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Is it possible to add shortcuts and/or windows components to the desktop if "hide and disable all items on the desktop" is enabled via GPO? For example, if I have a few specific program icons I want to show up and nothing else, what is the best way to accomplish this?

I tried the steps at here and here.

But neither worked. Either the shortcut never showed up or the registry key didnt exist (on either Win7 or S2K8 machine).

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2 Answers 2

Reset to default
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I'm not with you - "Hide and Disable all items on the desktop" does what it says on the tin. It hides and disables all items. If you just want a few to show up then you'll need to disable that setting and configure your desktops accordingly.

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  • Hmm, how would I keep those items from being moved, deleted or right-clicked on?? FYI I tried to give you an up vote but I dont have enough rep points yet!
    – John R
    Apr 4, 2013 at 14:34
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    For mandated desktops, people generally use folder redirection to enforce specific shortcuts.
    – Dan
    Apr 4, 2013 at 14:39
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Redirecting the desktop to a read-only folder worked nicely.

Also, needed to add the reg entries to [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel]... I only did the ClassicStartMenu/

I also had to add Computer Configuration -> Policies -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> File System -> %SYSTEMDRIVE%\Users\Public\Desktop (Users: Deny - List Folder Contents) otherwise icons previously installed by programs available to all users would still show up.

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