Scripting Blog

A place to learn about PowerShell and share stories of automation

Windows Explorer - Scripting Blog

Hey, Scripting Guy! How Can I Modify Registry Settings That Configure Windows Explorer?

January 6, 2009 Jan 6, 2009 01/6/09
ScriptingGuy1
Hey, Scripting Guy! Why does it feel like every single default setting in Microsoft Windows is wrong? It is so frustrating to me to spend five minutes changing all the defaults. For example, I open Internet Explorer and there are no system files. I look at files, but there are no file extensions. The names of text files that I put in all ...

How Can I Retrieve a List of the Commands Typed Into the Run Dialog Box?

March 24, 2006 Mar 24, 2006 03/24/06
ScriptingGuy1
Hey, Scripting Guy! Sometimes I type commands in the Run dialog box that I’d like to retrieve later on. I know the most recent commands I used are cached somewhere; that’s because they show up when I start typing in the Run dialog box. How can I use a script to retrieve these commands?-- KJ Hey, KJ. You know, our first thought upon ...

How Can I Start Windows Explorer Opened to a Specific Folder?

March 17, 2006 Mar 17, 2006 03/17/06
ScriptingGuy1
Hey, Scripting Guy! How can I start Windows Explorer opened to a specific folder?-- CD Hey, CD. We’re going to let you in on one of the Scripting Guys’ most sordid secrets: sometimes the Scripting Guys don’t agree with each other. No, it’s true; really. For example, some of the Scripting Guys think that soccer is a real sport; even ...

How Can I Change the Icon for an Existing Shortcut?

August 12, 2005 Aug 12, 2005 08/12/05
ScriptingGuy1
Hey, Scripting Guy! How can I change the icon for an existing shortcut?-- DF Hey, DF. You know, the Scripting Guys (some of them, at least) are old enough to remember a time when you would never even think about changing an icon; after all, back in those days having any icon at all was considered cool. (And if you had flying toasters on top...

How Can I Change the Caption for the My Computer Icon?

January 19, 2005 Jan 19, 2005 01/19/05
ScriptingGuy1
Hey, Scripting Guy! Instead of having the My Computer icon on the desktop read My Computer, I’d like to replace that with the name of the computer. Can I do that using a script?-- TG Hey, TG. We get asked this question quite a bit; apparently a lot of you find it convenient to have the computer name right on the desktop, making it easier ...