName entry, type your user name, and then click OK.
   4. Double-click the DefaultPassword entry, type your password under the value data box, and then click OK.

      If there is no DefaultPassword value, create the value. To do this, follow these steps:
         1. In Registry Editor, click Edit, click New, and then click String Value.
         2. Type DefaultPassword as the value name, and then press ENTER.
         3. Double-click the newly created key, and then type your password in the Value Data box.
      Note: If the DefaultPassword registry entry does not exist, Windows XP automatically changes the value of the AutoAdminLogonregistry key from 1 (true) to 0 (false) to turn off the AutoAdminLogon feature after the computer is restarted.
   5. Double-click the AutoAdminLogon entry, type 1 in the Value Data box, and then click OK.

      If there is no AutoAdminLogon entry, create the entry. To do this, follow these steps:
         1. In Registry Editor, click Edit, click New, and then click String Value.
         2. Type AutoAdminLogon as the value name, and then press ENTER.
         3. Double-click the newly created key, and then type 1 in the Value Data box.
   6. Exit Registry Editor.
   7. Click Start, click Restart, and then click OK.

[Thaevil1]

This has worked for me too   but now windows asks for a password when booting up... even though there isnt one. Pressing ok or hitting enter gets rid of it, but im not sure why its now appearing.. any ideas?

Incase you have not fixed this yet, check this page: http://www.pchell.com/support/welcomescreen.shtml

Tells how to disable the login prompt.

Just leave both password fields blank.