How to display computername and/or username on 2008 R2 desktop
I'm accustomed to configuring the desktop My Computer icon to rename "Computer" to My %computername% or %username% on %computername% by editing the LocalizedString value under CLSID {20D0...}. I do that to give a user (or myself via RDP) an immediate look at the name of the computer to which he or she is connected. Real helpful to me for phone support or term server shadowing when I have a bunch of windows open.
With 2008 R2, the icon is removed by default, although there is a way to get the Computer icon back (https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/24911315/GPO-for-desktop-icons-in-Windows-Server-2008-R2.html?sfQueryTermInfo=1+10+2008+30+comput+icon+my)
However, I can't figure out how to change that icon name as I could in the old days. I want to display %computername% and preferably %username% as well on the desktop. Doesn't have to be via renaming the Computer icon, but that worked well in the past.
Suggestions? Thanks.
With 2008 R2, the icon is removed by default, although there is a way to get the Computer icon back (https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/24911315/GPO-for-desktop-icons-in-Windows-Server-2008-R2.html?sfQueryTermInfo=1+10+2008+30+comput+icon+my)
However, I can't figure out how to change that icon name as I could in the old days. I want to display %computername% and preferably %username% as well on the desktop. Doesn't have to be via renaming the Computer icon, but that worked well in the past.
Suggestions? Thanks.
SOLUTION
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Lee W, MVP
Alternative suggestion - use BGInfo from Microsoft/Mark Russinovich/SysInternals..
athomsfere: you beat me a part of millisec;)
I suggest actually using BGInfo as you can display a lot more information. There is instructions from Microsoft Technet here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897557.aspx
Additionally you should still be able to do it as follows in R2 but you'll need to change the owner of HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2
1. Open the Registry Editor. Start > Run, type Regedit, press <enter>.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2
3. Rename the LocalizedString value to LocalizedString.old to back it up.
4. In the right hand pane, right Click > New > Expandable String Value (REG_EXPAND_SZ), and name it LocalizedString.
5. Give the string this value: Computer %COMPUTERNAME%
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. Right click your desktop and choose Refresh to see the new name for My Computer
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897557.aspx
Additionally you should still be able to do it as follows in R2 but you'll need to change the owner of HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2
1. Open the Registry Editor. Start > Run, type Regedit, press <enter>.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2
3. Rename the LocalizedString value to LocalizedString.old to back it up.
4. In the right hand pane, right Click > New > Expandable String Value (REG_EXPAND_SZ), and name it LocalizedString.
5. Give the string this value: Computer %COMPUTERNAME%
6. Close the Registry Editor.
7. Right click your desktop and choose Refresh to see the new name for My Computer
Another vote for BGinfo from me....
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I'd also recommend BGInfo, we use it for all users machines also.
When helpdesk personal connect they can installing see hostname,username,servicep
When helpdesk personal connect they can installing see hostname,username,servicep
ASKER
Just a comment for NuttyComputer.
I know about the {20d0...} key in CLSID, but it seems to have no effect. If I type Desktop Icons into the search pane and choose "Show or Hide Common Icons on the Desktop", then select Computer, the icon displays. But editing 20d0 and then refreshing no longer changes the label as it did in the old days. Thanks.
I know about the {20d0...} key in CLSID, but it seems to have no effect. If I type Desktop Icons into the search pane and choose "Show or Hide Common Icons on the Desktop", then select Computer, the icon displays. But editing 20d0 and then refreshing no longer changes the label as it did in the old days. Thanks.
AWWWWW... all three of us posted the exact same thing at the exact same time... even consecutive comments... Seems to me a question ever deserved an equal split, this was it!
ASKER
Hmmm...good point. Didn't look at the times. I'll see what I can do. Liked the second reply since it had the link, as did yours. Gave points to helpnet because she addressed the remote desktop issue of disabling wallpapers. Thanks.
Don't worry... just expressing a little frustration. TECHNICALLY, the first post to post is the one who should get the points and the others should only get points if they contributed something new... if I took a few too many seconds, so be it... my misfortune.
ASKER
Update to my earlier comment re not being able to display %computername% in the icon label for My Computer. It's possible, but have to manually add yourself Full Control rights to that registry key in CLSID....
ovidbailey,
Yes I stated this in my earlier response
"Additionally you should still be able to do it as follows in R2 but you'll need to change the owner of HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2
Yes I stated this in my earlier response
"Additionally you should still be able to do it as follows in R2 but you'll need to change the owner of HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2