Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 02 blue red
Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 09 white 120

Integration of personal entries in the context menu of the workstation

March 19, 2008
Updated: April 14, 2022
Quick overview:

Basic idea

Right-clicking on the "My Computer" icon displays a context menu with more or less meaningful entries. The basic idea was to add your own extensions to this context menu by modifying the entries. You can also take the opportunity to manually clean out this menu, as this key is often misused by providers to establish themselves in the system.

During my research on the Internet, I came across several articles on the subject whose procedures and results did not satisfy me. The paths were too branched, were deleted or otherwise overwritten by RegCleaners or simply did not work. In search of a solution in an exposed and comprehensible position, this path was created.

This procedure and its results were tested on Windows XP (Home & Pro; with & without SP's) and VISTA (representative Ultimate).

Note: The following applies to all work in the registration area: First secure the bowl that you want to modify or even remove!

Preparation

Beforehand, we think about what entries we want to include in the context menu. For example, paths to frequently used folders or programs, to the root paths of hard disks or to folders with collections (MP3 or movies etc.) make sense. We now copy these paths directly from the Explorer into a text file (here "Paths.txt" as an example). This saves the time-consuming search on the computer when the registry is open: everything in one place.

If programs are to be opened, you should consider whether they are provided with parameters or use parameters. These parameters would then have to be noted at the same time. We can then practically run such calls completely with one click.

Procedure

The tools

For my work in the registry, I use the registry editor from TuneUp Utilities 200(x). This has the advantage that bookmarks can be created for the edited keys. A very practical feature for frequent changes. However, everyone can choose which tool they want to use. The basic principle remains the same.

Most people will probably use the RegEditor from XP. This can be used by [Win]+[R] --> regedit --> ENTER can be called up conveniently.

To have an example, I created a test folder in C:TestfolderData to which I will refer in the following.

The right key

After opening the registration, we look for the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

The key to success (picture 1)

In its original state, this contains the subfolders DefaultIcon, InProcServer32, shell and ShellFolder (Figure 1).

We now right-click on this key and select Export. This gives us the option to return to the original state if something goes wrong.

We are concerned with the folder shellwhich contains the entries find (Entry Search... in the context menu) and Manage (Entry Manage) contains.

Each subfolder that is set up here appears immediately under its assigned name in the context menu of Workplace.

In order to bring some order to the keys, I recommend starting them with a specific letter or special character that is always the same. I have chosen an @. This means that the keys you define yourself always remain at the top of the folder.

In the right window of the shell subfolder I have a key of type Character string with name Comment and content "All keys with the @ character are self-defined. [Date] AranankA". Comments of this type can be created at will and without any effect on the system. They make the contents traceable later.

We now right-click on the shell folder icon and select the entry New --> Key create an empty key. We call this "@ My test folder" (Fig. 2).

Setting up the first additional key

Even now, right-clicking on the workstation icon produces a result (Fig. 2a), which at most produces a system warning when clicked (Fig. 2b).

The new subkey... (picture 2)  ...and the result in the context menu (Image 2a)

The system message (Fig. 2b)

Next, we set up a key in the "@ My test folder" folder we just created with the name command (Figure 3). This name is not freely selectable!

Subkey (picture 3)

If we now click on this key and take a look at the right-hand side of the editor, we find an entry there: A key of the type string (REG_SZ) with the name "(default value)" and the entry "(value not set)". If we try to delete it, this procedure is denied.
In this right-hand window, we now create a new value again by right-clicking: Type REG_EXPAND_SZ (extended character string) with name (default value). We leave the Data area empty (Fig. 4).

One entry too many (picture 4)

Note: Under the standard editor in XP, the value to be created is called "Value of the expandable string". REG_EXPAND_SZ is!

We now export this newly created key "@ My test folder" in order to edit it: Right-click on the key --> Export as "Testkey.reg". We open this file with Notepad. We now see the following:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}shell@Mein Testordner]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}shell@Mein Testordnercommand]
"(default value)"=hex(2):00

The entry "(default value)"=hex(2):00 we now replace with @=hex(2):00, save the file under its old name and close it.

(The finished file "Testschlüssel.reg" can be here can be downloaded).

Completion and success

Again in the registry editor: We delete the key "@ My test folder". Now double-click on the file "Testschlüssel.reg" and confirm the system reset.

A look at the registry editor after pressing [F5] to update:

But now everything is right (Image 5)

The simple character string has disappeared. What remains is the extended string without data (Fig. 5). We now open this by double-clicking and obtain (Fig. 6):

The dialog box is waiting for... (picture 6)

We now enter the path to the desired file in the lower field (Fig. 7). As this should open in expanded form in Explorer in this case, the entry should be structured as follows:

%SystemRoot%Explorer.exe /e,C:TestFolderData

Note: With this type of Explorer call, you must pay attention to the spaces and the trailing comma!

...the input of the user (picture 7)

To do this, we use the paths created in advance in the "Paths.txt" file.

That's actually it! We are finished.

Now let's test it: Right-click on My Computer --> "@ My Test Folder" and Windows Explorer will open in the folder C:TestfolderData

Lo and behold! It works!

Concluding remarks

The procedure is now always the same. Regardless of whether it is a folder call or a program call. The only difference is that in the case of programs, the program is called directly rather than taking a detour via the Explorer. If required, with the necessary or desired parameters.

We should rename the key "@ My test folder" using [F2]. We can then use the file "Testschlüssel.reg" whenever a new entry is required. Just double-click and the key "@ My test folder", which can be modified as required, will appear in the registry.
And then a bookmark for the key also makes sense...

by AranankA (18/3/2008)

Founded Windows Tweaks as a teenager in the 90s. His helpful PC tricks made it Germany's most visited Windows site (at the time Sandro looked like this). He then went on to write elsewhere, for example for PC-Praxis, Computer Bild and PCWorld in the USA. Microsoft also poached him from us. Now Sandro is back, finally sharing his tweaks here again. For a stress-free digital everyday life. You can reach Sandro via e-mail.
Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 09 white 120
by Real Tech Experts
Save time and nerves with expert knowledge about software, hardware, AI & Microsoft. 
Windows Tweaks Microsoft PC Help - SINCE 1998 - retina 2

Time-saving tips for PCs, laptops, Windows and software?

Subscribe to our newsletter, receive only our best tutorials & tweaks and exclusive tips for our subscribers. 
Newsletter form
Can be canceled at any time. About 1 - 2 mails per month. The consent includes the information on revocation, shipping service provider and statistics according to our Privacy policy.
© 1998 - 2025 Windows-Tweaks.info
Made in Germany with ❤️ 
For all technology users around the globe.
This website runs on 🌳 GREEN energy
crossmenu
EN