Stop Windows Explorer from Opening Each Time System Is Booted

This situation doesn't occur often and the circumstances leading up to why it occurs aren't conclusive. If you find yourself faced with this dilemma try the following fix. It creates a separate process for Explorer and Desktop.

[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
Modify/Create the Value Name according to the Value Data listed below.
Data Type: REG_DWORD [Dword Value] // Value Name: DesktopProcess
Value Data: [0 = Default / 1 = Separate Process]
Exit Registry and Reboot

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Slipstreamed XP/SP3 CD

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Guide to Simple File Sharing
Share Folders, Files, and Printers in XP Home and Professional

Virtual Memory Paging File
Size - Optimize
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Consider A Donation

Basic How To Articles
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System Services Guide

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Protecting System and Data Via NTBackup
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Windows Update Catalog
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Clean or Upgrade
XP Installation?
Which is better?

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Tried everything and can't get XP to install? Take a look here.

The 'System Volume Information' Folder
What is it and why is it taking up room on your hard drive(s)?

Microsoft Management Console
A Guide to Understanding and Using This Often Overlooked but Useful XP Feature

Registry Tweaks and Edits

Backing Up and Restoring the XP Registry

Accessing The Different Methods of Repair Available in Windows XP

Generate File Listings from IE Context Menu

The "Send To" Menu Command
Add your own frequently accessed locations to make this context menu more useful.

Consider A Donation

Create A Personalized Boot Logo Screen

Using XP Disk Cleanup Utility

Using Disk Defragmenter Utility

Common Solutions

Tips and Solutions Arranged by XP Control Panel Groupings

- Reminder -

For many months now I've been posting a reminder about 'Patch Tuesday' or 'Second Tuesday' as it has come to be known when Microsoft releases the latest round of updates for Windows XP and other products.

If you're using a Microsoft operating system (and it's likely you are or you wouldn't be on this site) it's once again time to head for Windows Update for the latest round of Critical and Security updates.

As always, I strongly suggest you read about any update prior to installation, especially updates carrying a less than 'Critical' rating, and have a current system and data backup available in case it's necessary to restore the system to a pre-patch condition.

More info at Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

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Important Information
The Elder Geek sites contain many articles and suggestions for modifying the Windows operating system. I've tried these tweaks and tips on many systems. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. The point is, ensure you have a current, tested backup of all system and data files and understand how to restore the system in case something goes very wrong. You can still yell at me, but I assume no responsibility for your actions and use of the information and disclaim any legal responsibility for any consequences of such actions.

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