I was considering using systernal's process explorer as my default task manager, probably by replacing the taskmgr.exe file. I'm not sure of any downsides, although it could be risky, any imput would be great.

Thanks

You can use process explorer as task manager very well, with no risk at all. I use it on my second PC and never had a problem with it.

Ok, look like nobody want to reply to this post (maybe they are lost in shrinking office .... )

So here is how i do :

1 - Don't try replacing taskmgr.exe, there is a far better way to make process explorer your default task manager.

2 - tell your install script to copy process explorer to a path smaller than 400 caracteres (or maybe it's even less, i can't remember...) . Something like %systemdrive%\WINNT (Win2000) or %systemdrive%\WINDOWS(WinXp) is a good choice.

3 - then, it's time to apply that tricky trick of hell, the reg key who make all dreams come true :

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\taskmgr.exe]
"Debugger"="C:\\WINDOWS\\procexp.exe"

download the reg file :taskxp.reg

and tell your script to add it to the reg database. something like :

REGEDIT /S 'YourPath'\taskxp.reg

to make it short this key can be used to replace any executable by the one of your choice (ex : replacing notepad by notepad++ or what ever...)

Et Voila...

Bonus Part :

to make process explorer start with your favorite columms, and windows view, do like this :

- customize it the way you want

- export key with all subkeys of HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Sysinternals\Process Explorer

- tell your script to import the key ( REGEDIT /S )

- Et revoila...

Edited July 1, 200521 yr by Diagg

Yes, thats the way Mark made Process Explorer default task manager. I spoke with him about it, the problem is he revealed one security hole, that all (security guys) didnt wanted to speak of... Using non-debugger with image profiles

I wrote a NSIS Script for installing Process Explorer, get it here: http://digitalfrost.planetzord.de/content.php?article.10

I was looking for such a trick to remove the crappy TaskManager!

BTW, the taskxp.reg was full of garbage character, seems Suspicious!

EDIT

I tried it out, works like hell, but there was a message window when I first press Ctrl+Alt+Del telling me to download some kinda of Microsft Debugger tool! how can I disblae this very first message window?

EDIT 2

sorry the problem was from win32pad! it acting weird these days with reg and ini files

Edited January 8, 200620 yr by Wesmosis