Windows Shell Extensions. Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to some questions that are commonly asked about Windows shell extensions. Some of them regard the common Microsoft Windows settings. Others are concerned with specific features and options of our software programs.

• What is a Windows shell extension?
• How do I determine my Windows shell version number?
• How can I enable Thumbnail View for folders in Windows Explorer?
• How to add or remove Windows Desktop Update.
• Image previews not displayed in Windows Explorer.
• Why does your software require Windows 98 or higher?
• How do I remove the watermark from image thumbnails?

Q: What is a Windows shell extension?

Windows shell extension is a special applications that enrich the functionality of the system shell.

Q: How do I determine the Windows shell version number?

If you have installed either Context ThumbView or Instant ThumbView you can find this information in their Configuration Managers. To do so, follow these steps:

• Launch Configuration Manager by clicking its desktop icon.
• Switch into the 'About' tab.
• You will see exact shell version number below the program name.

If you haven't any programs mentioned above installed, use our tiny Shell Version Checking Tool.

Q: How can I enable Thumbnail View for folders in Windows Explorer?

To enable the Thumbnail view for a folder in Windows Explorer:

• If you have not already done so, install the Windows Desktop Update component.
• Right-click the folder for which you want to enable the Thumbnail view, and then click Properties.
• Click to select the Enable Thumbnail View check box, and then click OK.

For additional information about thumbnail previews, read the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article.

Q: How to add or remove Windows Desktop Update?

The Windows Desktop Update component included with Internet Explorer 4.0, 4.01, 4.01 Service Pack 1, 4.01 Service Pack 2, and Microsoft Windows 98 includes the following enhancements to the classic Windows shell:

• The Active Desktop.
• A single, customizable Explorer with Web View.
• A Web-integrated Start menu and taskbar.
• Click (rather than double-click) items to open them; point at items to select them.

For additional information about how to install the Windows Desktop Update component, read the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article.

Q: Image previews not displayed in Windows Explorer

When you right-click an image icon in Windows Explorer, the picture preview may not be displayed in the context menu. This behavior can occur if the file association for the type of file that you are trying to preview has been changed by a third-party program.

To find out how to fix this problem, read the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article

Q: Why does your software require Windows 98 or higher?

Our software uses enhanced shell features added by Windows Desktop Update component. This component is installed when you install Windows 98/2000/XP or Internet Explorer 4.

Q: How do I remove the watermark from image thumbnails?

To remove the watermark from image thumbnails you should register the software you're using to preview images. To find out detailed information on registration, prices and purchase options, visit our Registration and Purchase Information section.