Use TC as a shell replacement?

[Jaguarist]

To use TC in WinXP Pro, without having to use the native shell ( Explorer.exe) ??

The more I use this outstanding program, the more I realize that I don't even go to my Desktop anymore. Never. I do EVERYTHING from within TC. So, would it be possible to just load TC at startup, and not have explorer.exe running.

I've tried several of the lite version replacement shells that are around, but didn't really like any of them. I don't know why, but it's the way it is. NextStart wasn't too bad, but it still used some sys resources that I'd rather free up.

So, what do you experienced TC members think? Is it possible to do what I want, or am I just doing some dreaming here?

TIA

[Lefteous]

2Jaguarist

Do this at your own risk:

Change HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Shell
from Explorer.exe to
"%PROGRAMFILES%\Total Commander\Totalcmd.exe" "/i=%APPDATA%\Total Commander\Wincmd.ini" "/f=%APPDATA%\Total Commander\wcx_ftp.ini"
(change to your TC command line)

Restart (or at least new login) required.

Attention! The following elements will be no more:
1. Start menu.
2. Application items in the taskbar.
3. Quick launch bar.
4. System tray including system tray clock.
5. All other taskbar items.

It has been reported that many apps require a running explorer.

a friendly hint: What about changing the topics name to "Use TC as a shell replacement" or something similar?

[Jaguarist]

2Lefteous

Ok, new subject line, per your request.

Thanks for the reg tweak! Now I can do some investigating to see if I really want to do that. What you say about some programs wanting explorer.exe running has me concerned, so I need to check that out as much as possible.

If I go that route, I'll be sure to post the results. If I can get back into my system, that is...

Actually, I'm not too worried about getting back in, because I have a 3 OS setup on this box. So, if WinXP won't let me back in, I can always go to Win2K, or even Win98 if I need to , and edit the regfile for XP from there.

So, once again, thanks for the tip, and I'm off to do some research.

Have a good one!

Jag

[Lefteous]

2Jaguarist

Remember, you can always press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to start the task manager and launch apps from it.

[Jaguarist]

2Jaguarist

Remember, you can always press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to start the task manager and launch apps from it.

True... Or, if one happens to be in WinXP, the sequence is Ctrl+Shift+Esc.

But, why would I do that, when I can launch apps from within TC?

Jag

[Lefteous]

2Jaguarist

True... Or, if one happens to be in WinXP, the sequence is Ctrl+Shift+Esc.

Yes, Ctrl+Shift+Esc can be used too, but not everyone is lefthanded

[Jaguarist]

Yes, Ctrl+Shift+Esc can be used too, but not everyone is lefthanded

Good thing for me that I have one of each.

Have a good one!!

Jag

[MichelPy]

It is right that if you have TC as Windows Shell you will miss

1. Start menu.
2. Application items in the taskbar.
3. Quick launch bar.
4. System tray including system tray clock.
5. All other taskbar items.

I think that Drag and Drop between apps will be gone too (I'm not sure)
You can't put Icons on the Desktop anymore (the desktop will be empty)

If you need everything back temporarely, type "explorer" in TC (on the TC command line) and press enter, and the Start bar is back !
You could put a button to launch explorer.exe in the TC button bar if you need it often at the beginning, etc...

If you need the Control Panel, you can launch "control.exe" it will autolaunch explorer.exe if it is not already in memory.

TC seems to have no dependencies on explorer.exe.
This has saved me many times when explorer.exe was crashing and disappearing on some buggy machine.

[Jaguarist]

2MichelPly

Thanks for the additional information, and the tips. It will take me about a week to fully decide if I want to do this whole thing or not.

Another thing about using the Task Manager, or the Command Line within TC is that when a new program is installed, and it requires a re-boot, you can simply run the Task Manager, stop the explorer.exe, then Run exporer.exe once again, and all is well, just like having re-booted, but much much faster!!

Jag

[Aezay]

A buildt in way to stop explorer.exe is to bring up the "Turn off computer" dialog (Alt+F4 on desktop or Start -> Turn off computer).
Now hold down Shift+Ctrl+Alt and press Cancel.

[Jaguarist]

2Aezay

Cool, thanks !! Learn something new every day. ( Just wish I could remember it all )

Jag

[Clo]

2Jaguarist
  Hello Jag!
• Please, watch this:
http://ghisler.ch/board/viewtopic.php?t=2479&highlight=
Almost at the bottom of the page, just above the Author's answer...

Friendly regards,
Clo

[Jaguarist]

2Jaguarist
  Hello Jag!
• Please, watch this:
http://ghisler.ch/board/viewtopic.php?t=2479&highlight=
Almost at the bottom of the page, just above the Author's answer...

Friendly regards,
Clo

HA HA , yes indeed!! That is a WONDERFUL dream!

But, I don't think B.G. would like that....


Jag

[TucknDar]

I would strongly advice you to run a minimal shell in the background. The reason is that the shells are coded to take care of everything that concerns the shell, and you also get the benefit of global hotkeys, systray and such.

One shell I think would be appropriate for this use is LiteShell.

I realize that you've tested some shells, but this is a really nice one that certainly fits your needs (as they appear to me ). I use PureLS my self, which is based on LiteStep. These shells are IMO by far the most configurable shells, although they require a little more than average computer-skills (If you're into tweaking your computer, I suppose LS should be a breeze for you). Both shells can be setup to be very minimal (Only hotkeys for instance...)

Hope LiteShell is new to you and that it suits your needs.

if not, sorry wasting your time with this post

[Jaguarist]

2TuckNDar

You did not waste my time at all !!! The reason I am on this forum is to learn everything I can, and your suggestion of evaluating LiteShell seems very good to me. Thank you for taking the time to point me in that direction.

Give me a day or two to check it out, and I'll post my thoughts on the program.

Jag