how to add new items to certain file extension context menu

Question

how to add new items to certain file extension context menu (to .mp3 files for instance)

I've also noticed that there is common items in all context menus across the windows, does they all share/inherit one context menu ? where is it : which one is for text

what such keys are called and how to generate them (for instance {11dbb47c-a525-400b-9e80-a54615a090c0})

also is there a good brief reference for the registry that you would recommend ?

Answer 1

1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box or Start Menu searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor, now go to following keys:

   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT* (for adding an option in All files context menu) HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory (for adding an option in folders context menu only) HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive (for adding an option in Drives context menu only) HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown (for adding an option in unknown files context menu)

2. Now under the above mentioned keys, you'll find "Shell" and "Shellex" keys. Both keys contain various entries, which are displayed when you right-click on a file, folder or drive. We'll use "Shell" key in this example:

   • Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
   • Give it any name. Suppose we gave it name "Demo".
   • Now in right-side pane, double-click on "Default" String value and set its value to the Label which you want to display in context menu. Like if you want to add "Winamp" in context menu, then you can give it name "Open with Winamp" or similar.
   • Now create another key under this newly created key "Demo" with the name "command" and in right-side pane set value of "Default" to the path of application. For ex, for winamp you can set its value %programfiles%\Winamp\winamp.exe.

A full reference to this can be found here