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We saw how to add the Lock Workstation command to the Start menu using the OEM link area in the Windows XP Start menu. Here is another registry tweak that adds an enhanced Shutdown button to the Windows XP Start menu, with additional options in the context menu.
This excellent registry hack comes from Herby’s Tweaks Website. This again uses the OEM link slot in the Windows XP Start menu.
Important: It’s suggested that you backup your registry or create a System Restore point before applying any registry hack.
Add Enhanced Shutdown button with more options
Visit Herby’s Tweaks page, download the file shutdown.zip and unzip the contents to a folder of your choice. Move the file NirCmd.exe to the Windows\System32 folder. Double-click the file Add Shutdown.reg to merge the contents. Similarly, merge the contents of Remove Default Buttons.reg file. Logoff and login back again.
Your Start menu should now look like this.
The above menu options are powered by NirCmd, a freeware tool that we’ve already covered in this site.
| Menu option | Command-Line |
| Shutdown | NirCmd.exe exitwin poweroff forceifhung |
| Hibernate | NirCmd.exe hibernate |
| Lock Computer | NirCmd.exe lockws |
| Log Off | NirCmd.exe exitwin logoff forceifhung |
| Monitor Off | NirCmd.exe monitor off |
| Restart | NirCmd.exe exitwin reboot forceifhung |
| Stand By | NirCmd.exe standby |
Here is a screenshot of the Windows Vista Start menu, which has most of the above options included by default.
Herby’s Tweaks has other useful and creative registry tweaks that you would like to check out.
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Thanks! Using Classic Start Menu doesn’t display the Enhanced Shutdown button, but instead I can press [Ctrl + Alt + Delete], Shut Down and then choose any options. Using Start Menu displays Enhanced Shutdown button.
Nice one, all options under Shutdown button .