Windows w/out Explorer, just CMD

Post by **Tootles** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:49 am

Can the Explorer shell be removed entirely from the newer versions of Windows, and be replaced with a windowed Command Prompt?

I'm thinking of setting up a WinFLP system (multiboot w/ Ubuntu when I can get it to work on my laptop), just to run programs, and I can't be bothered with the full shell.

Thanks.

Post by **empireum** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:55 am

You can of course define cmd.exe to be your shell (somewhere in the registry, I can't remember the key now), but you'll still have the full Explorer present (albeit not running) on your system. I don't know if it is possible to completely remove it from the HD.

Another approach would be building an XP Embedded image that does not include the Explorer shell at all, so the system will only have cmd.exe as the shell. But then, I don't know about applications on XP Embedded, and building the right image that works with everything you need can be a lengthy process.

What I'd do if I were you is either setting up a minimal (IE-less) Windows FLP or nLited XP and then replace the shell as shown in the 1st paragraph.

Post by **intellivision** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:57 am

minwin doesnt have explorer, but then again, minwin doesnt have anything.

Post by **Jeff** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:35 am

Even if you disabled explorer, you may not want to remove it completely. Especially if you want an easy way to troubleshoot something (although, you may be better in dos than me... )

Post by **Peteski** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:43 pm

empireum wrote:You can of course define cmd.exe to be your shell (somewhere in the registry, I can't remember the key now)

HKLM,"SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon","Shell"

Post by **Raiker** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 9:10 am

Isn`t Server Core the best decision for cmd shell for now?

Post by **empireum** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:47 am

Raiker wrote:Isn`t Server Core the best decision for cmd shell for now?

It's in beta stage as of now and probably still heavier on RAM and HD space usage than a light-weight XP install.

Post by **asiekierka** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:12 am

What about microwinX? Don't you think it'll be great for this? I have a copy. I could send it to you. And maybe put on a server or something...

Post by **Tootles** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 6:54 am

Thanks

Post by **Tootles** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:03 pm

I've got it! I'm going to replace the Vista shell with Calmira!