Customizing Windows Explorer Toolbar

Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Hi Chris,

This can't be done via the registry, but I *think* this can be done by
writing a program. If you're a coder, you may post this question in the
"microsoft.public.platformsdk.shell" newsgroup for more information.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supporting Windows® 7, Vista & XP http://www.winhelponline.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Hi Chris,

This can't be done via the registry, but I *think* this can be done by
writing a program. If you're a coder, you may post this question in the
"microsoft.public.platformsdk.shell" newsgroup for more information.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Desktop Experience]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supporting Windows® 7, Vista & XP http://www.winhelponline.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[]
"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris


Outlook, as I use it at my place of employment, has an icon in the
QuickLaunch area (the bit by the Start button) anyway; would this do
you?

If yours hasn't, it might be an option at install time.

(Don't know about Notepad though.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.

[]
"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris


Outlook, as I use it at my place of employment, has an icon in the
QuickLaunch area (the bit by the Start button) anyway; would this do
you?

If yours hasn't, it might be an option at install time.

(Don't know about Notepad though.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.

Hi,

I have several for the IE Toolbar, use as an example to modify: See lines
117 (right hand side) and 176:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm



--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm


"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Hi,

I have several for the IE Toolbar, use as an example to modify: See lines
117 (right hand side) and 176:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm



--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm


"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" at the top of the Windows Explorer
interface. i.e.; In Windows Explorer - the toolbar at the top which you can
right-click and select 'Customize' to add a variety of pre-defined buttons that are
available in both 'Windows' and 'Internet' Explorer.

The selection of buttons to choose from cannot be changed.

Even IF the OP were a programmer (as "Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP" suggests in his
reply) he would have to circumvent WFP (Windows File Protection).

He would have to "swap" the file 'explorer.exe' for a modified copy, but then WFP
would instantly change it back again to the original as it would with all it's
protected operating system files.

He could disable WFP - but that is very unadvisable...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote in message
...
[]
"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris


Outlook, as I use it at my place of employment, has an icon in the QuickLaunch area
(the bit by the Start button) anyway; would this do you?

If yours hasn't, it might be an option at install time.

(Don't know about Notepad though.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.

Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" at the top of the Windows Explorer
interface. i.e.; In Windows Explorer - the toolbar at the top which you can
right-click and select 'Customize' to add a variety of pre-defined buttons that are
available in both 'Windows' and 'Internet' Explorer.

The selection of buttons to choose from cannot be changed.

Even IF the OP were a programmer (as "Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP" suggests in his
reply) he would have to circumvent WFP (Windows File Protection).

He would have to "swap" the file 'explorer.exe' for a modified copy, but then WFP
would instantly change it back again to the original as it would with all it's
protected operating system files.

He could disable WFP - but that is very unadvisable...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote in message
...
[]
"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris


Outlook, as I use it at my place of employment, has an icon in the QuickLaunch area
(the bit by the Start button) anyway; would this do you?

If yours hasn't, it might be an option at install time.

(Don't know about Notepad though.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.

Just want to add to my last post - Entire extra "custom" Toolbars CAN be added to
Windows Explorer - as in the case of the "Google Toolbar".

But these custom Toolbars are written programs and use the Windows' API - they do
not, nor can you, use the registry to add extra buttons...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"Tim Meddick" wrote in message
...
Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" clipped

Just want to add to my last post - Entire extra "custom" Toolbars CAN be added to
Windows Explorer - as in the case of the "Google Toolbar".

But these custom Toolbars are written programs and use the Windows' API - they do
not, nor can you, use the registry to add extra buttons...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"Tim Meddick" wrote in message
...
Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" clipped

In message , Tim Meddick
writes:
Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" at the top of the
Windows Explorer
interface. i.e.; In Windows Explorer - the toolbar at the top which you can
right-click and select 'Customize' to add a variety of pre-defined
buttons that are
available in both 'Windows' and 'Internet' Explorer.

Ah, I see. Sorry for any confusion; I guess Microsoft are partly to
blame for using "explorer" in so many places (for the file manager, the
web browser, and the name of the executable which is the default shell).

The selection of buttons to choose from cannot be changed.

Even IF the OP were a programmer (as "Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP"
suggests in his
reply) he would have to circumvent WFP (Windows File Protection).

He would have to "swap" the file 'explorer.exe' for a modified copy,
but then WFP
would instantly change it back again to the original as it would with all it's
protected operating system files.

He could disable WFP - but that is very unadvisable...

Can it be "told" to "recognise" a different file (in the same way as the
old "sfc" - if I've remembered the name right - could under '9x)? Or
turned off and then back on again in a way which then accepts any
changes made while it's off? (I think XPlite offers something like that,
but I meant outside that.)

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)

By the way, is top-posting or bottom-posting the norm in this newsgroup?
I've seen both. (I prefer inter-posting, as I've done here - i. e.
posting my replies next to the text they reply to - but I put my reply
_below_ the chunk I'm replying to.)
[]
John
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.

In message , Tim Meddick
writes:
Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" at the top of the
Windows Explorer
interface. i.e.; In Windows Explorer - the toolbar at the top which you can
right-click and select 'Customize' to add a variety of pre-defined
buttons that are
available in both 'Windows' and 'Internet' Explorer.

Ah, I see. Sorry for any confusion; I guess Microsoft are partly to
blame for using "explorer" in so many places (for the file manager, the
web browser, and the name of the executable which is the default shell).

The selection of buttons to choose from cannot be changed.

Even IF the OP were a programmer (as "Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP"
suggests in his
reply) he would have to circumvent WFP (Windows File Protection).

He would have to "swap" the file 'explorer.exe' for a modified copy,
but then WFP
would instantly change it back again to the original as it would with all it's
protected operating system files.

He could disable WFP - but that is very unadvisable...

Can it be "told" to "recognise" a different file (in the same way as the
old "sfc" - if I've remembered the name right - could under '9x)? Or
turned off and then back on again in a way which then accepts any
changes made while it's off? (I think XPlite offers something like that,
but I meant outside that.)

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)

By the way, is top-posting or bottom-posting the norm in this newsgroup?
I've seen both. (I prefer inter-posting, as I've done here - i. e.
posting my replies next to the text they reply to - but I put my reply
_below_ the chunk I'm replying to.)
[]
John
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.

You can get control of the Explorer toolbar if you build a namespace
extension. You can then implement IShellBrowser in a "Dynamic Link
Library file" (DLL) or use "Browser Helper Objects" (BHO).

Namespace Extensions
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/libr...#unknown_73276


ju.c


"Tim Meddick" wrote in message ...
Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" at the top of the Windows Explorer
interface. i.e.; In Windows Explorer - the toolbar at the top which you can
right-click and select 'Customize' to add a variety of pre-defined buttons that are
available in both 'Windows' and 'Internet' Explorer.

The selection of buttons to choose from cannot be changed.

Even IF the OP were a programmer (as "Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP" suggests in his
reply) he would have to circumvent WFP (Windows File Protection).

He would have to "swap" the file 'explorer.exe' for a modified copy, but then WFP
would instantly change it back again to the original as it would with all it's
protected operating system files.

He could disable WFP - but that is very unadvisable...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote in message
...
[]
"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris


Outlook, as I use it at my place of employment, has an icon in the QuickLaunch area
(the bit by the Start button) anyway; would this do you?

If yours hasn't, it might be an option at install time.

(Don't know about Notepad though.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.

You can get control of the Explorer toolbar if you build a namespace
extension. You can then implement IShellBrowser in a "Dynamic Link
Library file" (DLL) or use "Browser Helper Objects" (BHO).

Namespace Extensions
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/libr...#unknown_73276


ju.c


"Tim Meddick" wrote in message ...
Mr Gilliver,
The OP means the "Toolbar" at the top of the Windows Explorer
interface. i.e.; In Windows Explorer - the toolbar at the top which you can
right-click and select 'Customize' to add a variety of pre-defined buttons that are
available in both 'Windows' and 'Internet' Explorer.

The selection of buttons to choose from cannot be changed.

Even IF the OP were a programmer (as "Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP" suggests in his
reply) he would have to circumvent WFP (Windows File Protection).

He would have to "swap" the file 'explorer.exe' for a modified copy, but then WFP
would instantly change it back again to the original as it would with all it's
protected operating system files.

He could disable WFP - but that is very unadvisable...

==

Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London. :-)




"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote in message
...
[]
"krzysiek kubeczka" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I would like to add few buttons to Windows Explorer Toolbar (Windows
XP Home SP3) that would run/call some external programs - i.e.
Notepad, Outlook or my own software.

Is it possible to do such a thing using Registry or it must be done
with programming? If so, any ideas and clues how?

Thanks in advance,

Chris


Outlook, as I use it at my place of employment, has an icon in the QuickLaunch area
(the bit by the Start button) anyway; would this do you?

If yours hasn't, it might be an option at install time.

(Don't know about Notepad though.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
** http://www.soft255.demon.co.uk/G6JPG-PC/JPGminPC.htm for ludicrously
outdated thoughts on PCs. **

I didn't get the documentation for the manuals.