Removing programme shell Win XP

Lovel · 31st January 2021, 15:47

I Inherited an exhaust gas analyser from a local garage who sadly is closing down after about 80 years, and I have been trying to remove the shell created by the analyser software to give me back some form of control with Windows XP, bit like the issue you get with T4 taking your PC over. I was able to get into Bios menu and amended the date due to the software warning calibration out of date and limiting functionality, but ideally I would like to get into Windows Regedit and hopefully remove the software exe which creates the shell. Is Anyone able to advise if there is another way of getting in to allow the edit?

Atlan · 2nd February 2021, 17:48

Try here.
https://realtimeissues.wordpress.com...shell-program/

Lovel · 2nd February 2021, 18:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlan

Try here.
https://realtimeissues.wordpress.com...shell-program/

Thanks for the response but my question is getting the PC into a mode that lets me get DOS to display and then request Reg edit, but this Shell fitted won’t allow me to even get that far.

Atlan · 2nd February 2021, 19:39

Close any open programs and restart your computer. ...
Press the "F8" button on your keyboard repeatedly when the first boot menu appears.
Press the down arrow key on your keyboard to select the "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" option.
Press the "Enter" key to boot into DOS mode.

Avulon · 4th February 2021, 15:52

You'll need to boot from a different source. for XP you might still have floppy disk drive on it, or the bios may be able to boot from USB. (you'll need an XP bootdisk or bootdisk image, you could even use a linux bootdisk) Doing that will enable you to edit the startup files to set the shell.

Lovel · 6th February 2021, 23:37

I was able to get in via the safe mode command prompt and change the shell to explorer.exe, however upon restart the pc (it’s not a normal pc has only a hard drive) all I get is black screen on my monitor, so it seems more complex than just changing the exe file over.

So my next step I am going to try and read the registry via a usb lead from another pc and see if I can change it back to the original shell exe file. Unless anyone has any other ideas to get back into the registry?

31st January 2021, 15:47	#1
Lovel I really should get out more....... P6B, L550, Imp, F56, Commando Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aberdeenshire Posts: 2,886 Thanks: 352 Thanked 677 Times in 440 Posts	Removing programme shell Win XP I Inherited an exhaust gas analyser from a local garage who sadly is closing down after about 80 years, and I have been trying to remove the shell created by the analyser software to give me back some form of control with Windows XP, bit like the issue you get with T4 taking your PC over. I was able to get into Bios menu and amended the date due to the software warning calibration out of date and limiting functionality, but ideally I would like to get into Windows Regedit and hopefully remove the software exe which creates the shell. Is Anyone able to advise if there is another way of getting in to allow the edit?

2nd February 2021, 17:48	#2
Atlan Avid contributor rover 75 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Home Posts: 203 Thanks: 6 Thanked 99 Times in 70 Posts	Try here. https://realtimeissues.wordpress.com...shell-program/ __________________ Illegitimi non carborundum

2nd February 2021, 19:39	#4
Atlan Avid contributor rover 75 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Home Posts: 203 Thanks: 6 Thanked 99 Times in 70 Posts	Close any open programs and restart your computer. ... Press the "F8" button on your keyboard repeatedly when the first boot menu appears. Press the down arrow key on your keyboard to select the "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" option. Press the "Enter" key to boot into DOS mode. __________________ Illegitimi non carborundum

4th February 2021, 15:52	#5
Avulon This is my second home 1.8t Tourer Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tanelorn Posts: 4,830 Thanks: 956 Thanked 1,148 Times in 916 Posts	You'll need to boot from a different source. for XP you might still have floppy disk drive on it, or the bios may be able to boot from USB. (you'll need an XP bootdisk or bootdisk image, you could even use a linux bootdisk) Doing that will enable you to edit the startup files to set the shell. __________________ Need a T4 ?: T4 Owners Map thanks to Stevestrat ( use at your own risk) Where?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanelorn Mods/Retrofits: PCV vortex 'filter'; bluetooth; inline thermostat; reversing sensors; plenum spyhole ; headlamp washers ; Diy mp3 player replacing CD multichanger; FBH with remote; Headlamp washers; black/chrome front grille, rear blind; Xenon projectors To do: puddle lights; 2 Din cd/nav to fit; boot release button

6th February 2021, 23:37	#6
Lovel I really should get out more....... P6B, L550, Imp, F56, Commando Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aberdeenshire Posts: 2,886 Thanks: 352 Thanked 677 Times in 440 Posts	I was able to get in via the safe mode command prompt and change the shell to explorer.exe, however upon restart the pc (it’s not a normal pc has only a hard drive) all I get is black screen on my monitor, so it seems more complex than just changing the exe file over. So my next step I am going to try and read the registry via a usb lead from another pc and see if I can change it back to the original shell exe file. Unless anyone has any other ideas to get back into the registry?