change start button on windows

Change the "start" button text on Windows

To do this you will need either ResHacker or a program just like it. You can get Reshacker from the download section on this site.

The first thing you need to do is make a back-up of explorer.exe, which is in your "C:\WINDOWS" directory. Just copy and paste it somewhere else where it will be safe.

Next thing you need to do is open up ResHacker.exe. At the top go to File > Open, now go to your "C:\WINDOWS" directory again and find explorer.exe and double *"* it. Once you open explorer you will see a folder thing on the side called "String Table", expand that. Now you will see a bunch of numbers, if you are using the regular XP layout you should expand 37, but if your using the Classic Layout then you need to expand 38. Now *"* on the little number that it expands out to and text will come up.

Now you should see on the first line: 578, "start" this is the line you are going to change. Put in anything you want were start is, this will be the text on your start button, but make sure to keep the "" (example: 578, "stop"). Once your done with that you will notice the compile script button is no longer grayed out. Go ahead and *"* the button.

Now this is important! After *** "Compile Script" go to "File > Save As", do not *"* Save. Save the file as what ever with an .exe extension, but don't put any spaces in the name (example: explorer1.exe). Now after saving it make sure to remeber the name and open up regedit (start > Run > regedit). You will need to go into:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\ Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\ Winlogon


After *** the Winlogon folder, scroll down untill you see the entry Shell, with a little red "ab" picture by it. Double *"* that and change Explorer.exe to what ever the name of your saved file was (make sure it's exact) and *"* Ok.

After that close out of everything and either restart your computer or just logout. Hope you liked the tutorial!

note: Also, some people have said that there is a 5 letter restriction to the text on the button, but this is not true! I am not sure f there is an actual resrtiction to it, but I have seen buttons with 9 letters on them. I wouldn't worry about any resriction unless your thnking of type out a sentecne on your start button.