Windows Shell Extension for context menu not working in explorer but working in desktop

SUMIT DHYANI 1

I am trying to create a dll for shell extension context menu. I followed example given in Link Build the project in Visual Studio 2019, windows 8.1. Registered the Dll using steps given in here

Following the registration steps in current window 8.1 giving problem: The context menu is visible in make desktop files, but as I open any explorer, the context menu is not working.

While using same dll and same registration process in windows 10 ( another system), its working properly on desktop as well as in explorer. Please guild me what am I doing wrong. Thank you

David Lowndes 4,721 Reputation points

2020-11-13T13:36:27.243+00:00

Have you tried debugging your code in the problematic scenario to see what might be happening - such as does the DLL get loaded by Explorer and are any of the entry points called?
SUMIT DHYANI 1 Reputation point

2020-11-13T14:21:18.52+00:00

I am debugging using messageboxes. In case of explorer Initialize function is not getting called (no pop message). While in desktop it is executed.

ShellExView is showing the Shell extension. And if I try to delete the dll, it is showing some other resource is using the dll i.e. it is acquired by system.
David Lowndes 4,721 Reputation points

2020-11-13T15:08:48.753+00:00

You'll find more more by debugging using the debugger!
Is your shell extension class object (the one with the Initialize method) getting constructed?

I'm not sure what your differentiation of "in desktop" is referring to. Do you mean a right click on a file on the desktop, or a right click on the desktop background, or something else?
Since the desktop is Explorer, as far as I'm aware, there's not really any difference other than you may have multiple Explorer processes involved.
SUMIT DHYANI 1 Reputation point

2020-11-13T15:42:35.43+00:00

Its first time I am working on Shell extension, and I don't know how to use Visual studio debugger with this.

By 'in desktop' I mean, right click on files in the desktop ( which is visible by WindowKey+D). But problem is when I open desktop in explorer and right click on same file, shell extension is not working.
David Lowndes 4,721 Reputation points

2020-11-13T15:49:53.403+00:00

Here's how: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/debugging-with-the-shell

I can't think of any good reason why it would work on the desktop and not another instance of Explorer, other than you have multiple Explorer processes, and the instance of your extension loaded by the desktop is (currently) working. Have you tried logging off/on and seeing if it still behaves the same way?
SUMIT DHYANI 1 Reputation point

2020-11-13T16:03:19.07+00:00

Yes, logging ON/Off is also showing same behavior.
David Lowndes 4,721 Reputation points

2020-11-13T16:27:07.37+00:00

In that case I don't understand why there would be a difference - you'll need to get familiar with the debugger.
SUMIT DHYANI 1 Reputation point

2020-11-13T17:00:29.617+00:00

I just created new project and registered the dll. Now this is working. I am still wondering why previous one was not working. May be I have changed something in registry for that dll which is causing this behavior.

Thank you David for your time.
David Lowndes 4,721 Reputation points

2020-11-13T18:59:07.807+00:00

It'd be good to find out what was wrong - if only for understanding it the next time it happens.

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Windows Shell Extension for context menu not working in explorer but working in desktop

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