Instant sheller and shelling guide

Instant sheller and shelling guide

The original article below was taken from the MAMEworld forums, in case it ever becomes lost.

In addition to the guide, a small application called InstantSheller automates the process. It allows you to one-click shell GameEx or any other front end. It does everything in the guide automatically and features a one-click Undo.

Download it here

Use at your own risk. If you have problems, post on the forum, but make sure you understand what you are doing.

Version history

31st May 2018 – Version 0.9

• Updated for latest Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise. For Windows 10 Enterprise, the operating system can be completely hidden.

13th November 2012 – Version 0.8

• A step forward with Windows 7. This version hides the Welcome and Shutting Down text.

10th April 2010 – Version 0.7

• Added compatibility with Vista and Windows 7.
• On these operating systems the boot screen cannot be changed and neither can the login screen be hidden.
• On Windows 7, the boot screen can be disabled and the login screen background hidden.

5th April 2009 – Version 0.6

• Added a button to set auto login if the user account has a password.
• Resolved a potential issue if the application is later deleted or moved.
• Cosmetic fixes.

12th November 2008 – Version 0.51

• Now disables window animations.

26th March 2008 – Version 0.50

• Now hides login mouse cursor.
• Ability to not change shell application.
• Upgraded to .NET Framework 2.

Earlier releases

• 2nd May 2006 – Version 0.40: shell only for the current logged in user, icons added and undo reminder.
• 26th November 2005 – Version 0.32: fixed access denied exception on Boot.ini.
• 19th November 2005 – Version 0.31: Windows boot screen modification and auto-login fix.
• 5th November 2005 – Version 0.25: complete undo, sound fix and black desktop background.

How to completely hide Windows and shell into a front-end

Use a command-line MAME setup with a front end that supports automated shutdown. The process includes changing the boot screen, disabling startup and shutdown screens, setting a black login background, configuring the shell entry in the registry, and replacing visible logon cursors.

The guide involves registry changes and system shell changes. Back up the machine before making changes, keep recovery access available, and only proceed if you understand how to undo the shell entry by restoring explorer.exe.