How to Create a Customized Shell

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Windows XP Embedded provides several default shells (Explorer, Command, and Task Manager). You can also create a custom shell that provides a specific look for the user interface of the target device, provides access to the applications and services required for the device, and restricts access to applications or files that are not necessary for the user.

Custom shells are useful in many types of scenarios, including retail point-of-sale devices, set-top boxes, and Internet kiosks.

To track your progress in the following table, select the check box next to each step.

  Step Topic
1. Familiarize yourself with custom shells and common scenarios for using them in a run-time image. Custom Shells
2. Determine the requirements for your shell using the same techniques used for applications. Determining Application Resource Usage
3. Create a new repository for your shell binary files. Creating a Repository in Windows XP Embedded Studio Help
4. Create a component for the application that you will use as a shell. Creating a Component in Windows XP Embedded Studio Help
5. Create a custom shell component. Creating a Custom Shell Component
6. Import your custom shell component into the component database. Importing an Object into the Database in Windows XP Embedded Studio Help
7. Prevent the Windows splash screen being displayed while the run-time image is booting. Hiding the Windows Boot Splash Screen
8. Prohibit Plug and Play or enable silent Plug and Play in your run-time image. Preventing Plug and Play

- or -

Silent Plug and Play
9. Intercept message boxes and balloon pop-ups in your run-time image. Message Box and Balloon Pop-Up Interception
10.Test the component. Best Practices for Testing a Component in Windows XP Embedded Studio Help
11. Release the component. Releasing a Component in Windows XP Embedded Studio Help

See Also

Shell Customization | How-to Topics

Last updated on Wednesday, October 18, 2006

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