Adding new item to "Look In"/"Save As" combo box in common dialogs

[RSTINC]

I am trying to integrate a COTS document management software into Windows in order to provide integration for all Windows apps. To do this, my proposed design is to add a new item in the Look In/Save As dropdowns in the common File Open/Save dialog boxes. Typically, the items in the control are drives and folders, however my item will be a link to a DLL control that will process the open/save request through the DM system via API tools.

I have seen this done with another DM package years ago (WinNT) so I know it can happen, but not sure where to begin. I'm not looking to modify the actual common dialogs, rather I need to know where and how the Save/Open dropdown control gets the items.

Any insight or code will be rewarded handsomely!

[westconn1]

you should be able to display a shortcut to your dll, in a folder like my documents or my computer, but may need to set it in flags to show shortcuts

[RSTINC]

I was hoping to be able to present the DM application similar to a drive letter in the drop down. That will be more intuitive for users since it will appear as a physical container just like other local and network resources.

[westconn1]

i believe the other items are special folders, such as control panel & my network places that have some key in the registry to make them appear in that way in all explorer type windows, i have forgotten what it was now, but i found information when i was searching how to open common dialog starting at my network places, if you don't get it sorted this week, pm me after i get home next weekend and i will look up what i have

[RobDog888]

Your thinking of the "Places" location sidebar shortcuts.

[RSTINC]

I am familiar with the "places" sidebar, those are registry entries to add/remove/edit items shown. However you can only add folder items to that list, not applications or shortcuts to apps. I think Westconn1's comments that there are special folder designations for certain items (such as those listed) that is closer to what I am after. Drives, folders and components must have a particular designation that allows Windows to read them as resources to be included in the "Look In/Save As" drop down.

[westconn1]

i have searched a bit more info, the folders that appear on the side bar are "virtual folders" they have a CLSID control panel is HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D} and my network places is HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}, you can check these out using regedit for there sub keys

i have no idea about creating new ones, but various cameras and scanners do that so it must be ok, i will see if i can find more info later

Edit: this looks like a good starting point http://windowssdk.msdn.microsoft.com.../ms649735.aspx

[RSTINC]

Pete,
Just quickly scanned the namespace article on msdn and it looks promising. I'll go through it more in depth and see where it leads. Thanks for the tip.

Ed