How can I delete the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop in Windows XP/2003?

To delete the Recycle Bin icon from the Windows XP/2003 desktop follow these steps:

1. Open Registry Editor.

2. In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\Namespace

3. Find the following key: {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Delete the above key.

Note: As always, before making changes to your registry you should always make sure you have a valid backup. In cases where you're supposed to delete or modify keys or values from the registry it is possible to first export that key or value(s) to a .REG file before performing the changes.

4. Close Registry Editor.

There is no need to reboot. Just wait a few seconds and see how the icon disappears from the desktop.

5. In order to restore the Recycle Bin icon to the desktop just re-create the missing key (or import it back to the registry in case you've exported it earlier).

In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

Create the following key: {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

(just copy/paste, including the brackets).

How do I remove the CD Recording feature in Windows XP?

I cannot imagine why anyone will want to do that but... Do this if you must:

1.      Start - Run - type gpedit.msc (not available in Windows XP Home Edition).

2.      Go to User Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Explorer.

3.      Look for "Remove CD Burning Features" and double click on it.

4.      Choose ENABLED and apply.

5.      You may need to reboot the computer for settings to take place.

Note for Windows XP SP2:

Reader Frode F. wrote:

Hey, just a notice. Might be for Windows XP Pro SP2 Only, but i noticed that the "Disable CD Recording Feature in Windows XP" (in the tweaks section) has or might been modified. Its in one more subdir. Group Policy -> User Configuration -> Windows Components -> Windows Explorer -> and named "Remove CD Burning Features". Nice page!! :) Keep it up!

Thanks!