When you create a shortcut from a file or folder in Windows 7, the “- Shortcut” suffix is appended to the end of the original file or folder name.
For example, we will create a shortcut for Mozilla Firefox. Navigate to the directory containing the executable file, right-click on the file, and select Send to | Desktop (create shortcut) from the pop-up menu.
The shortcut is created on the desktop with the “- Shortcut” suffix.
To prevent this suffix from being added to new shortcuts, you can edit a Registry entry. There are two methods for editing this entry. Read through both methods and then decide which one you want to use.
Method #1: Editing the Registry Directly
The first method involves opening the Registry Editor and editing the entry directly. If you are not comfortable with this, see Method #2.
Search for regedit in the Windows Search box. Click on regedit.exe in the list of results to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
In the right pane, double-click on the link registry value. Change the link binary value to 00 00 00 00 (the original value is 1E 00 00 00). You cannot edit the first four zeros.
Exit the Registry Editor and restart the computer.
Method #2: Create a Registry Entry File
The second method involves creating a text file with the extension .reg containing the information needed to change the Registry entry automatically.
Open Notepad and enter the information exactly as pictured below. Type the registry key (the text in brackets) on one line. If it wraps, that is OK.
Save the file to the desktop with your desired name. Be sure to use the .reg extension.
To apply the change to the Registry, double-click on the .reg file you just created on the desktop.
A warning dialog box displays. If you are sure you typed the text correctly into the Registry entry file, click Yes to continue.
Another dialog box displays once the key and value has been successfully added to the Registry. Click OK.
Creating Shortcuts Without the Suffix
Now you should be able to create a shortcut from any file or folder, as described earlier and not have the “- Shortcut” suffix appended.
If you create a lot of shortcuts and don’t want the suffix, this Registry trick is a useful one.
by Lori Kaufman
If you need to do all that, can't you just get a Mac?