Share via

Shell Customization

  • Article

The shell on your device provides a user interface and access to files and applications. The following list shows the shells that you can choose from, and customize for use, in your run-time image:

  • Explorer shell
  • Command shell
  • Task Manager shell

The standard shells provided by Microsoft may be most beneficial as tools for developing your device. If you have a specialized device, you may want to use your main application as a custom shell in your final run-time image. For example, a retail point of sale (RPOS) terminal, a set-top box, or a touch screen in a kiosk each presents a custom shell to the user.

In addition, some of the shell customization that you can do includes defining the way Plug and Play (PnP), balloon pop-ups, and message boxes are handled in your run-time image.

In This Section

  • How to Create a Customized Shell
    Describes the end-to-end procedure for creating a customized shell for your device.
  • Custom Shells
    Describes custom shells and common scenarios for creating and deploying them in your run-time image configuration.
  • Creating a Custom Shell Component
    Describes how to create a component that will display a specified application as a shell in your run-time image.
  • Plug and Play
    Describes how to prevent Plug and Play and enable silent Plug and Play in your run-time image.
  • Message Box and Balloon Pop-Up Interception
    Describes how to customize how your device responds to error messages, message boxes, service messages, or balloon pop-ups.
  • Explorer Shell
    Describes the Explorer shell component, its default settings, how it can be configured, and the components that are commonly used with it.
  • Author Components and Customize Shells
    Describes the componentization phase of the development process. During this phase you create components for your applications and device drivers, create custom shells, and customize existing shells.
  • Design a Run-Time Image
    Describes the design phase of the development process. During this phase you can choose the components required for your run-time image.

Last updated on Wednesday, October 18, 2006

© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.