How can I create thumbnail preview icons in windows explorer for document files on Windows 7?

Question

I'm creating an application for Windows 7 that reads documents, and I'd like to enable the functionality where the cover of the document can be previewed in the thumbnail icon. I know I'll have to create the thumbnail image, but how do I feed that image to explorer so it uses that thumbnail image for that particular file?

Answer 1

Write a thumbnail provider and register it during your program's setup program.

Suggested reading: Recipe Thumbnail Provider Sample