NOTE: This tutorial is an update over our previous tutorial. Since Windows 7 latest beta has some changes in Desktop context menu, an update was required.
Windows 7 shows 2 extra options in Desktop context menu ( i.e. when you right-click on Desktop). The 2 extra options are:
- Screen resolution
- Gadgets
"Screen resolution" shows the graphics card settings page where you can change the monitor and resolution settings.
"Gadgets" opens the Add gadgets window so that you can add new gadgets to your sidebar.
Both options are quite useful and if you want to add them in Windows Vista, then you can follow this simple and easy tutorial.
After following this tutorial, you'll get following desktop context menu in Vista:
So here are the steps:
To Add "Screen Resolution" Option:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Search box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
3. Now we'll need to create a new key under "Shell" key. Right-click on "Shell" key and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of "Screen resolution" (without quotes).
4. Now we'll need to create another new key. Right-click on the new key which we created in the last step e.g. Screen resolution and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of command.
5. Now select "command" key and in right-side pane, you'll see "Default" String value. Double-click on it and set its value to as following:
control desk.cpl,,@display
6. That's it.
To Add "Gadgets" Option:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Search box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
3. Now we'll need to create a new key under "Shell" key. Right-click on "Shell" key and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of "Gadgets" (without quotes).
4. Now we'll need to create another new key. Right-click on the new key which we created in the last step e.g. Gadgets and select "New -> Key". Give the new key name of command.
5. Now select "command" key and in right-side pane, you'll see "Default" String value. Double-click on it and set its value to as following:
C:\program files\windows sidebar\sidebar.exe /showgadgets
NOTE: If your Windows is installed in any other drive, then change C: to that drive letter.
6. That's it.
PS: If you want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, then download following ZIP file, extract it and then run the extracted REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
NOTE: You can also add your favorite application shortcuts in Desktop context menu. Visit following tutorials:
Add Your Favorite Application Shortcut in Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista
How to Add Aero ON / OFF Shortcuts in Desktop and My Computer Context Menu
How to Add Run, Search and Window Switcher aka Flip 3D in Desktop Context Menu in Windows Vista?
Complete list of AskVG articlesThis article was posted in Windows Vista.
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anon
Is there anyway of getting the new windows 7 applications (Wordpad, Paint, etc) into XP?
VG
^^ atm no.
Nikolaj
VG what build of W7 ae you running? i have 7000
goldi
VG how to disable autologon in windows xp?????????? i have integrated some update & created an xp with nlite with autologon feature. but now i want to disable autologon how can i do that?????????
VG
^^ Please check following topic:
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-automatic-log-into-windows-without-entering-username-and-password/
@Nikolaj
I also have 7000.
Nikolaj
Okay
Gregory
VG,
Is there a way yet to have Windows 7 'sounds' in Windows Vista?
VG
^^ Afaik Windows 7 sounds are same as Vista.
Kaash
Hello VG! Can we also add icons to desktop context menu, like we have besides gadgets option in Windows 7 desktop context menu or like there's alraedy one beside the personalisation option in Vista desktop context menu. Please reply!
VG
^^ Sorry but its not possible.