Replace windows system apps (w/o replacing system files)?

Enigma

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182
Location
Portland, Oregon, USA
In my case I would like to replace cmd.exe with Take Command or Cygwin, Notepad with Notepad++. Calculator with DreamCalc, Regedit with Torchsoft Registry Workshop, and the default clipboard with ClipMate. I'm a poweruser of sorts and find these apps far superior to Microsoft's built-ins. I have already replaced Task Manager with Process Hacker 2, it has an option to do so. I want to be able to press Windows key/Super and type in any of the default builtin names, and have my custom app display instead. I have found a method which requires making a backup copy of and replacing files in %Windows%. But I'm leary of this sort of thing, so I need an alternate method. Perhaps there is some Registry entry I can modify? Environment/system variables? Anything else? Whatever the case may be, it must be easily reversible as well.

Thanks for any help!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64, Windows Server 2012 R2 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G700
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3632QM, 2.20 GHz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    6 GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA 720M, Intel HD 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 (max)
    Hard Drives
    1 TB HDD (5400 RPM), 1.5 TB HDD (5400 RPM) installed in a 12.7mm disc drive caddy
    Case
    Lenovo
    Keyboard
    Lenovo
    Mouse
    Laptop/notebook keyboard/touchpad
    Internet Speed
    It varies, since I'm mobile most of the time
    Browser
    Chromium (the open-source browser which Google Chrome is derived from)
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, Spybot, Privatefirewall
    Other Info
    I will add more information here later
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