Replace windows explorer desktop

[ahmed470]

I am new to rainmeter. Is it possible to replcae your desktop with rainmeter?
if yes is there a tutorial?

[JpsCrazy]

Well, depends what you mean by desktop.
You can remove all icons and replace the shortcuts with Rainmeter, including the start menu.

You cannot have a real taskbar that shows open windows.

You'll have to change the wallpaper as always.


There is no written tutorial here, but there may be some unofficial ones on Youtube.

[jsmorley]

I am new to rainmeter. Is it possible to replcae your desktop with rainmeter?
if yes is there a tutorial?

Rainmeter is not a shell replacement, but an application that sits on top of Windows Explorer. You cannot use it to replace the Start Menu, Taskbar, or Notification Area (System Tray). Not with any degree of real functionality at least.

From Rainmeter 101

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What is Rainmeter?

Rainmeter is an application which will allow you to place what are called "Skins" on your desktop. These skins can measure and display a wide variety of information. Some examples of things you can display are:

* System Information - CPU, RAM, Network, Drive Space, you name it...
* Launchers and Docks - Be creative and create your own RocketDock or launcher
* Music and more - Interfaces for WinAmp and iTunes, Internet radio or online video
* Web-based content - Weather, GMail inbox, RSS feeds. Just about anything you can parse from the web

Skins are fully customizable by you. They are primarily just .ini text files with simple commands that say "Measure this, and display it here looking like this". We will get into customizing skins more later, but you can use all your creativity and very simple Rainmeter statements to really make your desktop your own!

What isn't Rainmeter?

* Rainmeter is not WindowBlinds(tm). It does not have any ability to change in any way your Start Menu, Taskbar, Notification Area (artist formerly known as System Tray) or any other Windows elements.
* Rainmeter does not manage your Desktop Background (Wallpaper). All those cool skins you see on DeviantArt or Customize.org may or may not come with the displayed wallpaper in the download, but in any case it is up to you to load them with the normal Windows routines. Rainmeter is not Display Fusion.

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[ahmed470]

thanks for the quick reply
I'll search youtube then

[JpsCrazy]

There are skins with an auto it .exe to open the start menu.

[jsmorley]

There are skins with an auto it .exe to open the start menu.

That does not replace the Start Menu. In any case I am just actually responding to the title of his post and what he asked.