📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread discusses an issue with registering a shell context menu DLL in Windows 7, which causes the default system tray and quick launch icons to disappear upon restarting Explorer. The original poster resolves the problem by implementing a file-based check tied to a system service to ensure the context menu appears only when the application is active. Contributors express support and curiosity about the application, with the original poster confirming they're developing a tool to enhance Windows Explorer with custom context menu options and file status overlays. Overall, the thread reflects a helpful exchange troubleshooting Explorer restart issues related to custom shell extensions.
A

ashar

New Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2010
Messages
6
Thread Author #1
Hi,

I am trying to register a shell context menu dll in Windows7. For that it needed explorer to be restarted. I use inno setup(installer script) and in that script I tried to restart the explorer as an Administrator.

1. Stop Explorer
2. Register the DLL
3. Start Explorer.

When the explorer is restarted the default systray icons and quick launch icons are disappeared.

I have face the same issue if I try the explorer restart in Administrator command prompt.

If I stop the explorer in task manager and then restart via task manager all the icons come back without any issue.

but the context menu option (Right click context menu option created by me) has not been listed.

Has any one face this issue.?? is there any way to fix this.

Thanks in Advance..
 

Solution
A
Context Menu not showing issue has been fixed. I will only show the contextmenu if the application is running. Since my app is installed as a system service, it can't be find
by DLL. That is the issue..

I have fixed this by creating a file whenever the service get started and delete that when service stopped. By checking the existence of the file, I show the context menu..

k.. thanks.
Sort by date Sort by votes
A

ashar

New Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2010
Messages
6
Thread Author #2
Context Menu not showing issue has been fixed. I will only show the contextmenu if the application is running. Since my app is installed as a system service, it can't be find
by DLL. That is the issue..

I have fixed this by creating a file whenever the service get started and delete that when service stopped. By checking the existence of the file, I show the context menu..

k.. thanks.
 

Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
Mike

Mike

Windows Forum Admin
Staff member
Premium Supporter
Joined
Jul 22, 2005
Messages
9,260
#3
Welcome to the forums, ashar! Might I ask what program you are developing? I'm glad that (in this case) you found the solution to your own problem and reported it here.

Best,
Mike
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
A

ashar

New Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2010
Messages
6
Thread Author #4
I am currently working on showing context menu option of my application in Windows Explorer. Also setting icon overlay on files, that shows the file status to users (for eg, Modified, Uptodate....)like wise..

Thanks,
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

WindowsForum AI
  • Article Article
Fix Windows 11 No Sound by Restarting Audio Services
Replies
0
Views
640
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
  • Article Article
Stop Windows Update From Auto-Restarting While You’re Signed In
Replies
0
Views
712
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
  • Article Article
Windows 11 Task Manager Tips: Custom Columns Graph View Restart Explorer
Replies
0
Views
1K
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
  • Article Article
Fix Windows 11 Restarting Instead of Shutting Down: A Complete Guide
Replies
0
Views
6K
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI