How to run NT Explorer as a separate process

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SUMMARY

By default, the Windows NT 4.0 Desktop, Taskbar, and Explorer run in a single process using multiple threads. If you modify the registry, enabling the DesktopProcess entry, the Taskbar and Desktop will run in one process with each instance of Explorer in a separate process. Each new instance of Explorer.exe will use its own thread. The setting can be verified when two instances of Explorer.exe are visible using Pviewer.exe from the Windows NT 4.0 Resource Kit or the Process tab of the Windows NT 4.0 Task Manager.

MORE INFORMATION

This configuration is enabled on a per-user basis by modifying the registry as follows:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).

2. Under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER subtree, go to the following subkey:

         Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
   

3. Create a new value called DesktopProcess (REG_DWORD) with the data field set to 1.

   Valid entries are 0 and 1; 0 is the default.

4. Quit Registry Editor.

NOTE: This setting should only be enabled on Pentium-based computers with more than 16 MB of RAM.

NOTE: Use default settings if you encounter shell problems.