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Vista Registry - Change the Name of Your Computer Icon

Vista Registry - Change the Name of Your Computer Icon

The idea behind this registry tweak is to adjust the label under the computer icon, which you see on the Vista desktop.  The result is that the name reflects the true username and computername.  For example, guyt (username) at Vista-Ultimata (computername).

Please note, unlike the cheap-shot where you just rename the Computer icon; this tip dynamically adjusts the name for each user who logs on.

Topics for Changing the Name of the Computer Icon

• Instructions for LocalizedString
• Screen Shot of LocalizedString
• Key Points

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Preliminary Step

Before you try this impressive registry tweak, make sure that the Vista desktop displays the Computer icon.  Right-click the desktop, Personalize and select: Change Desktop Icons.  This tip also works for XP and W2K3, in these cases, make sure that you display the 'My Computer' on the desktop.

Instructions for LocalizedString

The mission is to find a specific class id (CLSID) in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, and then change the value for LocalizedString from 'Computer' to a variable which will reflect the user who logs on to this particular computer.

Launch Regedit and navigate thus:

0) Precaution: Rename the existing value:
Locate with regedit HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\
{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} rename LocalizedString to LocalizedString.Old

1) Create a new VALUE.  Note type should be Expanded String Value.  Name it: LocalizedString

2) Edit the 'Value data'. I double click LocalizedString, then click in the dialog box and type: %Username% at %Computername%

Incidentally, you could choose more creative words in place of 'at'.  For example, 'King of' or 'Queen of'.

3) To see the fruits of your labours, just press F5 to refresh the desktop, your computer icon should now say the equivalent of: YourName at YourComputer.(See screenshot at the top of this page).

Another Screen Shot of Vista's Regedit

Here is a panoramic view of the registry, which shows regedit displaying the REG_EXPAND_SZ LocalizedString.

Key Learning Points

• Before you make a difficult change to the registry, rename the existing key.
• Preliminary step, make sure that Vista displays the Computer on the desktop.  Right click, Personalize and select: Change Desktop Icons.
• Do you find the LocalizedString value in HKCU** or HKLM?
  Answer: neither, it's under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
• Do you have to add a value, or modify an existing setting? 
  Answer: Rename, then create a new value.
• Is it a String Value or a DWORD?
  Answer: Neither it is an Expanded String.
• Do you need to Restart, or merely Logoff / Logon?
  Answer: Neither, just refresh the desktop by pressing F5.
• Tip: Add this Value, LocalizedString to Regedit's Favorites menu

** HKLM is an abbreviation of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, and HKCU is shorthand for HKEY_CURRENT_USER.  These acronyms are so well known that you can even use them in .reg files, Vista will understand and obey the registry instruction.

Creating a .Reg File

This page explains how to create, and then edit .reg files for your computer.  As it's easy to import the contents of a .reg file into the registry, do take extra care with procedures.  Example LocalizedString  .reg file.

• See also how to change the Network Icon

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Windows Vista Registry Tweaks:

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