I want to import a registry file with "universal syntax" to add a context menu entry during install.
I am extracting my application to temp folder and running from there. To add the context menu item, I have to import the following registry value

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\Add to My App\command]
@="\"C:\\Documents and Settings\\username\\Local Settings\\Temp\\Myapp.exe\" %L"

Here, I don't want to use absolute path so that it is not dependent on the user or the machine. I want to use it with some universal syntax like

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\Add to My App\command]
@="\"%Temp%\\Myapp.exe\" %L"

I have tried it with no success. It adds the value "add to my app" in the context menu but cannot find the path. Is there any way to do this?

I am sure that I can find some solution through this forum.

You must use registry editor in command line with "reg add" command in a batch file which is support variables.

Thanks for replying, Sonic. But can you elaborate little more? For example, what should I write in batch file for my case?

sonic reffered to a DOS command wich supoports variables when importing entries into registry.
example: in your cmd or bat file you add this


this will add the dword (/D) value %userprofile%\Local Settings\Temp\Myapp.exe into HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\Add to My App\command

i dont remeber the syntax for the other type of values that windows registry accepts, try /help on reg.exe

<Edit>
This is just a correction to the above post.
</Edit>

Thank you all. I will try this.

REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Folder\shell\Add to My App\command" /VE /T REG_EXPAND_SZ /D "\"%Temp%\Myapp.exe\" %%L"

This is working on winxp but not on win2k.

You can make a batch to create a temporal .reg.

Example :

This will create reg file with correct fixed value, not variable.

No, it doesn't work. It adds the key "Add to My App" to the registry but not the value. Any help on this?

Just re-tested
I obtain this regfile

Sure you must adapt the script to your goal.

I know this topic is old but as your solution can't work, I have to add some precisions, Sonic.

Your final result should look like that:


And I really don't know how to replace "\" with "\\" only for the value and data (and not for the key path) through the way you have explained here (nor through another one ).

oops ! indeed, I have completely forgotten the "\\" thing in .reg file ... so you must use reg.exe which support one "\" ... and you will lose compatability with win2k except you copy reg.exe to each win2k station : you can make a small sfx to install reg.exe and run this sfx from the batch.