### Install a SharpShell Server

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/SharpShell/Tools/ServerRegistrationManager/Actions/Help.txt

Installs a SharpShell server. Use the -codebase parameter to install from a file location instead of the GAC. Use -os32 or -os64 to force a specific bitness.

```bash
srm install <path to SharpShell server> <parameters>
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell Server

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/srm/srm.md

Use this command to install a SharpShell server from a DLL. Ensure the DLL path is correct.

```bash
srm install <path.dll>
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell Server with srm (GAC)

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Install an assembly to the GAC and register it using the srm install command.

```bash
gacutil -i <serverpath>
srm install <serverpath>
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell Server with srm (Codebase)

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Register a local assembly using the srm install command with the -codebase flag.

```bash
srm install <serverpath> -codebase
```

--------------------------------

### Install Octokit via NuGet

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/SharpShell/packages/Octokit.0.1.7/README.md

Command to install the Octokit package using the NuGet Package Manager Console.

```powershell
Install-Package Octokit
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell via NuGet

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Install SharpShell using the NuGet Package Manager Console or the .NET CLI.

```powershell
# Install using NuGet Package Manager Console
PM> Install-Package SharpShell
```

```powershell
# Or using .NET CLI
dotnet add package SharpShell
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell Server with regasm (Codebase)

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Register a local assembly as a COM server using the /codebase flag.

```bash
regasm /codebase ExampleContextMenuExtension.dll
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell Server with regasm (GAC)

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Register an assembly in the GAC and then register it as a COM server using regasm.

```bash
gacutil -i ExampleContextMenuExtension.dll
regasm ExampleContextMenuExtension.dll
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell Server with Specific Bitness

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/srm/srm.md

Installs a SharpShell server with a specified bitness (32-bit or 64-bit). The `-os32` or `-os64` flags control this. The `-codebase` flag is optional.

```bash
srm install <path.dll> [-codebase] -os32
```

```bash
srm install <path.dll> [-codebase] -os64
```

--------------------------------

### Get Help with SharpShell

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/SharpShell/Tools/ServerRegistrationManager/Actions/Help.txt

Use this command to display help information for the SharpShell command-line tool.

```bash
srm help
```

--------------------------------

### Enable and Configure srm Logging

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Configure srm to log installation activities to a file for troubleshooting purposes.

```bash
srm config LoggingMode File
srm config LogPath "%TEMP%\SharpShell.log"
srm install <path.dll>
srm config LoggingMode Disabled
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell Server without GAC

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/srm/srm.md

Installs a SharpShell server without registering it in the Global Assembly Cache (GAC). Use the `-codebase` flag for this purpose.

```bash
srm install <path.dll> -codebase
```

--------------------------------

### Manage Servers with srm.exe

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Use the SharpShell Server Registration Manager for simplified installation, configuration, and logging management.

```bash
# Install a server (using GAC)
gacutil -i MyExtension.dll
srm install MyExtension.dll

# Install without GAC
srm install MyExtension.dll -codebase

# Install with specific bitness
srm install MyExtension.dll -codebase -os32
srm install MyExtension.dll -codebase -os64

# Uninstall a server
srm uninstall MyExtension.dll

# View current SharpShell configuration
srm config

# Configure logging mode (Disabled, Debug, EventLog, File)
srm config LoggingMode File

# Set log file path
srm config LogPath "%TEMP%\SharpShell.log"

# Enable logging, install, then disable
srm config LoggingMode File
srm config LogPath "%TEMP%\SharpShell.log"
srm install MyExtension.dll -codebase
srm config LoggingMode Disabled
```

--------------------------------

### Install SharpShell via NuGet

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/extensions/deskband/deskband.md

Use the NuGet Package Manager console to add the SharpShell dependency to your project.

```powershell
Install-Package SharpShell
```

--------------------------------

### Register Servers with regasm

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Install or uninstall SharpShell servers using the standard .NET regasm tool, ensuring the correct bitness for the target OS.

```bash
# Install using GAC (recommended for shared extensions)
gacutil -i MyContextMenuExtension.dll
regasm MyContextMenuExtension.dll

# Install without GAC using codebase (files stay in place)
regasm /codebase MyContextMenuExtension.dll

# Uninstall a registered server
regasm /u MyContextMenuExtension.dll

# Use correct bitness for 64-bit Windows
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\regasm /codebase MyExtension.dll

# Use correct bitness for 32-bit Windows
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\regasm /codebase MyExtension.dll
```

--------------------------------

### Install Chocolatey and Set Execution Policy

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/README.md

This script is used to bypass the execution policy for the current process and install Chocolatey, a package manager for Windows. It ensures that the system can download and install necessary components for building.

```powershell
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
[System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://community.chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))
```

--------------------------------

### Uninstall SharpShell Server

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/srm/srm.md

Use this command to uninstall a SharpShell server. Provide the path to the DLL that was installed.

```bash
srm uninstall <path.dll>
```

--------------------------------

### Example of Invalid Shortcut Key

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/context-menu.md

Demonstrates an invalid shortcut key assignment that will cause an exception. Shortcut keys must include a modifier (e.g., Keys.Alt | Keys.C).

```csharp
new ToolStripMenuItem
{
    Text = "Count Lines...",
    Image = Properties.Resources.CountLines,
    ShortcutKeys = Keys.C
};
```

--------------------------------

### Clone and Build Octokit Locally

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/SharpShell/packages/Octokit.0.1.7/README.md

Commands to clone the repository and execute the build script.

```bash
git clone git@github.com:octokit/Octokit.net.git Octokit
cd Octokit
.\build.cmd
```

--------------------------------

### Create a Custom Context Menu Extension

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Implement a custom right-click context menu for files using SharpContextMenu. Override CanShowMenu() to control visibility and CreateMenu() to define menu items.

```csharp
using System.IO;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using System.Text;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpContextMenu;

[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".txt")]
public class CountLinesExtension : SharpContextMenu
{
    // Determines whether the menu should be displayed
    protected override bool CanShowMenu()
    {
        // Show menu only when files are selected
        return SelectedItemPaths.Any();
    }

    // Creates the context menu items
    protected override ContextMenuStrip CreateMenu()
    {
        var menu = new ContextMenuStrip();

        var itemCountLines = new ToolStripMenuItem
        {
            Text = "Count Lines...",
            Image = Properties.Resources.CountLines
        };

        // Handle the click event
        itemCountLines.Click += (sender, args) => CountLines();
        menu.Items.Add(itemCountLines);

        return menu;
    }

    private void CountLines()
    {
        var builder = new StringBuilder();
        foreach (var filePath in SelectedItemPaths)
        {
            var lineCount = File.ReadAllLines(filePath).Length;
            builder.AppendLine($"{Path.GetFileName(filePath)} - {lineCount} Lines");
        }
        MessageBox.Show(builder.ToString());
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Create Context Menu Items with CreateMenu

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/context-menu.md

Implement the CreateMenu method to build the actual context menu strip. This involves creating ToolStripItems, setting their properties like Text and Image, and defining click event handlers.

```csharp
protected override ContextMenuStrip CreateMenu()
{
    //  Create the menu strip.
    var menu = new ContextMenuStrip();

    //  Create an item.
    var itemCountLines = new ToolStripMenuItem
                             {
                                 Text = "Do something ...",
                                 Image = Properties.Resources.CountLines
                             };

    //  Add a handler for the click event.
    itemCountLines.Click += (sender, args) => MessageBox.Show("Do something");

    //  Add the item to the context menu.
    menu.Items.Add(itemCountLines);

    //  Return the menu.
    return menu;
}
```

--------------------------------

### Register Server with Correct Bitness

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Use the appropriate regasm path or srm flags based on the target operating system architecture.

```text
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\regasm
```

```text
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\regasm
```

```text
srm install -os32
```

--------------------------------

### Define the DeskBand Server Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/extensions/deskband/deskband.md

Create a class inheriting from SharpDeskBand to define the UI and configuration options for the desk band.

```csharp
[ComVisible(true)]
[DisplayName("Web Search")]
public class WebSearchDeskBand : SharpDeskBand
{
    protected override System.Windows.Forms.UserControl CreateDeskBand()
    {
        return new DeskBandUI();
    }

    protected override BandOptions GetBandOptions()
    {
        return new BandOptions
               {
                   HasVariableHeight = false,
                   IsSunken = false,
                   ShowTitle = true,
                   Title = "Web Search",
                   UseBackgroundColour = false,
                   AlwaysShowGripper = true
               };
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Implement Web Search Button Handler

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/extensions/deskband/deskband.md

Handle the button click event to launch a browser with a Google search query.

```csharp
private void buttonGo_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    Process.Start("http://google.com#q=" + textBoxSearch.Text);
}
```

--------------------------------

### Implement a Custom Desk Band

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Create a custom taskbar band by inheriting from SharpDeskBand and overriding CreateDeskBand and GetBandOptions.

```csharp
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpDeskBand;

[ComVisible(true)]
[DisplayName("Web Search")]
public class WebSearchDeskBand : SharpDeskBand
{
    // Creates the desk band user interface
    protected override UserControl CreateDeskBand()
    {
        return new DeskBandUI();
    }

    // Configures desk band options
    protected override BandOptions GetBandOptions()
    {
        return new BandOptions
        {
            HasVariableHeight = false,
            IsSunken = false,
            ShowTitle = true,
            Title = "Web Search",
            UseBackgroundColour = false,
            AlwaysShowGripper = true
        };
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Define a Basic Shell Context Menu Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/context-menu.md

Implement a C# class that derives from SharpContextMenu. Ensure it's ComVisible and has a COMServerAssociation attribute to define which file types it applies to.

```csharp
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".txt")]
public class ExampleShellExtension : SharpContextMenu
{
}
```

--------------------------------

### Create Property Sheet Server Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/extensions/propertysheetextension/propertysheetextension.md

Define a class that derives from SharpPropertySheet to act as the main extension class. Associate it with shell objects using COMServerAssociation and make it visible as a COM server with ComVisible.

```csharp
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.AllFiles)]
public class FileTimesPropertySheet : SharpPropertySheet
{
  protected override bool CanShowSheet()
  {
    //  We will only show the resources pages if we have ONE file selected.
    return SelectedItemPaths.Count() == 1;
  }

  protected override IEnumerable<SharpPropertyPage> CreatePages()
  {
    //  Create the property sheet page.
    var page = new FileTimesPropertyPage();

    //  Return the pages we've created.
    return new[] {page};
  }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Implement Custom Folder InfoTip Handler

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Override GetInfo to provide custom tooltip information for folders. Handles different info types and single-line display.

```csharp
using System;
using System.IO;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpInfoTipHandler;

[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.Directory)]
public class FolderInfoTipHandler : SharpInfoTipHandler
{
    // Returns tooltip information for the selected item
    protected override string GetInfo(RequestedInfoType infoType, bool singleLine)
    {
        switch (infoType)
        {
            case RequestedInfoType.InfoTip:
                // Format folder info with file count
                var fileCount = Directory.GetFiles(SelectedItemPath).Length;
                return singleLine
                    ? $"{Path.GetFileName(SelectedItemPath)} - {fileCount} Items"
                    : $"{Path.GetFileName(SelectedItemPath)}{Environment.NewLine}Contains {fileCount} Items";

            case RequestedInfoType.Name:
                return $"Folder '{Path.GetFileName(SelectedItemPath)}'";

            default:
                return string.Empty;
        }
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### View SharpShell Logging Mode

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/wiki/Debugging-&-Diagnostics

Use the 'srm' tool to display the current logging configuration for the machine.

```bash
srm config
```

--------------------------------

### Build SharpShellNativeBridge with PowerShell

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/SharpShellNativeBridge/README.md

Use this script to build the SharpShellNativeBridge project. The CI/CD processes also utilize this script.

```powershell
./build.ps1
```

--------------------------------

### Implement Public Default Constructor

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Ensure the server class provides a public default constructor for COM instantiation.

```csharp
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".txt")]
public class CountLinesExtension : SharpContextMenu
{
    //  Good - this class has an implicit public constructor.
}
```

```csharp
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".txt")]
public class CountLinesExtension : SharpContextMenu
{
    protected CountLinesExtension()
    {
        //  Bad - there is no public constructor.
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Implement a File Preview Handler in C#

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Use SharpPreviewHandler to create a custom Windows Explorer preview pane. Requires a custom control inheriting from PreviewHandlerControl.

```csharp
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpPreviewHandler;

[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".ico")]
[DisplayName("Icon Preview Handler")]
[Guid("B643C50D-4206-4121-A895-9EA5C919557A")]
[PreviewHandler(DisableLowILProcessIsolation = false)]
public class IconPreviewHandler : SharpPreviewHandler
{
    // Creates and returns the preview control
    protected override PreviewHandlerControl DoPreview()
    {
        var handler = new IconPreviewHandlerControl();

        // SelectedFilePath contains the path to the file being previewed
        if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(SelectedFilePath))
            handler.DoPreview(SelectedFilePath);

        return handler;
    }
}

// Custom preview control inheriting from PreviewHandlerControl
public class IconPreviewHandlerControl : PreviewHandlerControl
{
    public void DoPreview(string filePath)
    {
        // Load and display icons from the .ico file
        var pictureBox = new PictureBox
        {
            Image = new Icon(filePath).ToBitmap(),
            SizeMode = PictureBoxSizeMode.CenterImage,
            Dock = DockStyle.Fill
        };
        Controls.Add(pictureBox);
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Implement Property Page Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/extensions/propertysheetextension/propertysheetextension.md

Create a UserControl that inherits from SharpPropertyPage to define a custom property page. Implement methods to handle initialization, apply, and OK events. Use SetPageDataChanged to enable the 'Apply' button.

```csharp
public partial class FileTimesPropertyPage : SharpPropertyPage
{
    public FileTimesPropertyPage()
    {
        InitializeComponent();

        //  Set the page title.
        PageTitle = "File Times";
    }

    protected override void OnPropertyPageInitialised(SharpPropertySheet parent)
    {
        //  Store the file path.
        filePath = parent.SelectedItemPaths.First();

        //  Load the file times into the dialog.
        LoadFileTimes();
    }

    protected override void OnPropertySheetApply()
    {
        //  Save the changes.
        SaveFileTimes();
    }

    protected override void OnPropertySheetOK()
    {
        //  Save the changes.
        SaveFileTimes();
    }

    private void LoadFileTimes()
    {
        // ...
    }

    private void SaveFileTimes()
    {
        // ...
    }

    private string filePath;
}
```

--------------------------------

### Uninstall SharpShell Server with regasm

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Unregister a previously registered COM server.

```bash
regasm /u ExampleContextMenuExtension.dll
```

--------------------------------

### Configure SharpShell Logging Mode via SRM Tool

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/wiki/Debugging-&-Diagnostics

Use the 'srm' command-line tool to configure logging. This is a convenient alternative to manual registry edits.

```bash
srm config LoggingMode Debug
```

```bash
srm config LoggingMode "EventLog, File"
```

--------------------------------

### Configure Registry Logging

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/logging/logging.md

Registry path for controlling SharpShell logging behavior.

```text
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\SharpShell
```

--------------------------------

### Associate COM Server with File Extension Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/com-server-associations.md

Registers a handler for a specific file extension class, which covers all extensions mapped to that file type.

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".dll")]
public class DllIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

```csharp
// Associate the CustomIconHandler server with the class of jpg files.
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".jpg")]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

```csharp
// Associate the CustomIconHandler server with the class of jpg and png.
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".jpg", ".png")]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

--------------------------------

### Associate Server with Unknown Files in C#

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/com-server-associations.md

Use the COMServerAssociation attribute with AssociationType.UnknownFiles to register a handler for all unknown file types.

```csharp
// Associate the CustomIconHandler server with the all unknown file types.
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.UnknownFiles)]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

--------------------------------

### Associate COM Server with Specific Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/com-server-associations.md

Registers a handler using a known registry class name.

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.Class, "dllfile")]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

--------------------------------

### Implement an Icon Overlay Handler in C#

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Inherit from SharpIconOverlayHandler to display custom status icons on files. Override CanShowOverlay to define logic for when the icon appears.

```csharp
using System;
using System.Drawing;
using System.IO;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.Interop;
using SharpShell.SharpIconOverlayHandler;

[ComVisible(true)]
[RegistrationName("  ReadOnlyFileIconOverlayHandler")] // Spaces push priority up
public class ReadOnlyFileIconOverlayHandler : SharpIconOverlayHandler
{
    // Returns overlay priority (0-100, lower = higher priority)
    protected override int GetPriority()
    {
        return 90; // Low priority
    }

    // Determines if overlay should be shown for this item
    protected override bool CanShowOverlay(string path, FILE_ATTRIBUTE attributes)
    {
        try
        {
            var fileInfo = new FileInfo(path);
            return fileInfo.IsReadOnly;
        }
        catch (Exception)
        {
            return false;
        }
    }

    // Returns the overlay icon
    protected override Icon GetOverlayIcon()
    {
        return Properties.Resources.ReadOnly;
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Force Icon Overlay Handler Registration Order

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/troubleshooting.md

Use the 'RegistrationName' attribute to influence the order of icon overlay handlers. Prepending spaces can push your handler higher in the registration list, potentially ensuring it is displayed.

```csharp
[RegistrationName("  ReadOnlyFileIconOverlayHandler")] // push our way up the list by putting spaces in the name...
public class ReadOnlyFileIconOverlayHandler : SharpIconOverlayHandler
```

--------------------------------

### Fetch User Information with Octokit

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/SharpShell/packages/Octokit.0.1.7/README.md

Retrieves public information for a specific GitHub user using the GitHubClient.

```c#
var github = new GitHubClient(new ProductHeaderValue("MyAmazingApp"));
var user = await github.User.Get("half-ogre");
Console.WriteLine(user.Followers + " folks love the half ogre!");
```

--------------------------------

### Uninstall SharpShell Server with srm

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Unregister a server using the srm uninstall command.

```bash
srm uninstall <serverpath>
```

--------------------------------

### Configure SharpShell Log File Path via SRM Tool

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/wiki/Debugging-&-Diagnostics

Specify the location for file logging using the 'srm' tool. Environment variables like %TEMP% are supported.

```bash
srm config LogPath "%TEMP%\SharpShell.log"
```

--------------------------------

### Implement a Custom Thumbnail Handler in C#

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Inherit from SharpThumbnailHandler and override GetThumbnailImage to generate bitmap previews for specific file extensions.

```csharp
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Drawing;
using System.IO;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpThumbnailHandler;

[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".txt")]
public class TxtThumbnailHandler : SharpThumbnailHandler
{
    // Generates a thumbnail image for the file
    protected override Bitmap GetThumbnailImage(uint width)
    {
        Log($"Creating thumbnail for '{SelectedItemStream.Name}'");

        try
        {
            using (var reader = new StreamReader(SelectedItemStream))
            {
                // Read first 10 lines for preview
                var previewLines = new List<string>();
                for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++)
                {
                    var line = reader.ReadLine();
                    if (line == null) break;
                    previewLines.Add(line);
                }

                // Create thumbnail bitmap with text preview
                var bitmap = new Bitmap((int)width, (int)width);
                using (var graphics = Graphics.FromImage(bitmap))
                {
                    graphics.Clear(Color.White);
                    var font = new Font("Consolas", 8);
                    float y = 5;
                    foreach (var line in previewLines)
                    {
                        graphics.DrawString(line, font, Brushes.Black, 5, y);
                        y += 12;
                    }
                }
                return bitmap;
            }
        }
        catch (Exception exception)
        {
            LogError("Failed to create thumbnail.", exception);
            return null;
        }
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Log Messages and Errors with SharpShell API

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/wiki/Debugging-&-Diagnostics

Use these static methods for general logging. Ensure SharpShell is referenced in your project.

```csharp
Logging.Log("This is a message.");
Logging.Error("This is an error.");
Logging.Error("This is an error with exception details.", someException);
```

--------------------------------

### Uninstall a SharpShell Server

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/SharpShell/Tools/ServerRegistrationManager/Actions/Help.txt

Uninstalls a SharpShell server from the system.

```bash
srm uninstall <path to SharpShell server>
```

--------------------------------

### Associate COM Server with File Extensions

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/com-server-associations.md

Registers a handler for specific file extensions. Note that this approach is deprecated and may not be respected on newer Windows versions.

```csharp
// Associate the CustomIconHandler server with batch files.
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.FileExtension, ".bat")]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

```csharp
// Associate the CustomIconHandler server with jpeg files.
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.FileExtension, ".jpg". ".jpeg")]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

--------------------------------

### Associate COM Server with Predefined Shell Objects

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/com-server-associations.md

Registers a handler for system-wide shell objects like directories, background contexts, or drives.

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.AllFiles)]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.Directory)]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.DirectoryBackground)]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.DesktopBackground)]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.Drive)]
public class CustomIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
```

--------------------------------

### Create a Custom File Icon Handler

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Customize file icons displayed in Windows Explorer using SharpIconHandler. Override GetIcon() to return the appropriate icon based on file properties.

```csharp
using System;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Reflection;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpIconHandler;

[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".dll")]
public class DllIconHandler : SharpIconHandler
{
    // Returns the icon for the selected file
    protected override Icon GetIcon(bool smallIcon, uint iconSize)
    {
        Icon icon = null;

        // Check if DLL is managed or native
        try
        {
            // SelectedItemPath contains the path of the current file
            AssemblyName.GetAssemblyName(SelectedItemPath);
            // No exception means it's a managed assembly
            icon = Properties.Resources.ManagedDll;
        }
        catch (BadImageFormatException)
        {
            // Native DLL
            icon = Properties.Resources.NativeDll;
        }
        catch (Exception)
        {
            icon = Properties.Resources.NativeDll;
        }

        // Return icon at the requested size
        return GetIconSpecificSize(icon, new Size((int)iconSize, (int)iconSize));
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Registry Configuration for SharpShell Logging

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Configure SharpShell logging levels and file paths using the Windows registry. Values are DWORD for `LoggingMode` and String for `LogPath`. Multiple `LoggingMode` values can be combined by addition.

```bash
# Enable debug output (view with DebugView from SysInternals)
# Registry: HKLM\Software\SharpShell\LoggingMode = 1 (DWORD)

# Enable file logging
# Registry: HKLM\Software\SharpShell\LoggingMode = 4 (DWORD)
# Registry: HKLM\Software\SharpShell\LogPath = "C:\\Logs\\SharpShell.log" (String)

# Enable both debug and file logging
# Registry: HKLM\Software\SharpShell\LoggingMode = 5 (DWORD) (1 + 4)
```

--------------------------------

### Define COM Visible Server Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Apply the ComVisible attribute to the server class to ensure it is discoverable by COM.

```csharp
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".txt")]
public class CountLinesExtension : SharpContextMenu
```

```csharp
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".txt")]
public class CountLinesExtension : SharpContextMenu
```

--------------------------------

### Implement Custom FileTimes Property Sheet

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Adds a custom property sheet page to display and modify file creation, modification, and access times.

```csharp
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.IO;
using System.Linq;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpPropertySheet;

[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.AllFiles)]
public class FileTimesPropertySheet : SharpPropertySheet
{
    // Determines if property pages should be shown
    protected override bool CanShowSheet()
    {
        return SelectedItemPaths.Count() == 1;
    }

    // Creates property pages to add to the property sheet
    protected override IEnumerable<SharpPropertyPage> CreatePages()
    {
        return new[] { new FileTimesPropertyPage() };
    }
}

// Property page implementation
public class FileTimesPropertyPage : SharpPropertyPage
{
    private string filePath;

    public FileTimesPropertyPage()
    {
        InitializeComponent();
        PageTitle = "File Times";
    }

    // Called when page is initialized with parent data
    protected override void OnPropertyPageInitialised(SharpPropertySheet parent)
    {
        filePath = parent.SelectedItemPaths.First();
        LoadFileTimes();
    }

    // Called when Apply button is clicked
    protected override void OnPropertySheetApply()
    {
        SaveFileTimes();
    }

    // Called when OK button is clicked
    protected override void OnPropertySheetOK()
    {
        SaveFileTimes();
    }

    private void LoadFileTimes()
    {
        var fileInfo = new FileInfo(filePath);
        // Load creation, modified, accessed times into UI controls
    }

    private void SaveFileTimes()
    {
        // Save modified times back to file
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Implement Custom XSD Drop Handler

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Handle files dropped onto .xsd files. Validates that dropped files are XML and displays a validation form.

```csharp
using System;
using System.IO;
using System.Linq;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpDropHandler;

[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".xsd")]
public class XsdDropHandler : SharpDropHandler
{
    // Validates drag operation - called when files are dragged over target
    protected override void DragEnter(DragEventArgs dragEventArgs)
    {
        // Only accept XML files being dropped onto XSD files
        var allXml = DragItems.All(item =>
            string.Equals(Path.GetExtension(item), ".xml",
                StringComparison.InvariantCultureIgnoreCase));

        dragEventArgs.Effect = allXml
            ? DragDropEffects.Link
            : DragDropEffects.None;
    }

    // Handles the drop operation
    protected override void Drop(DragEventArgs dragEventArgs)
    {
        // SelectedItemPath = the XSD file being dropped onto
        // DragItems = the XML files being dropped
        var form = new ValidationOutputForm
        {
            XsdFilePath = SelectedItemPath,
            XmlFilePaths = DragItems
        };
        form.ShowDialog();
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Log Messages and Errors within SharpShellServer Class

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/wiki/Debugging-&-Diagnostics

When inside a class derived from `SharpShellServer`, use these methods for logging. The server's name is automatically included in log entries.

```csharp
Log("This is a message.");
LogError("This is an error.");
LogError("This is an error with exception details.", someException);
```

--------------------------------

### Programmatic Logging in SharpShell Extensions

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Use the `Log` and `LogError` methods within your SharpShell extension code to log informational messages and exceptions. Ensure the `SharpShell.Diagnostics` namespace is imported.

```csharp
// Registry configuration (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\SharpShell)
// LoggingMode (DWORD): 1=Debug, 2=EventLog, 4=File (can combine)
// LogPath (String): File path for log output

// Programmatic logging in server code
using SharpShell.Diagnostics;

public class MyExtension : SharpContextMenu
{
    protected override ContextMenuStrip CreateMenu()
    {
        // Log informational messages
        Log("Creating context menu for selected files");

        // Log with formatted string
        Log($"Processing {SelectedItemPaths.Count()} files");

        try
        {
            // Extension logic here
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            // Log errors with exception details
            LogError("Failed to create menu", ex);
        }

        return menu;
    }
}
```

--------------------------------

### Set SharpShell Configuration

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/srm/srm.md

Sets a specific SharpShell configuration setting. The `LoggingMode` and `LogPath` are supported settings. Changes may require restarting `explorer.exe`.

```bash
srm config <setting> <value>
```

--------------------------------

### Set Assembly COM Visibility

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/installing/installing.md

Configure the assembly-level attribute to make all types within the assembly COM visible.

```csharp
[assembly: ComVisible(true)]
```

--------------------------------

### Log Messages Programmatically

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/logging/logging.md

Explicitly write messages or errors to the log using the Logging class.

```csharp
Logging.Log("Message from SharpShell");
Logging.Error("Uh-oh", new Exception());
```

--------------------------------

### Define COMServerAssociation Attributes

Source: https://context7.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/llms.txt

Use the COMServerAssociation attribute to link shell extensions to specific file types, classes, or system locations.

```csharp
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using SharpShell.Attributes;
using SharpShell.SharpIconHandler;

// Associate with a specific file extension class (recommended)
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".jpg")]
public class JpegIconHandler : SharpIconHandler { /* ... */ }

// Associate with multiple file extension classes
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.ClassOfExtension, ".jpg", ".png", ".gif")]
public class ImageIconHandler : SharpIconHandler { /* ... */ }

// Associate with a specific class name
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.Class, "dllfile")]
public class DllFileHandler : SharpIconHandler { /* ... */ }

// Associate with all files
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.AllFiles)]
public class AllFilesHandler : SharpIconHandler { /* ... */ }

// Associate with directories (folders)
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.Directory)]
public class FolderHandler : SharpContextMenu { /* ... */ }

// Associate with directory background (right-click on empty space)
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.DirectoryBackground)]
public class DirectoryBackgroundHandler : SharpContextMenu { /* ... */ }

// Associate with desktop background
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.DesktopBackground)]
public class DesktopBackgroundHandler : SharpContextMenu { /* ... */ }

// Associate with drives
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.Drive)]
public class DriveHandler : SharpContextMenu { /* ... */ }

// Associate with unknown file types
[ComVisible(true)]
[COMServerAssociation(AssociationType.UnknownFiles)]
public class UnknownFilesHandler : SharpIconHandler { /* ... */ }

```

--------------------------------

### Determine Menu Visibility with CanShowMenu

Source: https://github.com/dwmkerr/sharpshell/blob/main/docs/context-menu.md

Override the CanShowMenu method to control whether the context menu should appear for the selected items. The SelectedItemPaths property contains the paths of the selected items.

```csharp
protected override bool CanShowMenu()
{
    //  Depending on the files in 'SelectedItemPaths' you might not show the menu.
    return true;
}
```

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