How To Disable the Keyboard Windows Key (216893)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP4
This article was previously published under Q216893

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARY

It is possible to disable the Windows key that is now available on many new computer keyboards. This key usually provides shortcut access to the Start button or other Windows NT functions.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To disable the Windows key, do the following steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedt32, and then click OK.
  2. On the Windows menu, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine.
  3. Click the System\CurrentControlSet\Control folder, and then double-click the Keyboard Layout folder.
  4. On the Edit menu, click Add Value, type in Scancode Map, click REG_BINARY as the Data Type, and then click OK.
  5. Type 00000000000000000300000000005BE000005CE000000000 in the Data field, and then click OK.
  6. Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/14/2003
Keywords:kbenv kbinfo KB216893
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