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initsolFlag for Germany

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remove Internet Explorer (64Bit) Icon from startmenu

Hi there,

I want to remove the shortcut for Internet Explorer (64Bit) from the startmenu of our Windows 7 clients.
The solution found here doesn't work for me, as it removes all links for IE in the startmenu.

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26919251/Remove-Shortcut-for-IE-64-Bit.html?sfQueryTermInfo=1+10+26923b43-4d38-484f-9b9e-de460746276c+30


Deleting the "Stubpath" from HKLM\Software\Microsoft\active Setup\installed components\>{26923b43-4d38-484f-9b9e-de460746276c} also removes all links.

Any ideas?

Best regards
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BitsBytesandMore
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What version of IE are we talking about... v.8 or v.9?

I used to be in the same boat because IE8 64-bit would create problems if I tried to use some add-ons. This problem has disappeared with IE9 (much faster, less Flash/Java issues and no add-on concerns)... Upgrading may prove to be a solution for you rather than removing the 64-bit start menu link.

Bits ...
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ASKER

Sry!
Talking about IE8

I don't want to update to IE9 at this time.
I've reviewed your options, and, I agree with you. You cannot remove IE8 64-bit in Windows 7 64-bit without removing the 32-bit links as well. The only other option available on the local machine would be to go to the Control Panel-Programs and Features - Turn Windows Features On and Off and then unchecking IE8.

When you remove IE8 using this procedure (you are actually just disabling it), in any other version of Windows other than Windows 7, your earlier version of Internet Explorer is restored with your customizations (such as add-ins, Favorites, and your home page). However, IE8 64-bit is a part of Windows 7 64-bit. Therefore, if you disable IE8, you will have to install a third-party browser to be able to connect to the Internet since this procedure will, as you stated in your question, remove all links to IE8 (not just the 64-bit links)... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957700 

Just to summarize, You CANNOT remove 64-bit IE8 without removing 32-bit IE8 since 1: it is part of Windows 7 and 2: It does not offer the option of removing just the 64-bit version.

This said, this would not be a problem if IE8-64-bit had Flash support as I mentioned before. I would recommend that you take the IE9 route: newer technology, faster, works with Flash, all your computers will eventually upgrade to it anyway...just kill the snake by the head.

I hope this helps...
Bits...
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ASKER

Thanks for your reply and testing.
My intension was a clean way to remove the icon and not to change the system.
Furthermore I didn't want to manipulate the system in many different ways (GPO's, scripts, softwaredistribution (Frontrange)).
Looks like I have to remove the link for every user via my logonscript.
Yes. Other than upgrading this is the best solution. Would you be so kind to post a copy of the logon script in case someone else would like to do the same?

Bits ...
initsol--Why do you want to do this?  How about just disabling the IE8 64 bit .exe file by renaming?
"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.old"
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jcimarron:
we're updating from Windows XP 32Bit to Windows 7 64Bit
Our users are absolutely keen on 64 Bit and I know they would use the IE in 64Bit.
Since it doesn't support every feature like the 32 Bit version, I don't even want to show them the link.
initsol-- Right click the IE9 64 bit entry in Start|All Programs/  Then click Properties|Shortcut tab  and look at the Target line.  Do you think your users would know if you changed the 64 bit IE Target line  to the IE8 32-bit target which is  "C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" ?
You can also change the IE9 icon in Start|All Programs from the Shortcut tab.  And the name of the icon from right Click|Rename, as well as the name of iexplore.exe in C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer folder .
All that would make hard to find.  
 
When IE8 64-bit was unable to work properly with Flash, and most add-ons, this was a problem. Why? Because you had a browser with the ability to run at 64-bits (twice as fast than the 32-bit version) that basically, you couldn't use. It was so frustrating: we had the processor, the 64-bit OS, the browser and we couldn't get to enjoy it.

Now, with IE9 64-bit, it is seamless. To give you an idea, I was reluctant to download it in the 64-bit version because of all the issues and the past experience with IE8. So when I went to download, I selected the 32-bit version: It didn't allow me to install it. It immediately gave me a message that "You must install the 64-bit....".

At this point, I was about to back out. I didn't want to start another round of testing, troubleshooting, finding work-arounds, etc... Nevertheless, I couldn't resist the temptation as I said to myself: "this is the future...whether I want to test it or not...this is the way the world is moving. I can do it now, or pass, only to have to do it later anyway.

I'm glad I did: I am now happily using 64-bit IE9 and enjoying all the new features. I won't say it's perfect but I can say it is much better than dealing with IE8 and it's issues. My advise, try it. You will not regret it and eliminating the links will be a non-issue.

Bits ...
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@jcimarron:
why should I do all the work to change all the properties of a link I don't want to exist?
There is a link for the 32Bit version right under the 64Bit version.
We don't want to have 2 links.
I just didn't want to do it by script, but there seems to be no other way.  (I'll post the part of the script for Bits...)

@Bits: I'll try IE 9 64Bit on my own pc - hope you're right :)
initsol--If the end result is that your users cannot see the shortcut (even though the file and shortcut exist), I would think that would be a solution to your problem.  
Another idea "Lock and Hide"
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-lock-or-hide-a-folder-a-file-or-a-drive-on-the-computer/
But of course, these are your PC's and you are in charge.    
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initsol
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