MSDN Documentation

Shell32 Functions

The Shell32.dll library provides functions for interacting with the Windows Shell. This includes functionality for managing files, folders, shortcuts, and other shell-related operations.

Commonly Used Functions

ShellExecute

Prototype:

HINSTANCE ShellExecute(
  HWND    hwnd,
  LPCTSTR lpOperation,
  LPCTSTR lpFile,
  LPCTSTR lpParameters,
  LPCTSTR lpDirectory,
  INT     nShowCmd
);

Description:

This function performs an operation on a specified file. It can be used to open a document, print a document, explore a folder, or execute a program.

Parameters:

• hwnd: Handle to the owner window of any message boxes that the function displays.
• lpOperation: A pointer to a null-terminated string that specifies the action to perform. Common values include "open", "print", "explore", "edit".
• lpFile: A pointer to a null-terminated string that specifies the file or object on which to perform the specified operation.
• lpParameters: A pointer to a null-terminated string that specifies the parameters to pass to the application.
• lpDirectory: A pointer to a null-terminated string that specifies the default directory.
• nShowCmd: The window display state for the application.

Return Value:

If the function succeeds, it returns a value greater than 32. If the function fails, it returns a value that indicates the error.

Shell_NotifyIcon

Prototype:

BOOL Shell_NotifyIcon(
  DWORD dwMessage,
  PNOTIFYICONDATA pnid
);

Description:

This function is used to add, modify, or delete a notification icon in the taskbar's notification area.

Parameters:

• dwMessage: The action to perform (e.g., NIM_ADD, NIM_MODIFY, NIM_DELETE).
• pnid: A pointer to a NOTIFYICONDATA structure that contains information about the icon.

Return Value:

Returns TRUE if successful, FALSE otherwise.

SHBrowseForFolder

Prototype:

LPITEMIDLIST SHBrowseForFolder(
  LPBROWSEINFO lpbi
);

Description:

Displays a dialog box that allows the user to select a folder. The function returns the PIDL (Pointer to an Item ID List) of the selected folder.

Parameters:

• lpbi: A pointer to a BROWSEINFO structure that contains information about the dialog box.

Return Value:

Returns a pointer to an item ID list that specifies the path of the folder the user selected. If the user cancels the dialog box, it returns NULL.

SHFileOperation

Prototype:

int SHFileOperation(
  PSHFILEOPSTRUCTA pfo
);

Description:

This function performs a file operation such as copying, moving, renaming, or deleting files and directories.

Parameters:

• pfo: A pointer to a SHFILEOPSTRUCT structure that contains all necessary information to perform the requested file operation.

Return Value:

Returns zero if the operation is successful; otherwise, returns a nonzero error value.

SHGetFolderPath

Prototype:

HRESULT SHGetFolderPath(
  HWND    hwndOwner,
  int     nFolder,
  HANDLE  hToken,
  DWORD   dwFlags,
  LPTSTR  pszPath
);

Description:

Retrieves the path of a special folder, such as the user's profile directory, the system directory, or the desktop.

Parameters:

• hwndOwner: Handle to the owner window.
• nFolder: A CSIDL value that specifies the special folder.
• hToken: Access token for the user.
• dwFlags: Flags that specify the type of path to retrieve.
• pszPath: Pointer to a buffer that receives the path.

Return Value:

Returns S_OK if successful, or an error code otherwise.

SHChangeNotify

Prototype:

void SHChangeNotify(
  LONG wEventId,
  UINT uFlags,
  LPCVOID dwItem1,
  LPCVOID dwItem2
);

Description:

Notifies the Shell about changes to the file system, such as file creation, deletion, or renaming. This allows the Shell to update its views and caches accordingly.

Parameters:

• wEventId: A value that specifies the type of change that occurred (e.g., SHCNE_CREATE, SHCNE_DELETE).
• uFlags: Flags that indicate how the notification should be processed.
• dwItem1: Pointer to the first item affected by the change.
• dwItem2: Pointer to the second item affected by the change.