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Windows XP and Tweak UI

Hide Control Panel Icons

SUMMARY: Hide Windows XP Control Panel icons with Tweak UI to discourage others from modifying system settings.

If you share your computer with others that like to tweak settings without your knowledge, you may want to hide Control Panel icons to make it not as easy to modify settings.

First download and run Tweak UI for Windows XP using the tips mentioned in MalekTips. (Yes, that's right, you have to download a tweaking tool to help prevent tweaking.) Click the "Control Panel" link. In the right pane you can see the names of all Control Panel files as well as their descriptions. Uncheck or check Control Panel icons as desired to hide / show them in the Control Panel. Press "OK" when done.

Note that hiding control panel entries does not remove them from the computer. If someone knows the filename for a Control Panel extension, they can still run it. However, this will keep most people from being able to make changes without your knowledge.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >