Anyway to remove default desktop icons in Win2kpro?

[dakata24]

I want to unclutter my desktop so i moved all my shortcuts to files into a folder that i can access on the start menu.

when i try to move the defaults like "My Computer", "My Network Places" (never use), "Recycle Bin" (never use, always right-click delete), "My Documents" (never use), and "Microsoft Outlook" (2000, never use since i have a quicklaunch button) it says it's not able to. I'm only able to create a shortcut in the folder im trying to move it to.

is there any adverse affects that would occur if i just deleted them off the desktop. remember, these arent shortcuts...

thanks 🙂

 

[AndyHui]

You can at the very least, remove Microsoft Outlook. Use TweakUI for that. You might be able to remove My Documents.

As far as I know, you cannot remove My Computer and the Recycle Bin. It should be possible to remove Network Neighbourhood, but it warns you that some screwy things might happen.

 

[NogginBoink]

You can do most of this with a local computer policy. Q278295 has most of the answers for you.

Start the MMC. Add the Group Policy snap-in. Point to the local computer policy.

Expand local computer policy.
Go to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Desktop. You have options to remove My Documents, My Network Places, Internet Explorer there.

There are other ways to do this, but group policy is easily reversible and has a UI to prevent you from making registry mistakes.

I'm not aware of any way to remove the Recycle Bin from the desktop.