Using WCX plugins in Explorer

[Dec]

The authors or users of WCX plugins may be interested in the ability to use these plugins not only in Total Commander, but also in Windows Explorer. Of course, you cannot do it directly. To add this functionality, you need to install an additional application, TC4Shell, which will integrate with Explorer and act as a mediator between Explorer and WCX plugins.

After installing TC4Shell, use Explorer to open a folder or archive file containing the pluginst.inf file. TC4Shell will detect and analyze that file. If the file is correct, TC4Shell will prompt you to install the discovered WCX plugin.

Image: http://www.tc4shell.com/img/InstallWCX.jpg

Installing it means copying the whole folder of the WCX plugin to TC4Shell's working folder. After the copying, you will be prompted to associate the supported file types with Explorer.

Image: http://www.tc4shell.com/img/AssocWCXWithExt.jpg

After confirming the association, you will be able to handle archives just like normal folders. TC4Shell supports 32-bit WCX plugins on 64-bit operating systems, too.

All common file operations are supported. You can:

Drag-and-drop files or folders from an archive
Drag-and-drop files or folders into an archive
Copy files or folders from an archive into the clipboard
Paste files or folders from the clipboard into an archive
Create a new folder in an archive

You can disable or enable an association of a supported file type with Explorer via the file properties dialog on the Navigation tab.

You can download the installer from here: http://www.tc4shell.com/binary/TC4ShellSetup.exe

I'll be happy to get any suggestions or comments from you.