(Re)Move Default Programs

I have seen in various forums the question of how to remove or simply move some of the "system" shortcuts that are in the "Start Menu".

Sometimes you can copy, delete, and move files using ActiveSync and "Explore Device" under tools (see previous post). Sometimes you can use the default File Manager that came with your BlackJack (found under "Start/Applications/File Explorer"). Using the default File Manager you can "Cut" the shortcut, and then "Paste" it in a new location if you want to move it. Finally there are times when you can't do either method without getting an error message such as:

Cannot copy XXXXXX: Access is denied

Make sure your mobile device has sufficient memory, that the file is not set as read-only, and that you have permission to copy this file type.

It appears that there are some files/shortcuts that are system files that have been locked and are unable to be moved/deleted. Examples of these ones on my BlackJack are Cingular Video and MediaNet - both are shortcuts under the Start menu and simple waste valuable screen space as they are no more than html links to web sites - and both are already in you IE Favories (or they could be if you have already deleted these Favorites).

Ah, but don't fret, I have found a solution!!

I don't believe I tried to delete any files, but I did move some of the default programs to new directories. I used a piece of software that appears to be freeware. It is called AbstractStart and it will allow you to reorder your StartMenu. For some people this will be the answer and they will simply leave AbstractStart on their BlackJacks. They will be able to move (I assume delete as well) system files and shortcuts, as well as reorder their Start Menu.

I didn't use it for this but I did use it to "Cut" and "Paste" files into new directories

I really don't like leaving things on my system that may use additional resources unless I have to. So for me, I installed AbstractStart so I could "Cut" and "Paste" the files into new directories that the File Explorer and ActiveSync would not let me do. I then deleted the application off of my BlackJack.

My next step was to reorder my Start Menu. To do this I used a free registry editor called PHM Registry Editor. With this editor I edited HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Shell\StartMenu and under "Order" modified the text (once you navigate there with PHM it should be pretty self explanatory).

NOTE: These are the steps I did on my BlackJack and they worked. I take no responsibility if you break something on your own device, or if I failed to mention a crutial step. All instructions are to point you in the right direction only.

One last point, when I re-set up my BlackJack (when it was new, when I wipe everything by hard resetting, etc.), one of the first applications I put on is a freeware app unlock so you can install uncertified software. You may have to do this to install the software mentioned on this page. For details about an App Unlock (and a link to it) see the following posting at BlackjackSmartZone.

Refresh of the links mentioned:

• AbstractStart - Allows you to reorder your start menu.
• PHM Registry Editor - A great Windows registry editor for your SmartPhone.
• App Unlock - A posting detailing an application unlock plus a link to the application.