📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses how to add custom options to the Windows right-click context menu, specifically under "Scan with Antivirus Program." The original poster seeks to add options for opening files with specific programs like Java or Paint.net directly from the menu. Respondents explain how to modify the Windows Registry, creating new menu entries under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT to achieve this, confirming that "Top" and "Bottom" are the primary values for menu positioning. Overall, the conversation provides detailed guidance on customizing context menus, with the original poster successfully implementing the solution.
Cardinal System

Cardinal System

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Thread Author #1
When I right click a file, the little menu that pops up has an option that says "Scan with Antivirus Program". This option will basically open the file with my antivirus program. What I am trying to do, is to add an option in this dropdown menu that lets me open it with a specific program, without having to click the "Open With" button.

For example, in my attachment, there is a 7-Zip option that lets the user open the file in 7-Zip. Can I add an option that will let me open it in Java or Paint.net?
 

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Solution
Neemobeer
Yes, you can add that for either all users (Use HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT keys) or for just your user use the HKEY_CURRENT_USER)
I'll just you the all users key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • Open regedit and expand HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • Expand the * key
  • Expand the shell key
  • Right click on shell and select "New > Key"
  • Name this whatever you want, it can be used as the text in the menu or I typically use it to order the menu entries so if I want a entry at the bottom for say opening a log file I would name the key "zzzzOpenLog"
  • Click on the newly created key and edit the (Default) value and enter the text you want it to have so "Open Log" for my example
  • With the zzzzOpenLog key selected you can add optional values like
    • Position...
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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#2
Yes, you can add that for either all users (Use HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT keys) or for just your user use the HKEY_CURRENT_USER)
I'll just you the all users key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • Open regedit and expand HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • Expand the * key
  • Expand the shell key
  • Right click on shell and select "New > Key"
  • Name this whatever you want, it can be used as the text in the menu or I typically use it to order the menu entries so if I want a entry at the bottom for say opening a log file I would name the key "zzzzOpenLog"
  • Click on the newly created key and edit the (Default) value and enter the text you want it to have so "Open Log" for my example
  • With the zzzzOpenLog key selected you can add optional values like
    • Position (type: string) and have Top or Bottom there may be others
    • Icon (type: string) path to the .exe you want to use for the icon on the menu
  • Now right click on zzzzOpenLog and select New > Key
  • Name it command
  • Select command and edit the (Default) value with the full path to the exe you want to launch plus the argument to pass it
    • Example "C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe" "%1"
    • This would open paint and %1 is always the file you are clicking on
 
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Solution
Cardinal System

Cardinal System

Honorable Member
Member details
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Jan 24, 2016
Messages
87
Thread Author #3
Neemobeer said:
Yes, you can add that for either all users (Use HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT keys) or for just your user use the HKEY_CURRENT_USER)
I'll just you the all users key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • Open regedit and expand HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
  • Expand the * key
  • Expand the shell key
  • Right click on shell and select "New > Key"
  • Name this whatever you want, it can be used as the text in the menu or I typically use it to order the menu entries so if I want a entry at the bottom for say opening a log file I would name the key "zzzzOpenLog"
  • Click on the newly created key and edit the (Default) value and enter the text you want it to have so "Open Log" for my example
  • With the zzzzOpenLog key selected you can add optional values like
    • Position (type: string) and have Top or Bottom there may be others
    • Icon (type: string) path to the .exe you want to use for the icon on the menu
  • Now right click on zzzzOpenLog and select New > Key
  • Name it command
  • Select command and edit the (Default) value with the full path to the exe you want to launch plus the argument to pass it
    • Example "C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe" "%1"
    • This would open paint and %1 is always the file you are clicking on
Click to expand...
It worked! Thank you! (again)

BTW, are you the only member beside me? Because you seem to be the only person that ever makes new threads, or replies to mine.
 
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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
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Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
#6
Looks like top and bottom are the only ones. Found this article that has a lot more details. You can also make sub menus. I believe the reg value is MUIVerb Creating Shortcut Menu Handlers (Windows)
 

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