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How can I add the Administrative Tools icon to the desktop in Windows XP/2003?
The administrative Tools folder is in fact a sub-folder of the Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuPrograms folder, but dragging it or moving it around your computer might cause it to stop functioning.
There are 2 methods of adding the Administrative Tools folder to the Quick Launch toolbar:
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One method is by dragging it from the Control Panel folder, and NOT from the Programs folder.
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The other method is by editing the registry.
Follow these steps to add the Administrative Tools icon to the Windows XP/2003 desktop by editing the registry:
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Open Registry Editor.
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In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace-
Create the following key:
{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524153}
(just copy/paste, including the brackets)
Note: As always, before making changes to your registry you should always make sure you have a valid backup. In cases where you're supposed to delete or modify keys or values from the registry it is possible to first export that key or value(s) to a .REG file before performing the changes.
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Close Registry Editor.
There is no need to reboot. Just wait a few seconds and see how the icon appears:
Done!
Related articles
You might also want to read the following related articles:
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Add Printers and Fax Icon to the Desktop in XP/2003
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Shell Enhancements and other Tweaks for Windows XP/2000/2003
