Windows Vista Right click options

One thing I've missed in Vista is being able to add right click options - in particular adding the option to right click on a folder and choose an option to open a cmd console at that point. Anyway, I thought I'd try some of the reg hacks that have been discussed previously in the XP forum, and the technique still works!!!

So for those who like me, want a right click CMD option in Vista: create a new file called right_click_cmd.txt (or similar - the name is not important) and enter the following as the file contents:

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\cmd]
@= "Cmd here "

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\cmd\command]
@= "cmd "

Save the file, and then rename it to change the extension to reg. So right_click_cmd.reg

Then open regedit with admin rights (search for regedit.exe, right click on it and select "Run as Administrator ")

Select import from the file menu, browse to the file you created above and select open.

That will do it - you'll now have an option "Cmd here" when you right click on a folder.

 

Nice tip. I run as an Administrator(Not the pseudo Vista default) I just dragged the command prompt from the menu to the desktop and copied it there.

 

The good thing about putting cmd on the right click options for folders is that the cmd prompt opens at that point. So if you have multiple drives or need to access command level items in various folders (for example, the MySQL bin folder, or part of a web application), you don't have to work through lots of cd change directory commands to navigate to your starting point. Use Windows explorer to navigate to the folder you want, right click and the command prompt will open at that point.

A CMD prompt on the desktop will always open to the same folder.

 

OK I'm with you. I use Vistaall the time now, where the operation is built in. All you need to do there is right click the folder in the RIGHTHAND window, whilst holding down the shift key. There it is.

 

uhaligani,

I am not sure what you are describing. Is it the same as this ( the help system)?

Code:

Dragging a file or shortcut to the Command Prompt window 
is not supported in this version of Windows. However, if you want 
to quickly enter the path to a file or shortcut in the Command 
Prompt window, you can use the Copy as Path command.

To use the Copy as Path command
Click to open Command Prompt. 

In a separate window, navigate to the shortcut or file whose 
path you want to copy.

Hold down the SHIFT key and right-click the shortcut or file, 
and then click Copy as Path.

Switch to the Command Prompt window, right-click where 
you want to enter the path, and then click Paste.

 

I'm going to have to look at this again. Perhaps my reg hack has prevented the "normal" system working. I spent some time last night right clicking on folders in the right pane with various key combinations, but couldn't get the prompt in Arie's screen show.

What versions of Vista are you two running? I'm using Vista Business.

I'll have another look when I get home tonight. Thanks for the help so far.

 

Well you can try and undo that reghack? I use Ultimate but that would not make any difference to the procedure.

 

Cracked it. I was shift-right-clicking on folder icons in the right hand pane. I realise now, you need to do the clicking in an empty part of the pane!

Thanks uhaligani and Arie. You got me looking in the right place.

 

OK - call me awkward, but having to hold down the shift button while you right click is a pain in the butt - especially on a laptop with trackpad. Also it is a pain that you have to be in the right place to use it.

So the hack it back in. Works in the left and right pane, on a folder or in the empty pane area. However, after doing some more searching, the hack has a modification:

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\cmd]
@= "Cmd here "

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\cmd\command]
@= "Cmd.exe /k pushd %L "

The extra options make the system better at detecting where the current context is, and opening the command prompt there. And if I need the built in system - it is still there.

Just call me pig headed

 

Me too. My wife has a laptop. Whenever I need to use it I have a mouse standing buy - doesn't cost too much to feed it between times (LOL)

 

I will not use the touchpad on my laptop, and I've actually disabled it on that one and the one at the wife's office.

I prefer a USB trackball, but the wife prefers the wireless mouse. I haven't met anyone who likes using the touchpad for any significant length of time.

 

No you havn't cracked it! If you are happy with the reg hack then go with it. Youright click a FOLDER whilst holding the shift key. (or the empty space) - Maybe a problem if you are using a pad.

 

I've got Tortoise SVN installed as well, and I wonder if that is making the shift-right click behave strangely too. Any way - I'm sorted with the hack

I used to hate laptops. Couldn't get on with the keyboards and found a trackpad a pain. I always thought the lack of upgrade options was limiting too. So I avoided them like the plague. Then my boss spotted a Dell laptop new for 300 quid, and uttered those immortal words "wouldn't that be a good back up unit for you ". Then I took it home to do some work one evening, and found the freedom of using it anywhere just great. In combination with a wireless network the experience has been very liberating.

And for me, a vital part of that liberation is using the trackpad. It means I'm free of the mouse. Free of having to find a flat surface to put the mouse on. Free of the trailing mouse cable or bulging USB wireless mouse dongle. I can work on my laptop lying on the settee, stretched out in the garden. I even take it to the bathroom.

So now I'm a convert; and with the zeal of a new convert, I tell all my laptop users to get rid of that mouse. And as for the ones who insist on port replicators, keyboard, monitors and the like: they just get my scorn.

Behold the trackpad. Take it to your heart. Liberation is but a finger tip away!!!!!

 

I know what you are saying Reggie! I am a total Computer feak. My wife's desktop is a recent addition to the family. I would love to use that pad as I see colleagues dong but I guess I have iron fingers - just cannot get the touch!