Is there any way to remove this from the desktop.

I know you can remove it by going to "destop properties->customize->web", but then you can't use transparent text on the destop.

Is there a better way to remove it?

Mine is removed by locking all web items on the desktop.

Right click the desktop -> Arrange Icons By -> Lock Web Items on Desktop

Although once a wise man said not to be bothered by that message. :)

Trying cutting and pasting this in notepad
rename it "whateveryouwant.bat"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@echo off
echo Remove sp1 build no from desktop (xpsp1) by wet paper bag (and bophoe)
echo.
echo this will remove "Testing purposes only" and build no from your desktop
pause
echo.
reg delete HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\CA\Cert ificates\FEE449EE0E3965A5246F000E87FDE2A065FD89D4 /f
reg delete HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\ROOT\Ce rtificates\2BD63D28D7BCD0E251195AEB519243C13142EBC 3 /f
echo.
echo all done, reboot for changes to take effect
pause

================================================== ================

Nope. That scripts for XP. Doesn't work for .net because the second registry key doesn't exist in net server.

oops - sorry
didn't see the net server part :(

I believe winbeta released a free utillity that allows you to do just that:

http://home.planet.nl/~brainwave01/x...nt-winbeta.rar

Note: Unless you have a valid license for whatever version of windows you change .net into, you may be violating your EULA. BetaONE cannot be held responsible for your actions.

Many thanks for the link Zone-MR. Will give it a try later.

Excellent. Works a treat: evaluation notice at foot of the desktop hasd gone, as has the 365 day timebomb.