How to Modify Windows Registry with VBS

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Using .reg Files To Modify The Registry

Here are two .reg files. The first removes shortcut arrows. The second restores arrows to shortcuts. Both are designed for XP and Windows Server 2003, but will work on Vista within the limits noted above.

Instructions

  • Copy the text into notepad.
  • Save as ArrowGone.reg
  • Double click the file and its contents are merged with your Registry.
  • Note the minus sign in: "IsShortCut"=-. There are no quotes around the (-). This deletes the value of IsShortCut and IsShortCut itself. If you tried "IsShortCut"="-", then you would not delete the value and shortcut, but instead you would set its value to a minus sign. "IsNotShortCut"="" creates the key and sets its value to null.

.reg File To Remove Arrows On Shortcuts

Important: You need a blank line between "Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00" and [HKEY...]

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile]
"IsShortCut"=-
"IsNotShortCut"=""

That's it!

.reg File To Display Arrows On Shortcuts

This .reg file returns the Registry to its default configuration, where shortcuts display an arrow. The script below reverses the script above.

Instructions

  • Copy the text into notepad.
  • Save as ArrowBack.reg
  • Double click and merge with your Registry.
  • Note that "IsShortCut" now reads "IsShortCut"="". This re-creates the variable and sets it to blank. IsNotShortCut is deleted this time.

Important: Again, you need a blank line between Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 and [HKEY...]
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile]
"IsShortCut"=""
"IsNotShortCut"=-

Again, that's it!

Conclusions

Those arrows on shortcuts can be most annoying. My methods remove the Registry entry which controls these arrows. The scripting techniques show you how to employ .RegWrite, .RegRead and especially RegDelete to control the appropriate Registry values.

I have also included .reg files, these are a quicker and more convenient method for achieving the same goal, removing the arrow from shortcuts.

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Guy Thomas