NirExt 1.01

Overview

NirExt is a small utility that adds 3 additional context menus to the Windows Explorer app. Context menus are ones that can be brought up on the screen when having either selected or hovered over something and right-clicking. This brings up a menu with menu options relevant to the selection. The intention is to make this smarter and faster than routing through the menu system for the right command.

The first is Folder Properties which lets the user change the icon associated with any folder in the system. The tool tip that appears when hovering over the folder can also be changed to a different text entirely. This is brought up via the context menu when selecting a folder.

The second is Advanced Run which is a tool that lets the user execute a run command and add a command line (with some extra options beyond that) before loading the file. This context menu is brought up when selecting an executable file.

The last tool is Create Shortcut which lets the user create a new shortcut for any selected file. The shortcut can then be dropped directly into a folder for the Desktop, Start Menu, Programs folder under Start Menu, Common Desktop, Common Start Menu, or Common Programs folder under Start Menu.

Installation

The tool is accessed by running the included executable file. All three tools are pre-selected when initially running the executable file, so the user actually de-selects what they do not want to install to the Windows Explorer app.

There was no adware, toolbars, spyware or malware included with the file archive.

NirExt requires Windows 9x, NT, 2000, or XP.

Interface

The interface essentially appears when taking a relevant action like selecting an executable file or a folder to bring up either the File Properties, Advanced Run or Create Shortcut related option in the context menu.

For example, to change the folder icon, go to that folder, then click "Select Icon" menu option. To change an icon associated with a program or DLL, select that item and click the "Select Icon" button. In order to remove a custom folder icon later, click the "Remove Folder Properties" button.

Pros

• Adds three new features to Windows Explorer
• Create a shortcut icon for any file in Windows Explorer
• Add custom folder icon for any folder or executable or DLL
• Easily add a command line to the run command

Cons

• None.

Alternatives

FreeCommander XE is a file manager replacement for Windows Explorer.

Conclusion

NirExt is a good way to add new functionality to Windows Explorer with three new tools.