shellexecuteex

About this tag
The shellexecuteex tag covers discussions about the ShellExecuteEx Windows API function, which is used to launch applications and open files. Common issues include error codes such as -1073741818, 2, and 1203, often related to file system errors, permission problems, or missing files. Users also encounter problems with context menu extensions and slow right-click menus, sometimes using tools like ShellExView to manage extensions. Security vulnerabilities in the Windows Shell Handler that involve ShellExecute are also addressed. Troubleshooting topics include fixing launch failures, resolving permission errors, and handling context menu entries in 64-bit Windows.
  1. W

    Windows 10 Removing things that appear after right-clicking a file

    This appears when we right-click on a file. However, this right-click often takes too much time. I googled and found out Fix for Very Slow or Hang When Right Click On a File or Folder • Raymond.CC. It says I need to use ShellExView, which would allow me to delete some things that appear here...
  2. C

    Windows 10 Cant open almost any apps, File system error (-1073741818)

    Hi all. Earlier I was trying to install the nexus mods manager for skyrim. Upon trying to run the .exe I got the message: "ShellExecuteEx failed; code -1073741818" a google found no one else who had had the same problem so I opened avast to scan for a virus, when trying to open avast I got the...
    • Chazkof
    • Thread
    • application issues avast bug fixes error exe files file system fixes installation issues malware nexus mods sfc scan shellexecuteex skyrim system issues tech help troubleshooting user support virus scan windows 10 windows 11 windows apps
    • Replies: 3
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support

  3. Vulnerability in Windows Shell Handler Could Allow Elevation of Privilege - Version: 1.0

    Severity Rating: Important Revision Note: V1.0 (May 13, 2014): Bulletin published. Summary: This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerability could allow elevation of privilege if an attacker runs a specially crafted application that uses...
    • News
    • Thread
    • exploit local access microsoft privilege security shell handler shellexecuteex update vulnerability windows
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Security Alerts
  4. R

    Windows 7 "The system cannot find the file specified"

    Hi! Ever since a botched encryption which resulted in me having to format a drive (not the main c drive), everything I download gives this message when I try to open it - "ShellExecuteEx failed; code 2. The system cannot find the file specified." I've tried changing the download location to...
    • RedBeard
    • Thread
    • admin rights browser issues download issues drive issues encryption error codes executable file issues file not found format drive run as administrator shellexecuteex software installation system issues troubleshooting windows error windows settings wordpad
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Upgrade and Installation
  5. C

    Windows 7 ShellExecuteEx Failed; code 1203 and code 2.

    I recently downloaded a program, and when i tried to run the .exe file i got an error box with the error ShellExecuteEx Failed; code 1203. I tried to install an anti malware program, and when i tried to run that file i got the same error, but with code 2 this time. If i try and run either...
    • Candy001
    • Thread
    • access denied antimalware error codes executable file management shellexecuteex software installation system restore windows issues windows permissions
    • Replies: 12
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  6. J

    Windows 7 [Moved] Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 OSK.exe (on screen keyboard) launch problems

    Issue with Windows 7 32/64 bit and Windows 2008 R2 environments Hi Friends, I am facing issue when I am trying of open OSK.EXE (On-Screen Keyboard) through ShellExecute() in both Windows 7 32/64 bit and Windows 2008 R2 environments. OSK is not getting popped up after executing the command. My...
    • JPLAL
    • Thread
    • 32-bit 64-bit administrator coding desktop environment error handling execution issues function call on-screen keyboard osk permissions server 2008 shellexecuteex software issues statement system compatibility troubleshooting uac windows 7
    • Replies: 14
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  7. R

    Windows 7 context menu issue

    I have two programs that install by adding themselves to the context menu. One is a rt clk on an INF file and then install. the other has an EXE file which installs it. The process works fine in XP and 32bit W7 --- but NOT 64bit W7. the information IS in the SHELLEX locations in the registry...
    • ruggb
    • Thread
    • 64-bit compatibility context menu exe files inf file installation registry shellexecuteex troubleshooting windows 7
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support