How to open Explorer on specific Workgroup?

H

h7qvnk7q001

I can cause Explorer to open to "My Network Places" with the command
"%systemroot%\explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}"


I would like to open three levels deeper: My Network Places, Entire
Network, Microsoft Windows Network, <WORKGROUPNAME>.

I cannot find CLSIDs for "Entire Network" or "Microsoft Windows
Network" that will work like the CLSID for "My Network Places in the
previous example. In fact, the string "Entire Network" does not seem to
exist in the registry.

According to MSDN, this command can be extended into the namespace with
a comma followed by an additional object name like this
%SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /e,/root,{Extension CLSID}, "%1"
where %1 is an object name.
(see
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...shell_adv/namespaceextension/nse_junction.asp)

But I can't find the syntax for object name. The command
%SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /e,/root,{Extension CLSID}, "Entire Network"
does not work.

How can construct a command that will navigate down through the
"Network Places" namespace?
 
K

Keith Miller

Interesting challenge.

Short Answer: I don't think there are CLSIDs for those folders. What is your ultimate goal here? There may be other ways to accomplish it.

More discussion:
I'd never seen the syntax you referenced from the MSDN, but it does work with CLSIDs, but not folder names. I have seen multiple CLSIDs strung together in a path, and that works too.

For example, the following will open the Printers and Faxes folder:

explorer.exe /e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

as will:

explorer.exe /e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D},::{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

As to your particular goal, using the path structure, I was able to get one more level down:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire Network

will open the 'Entire Network' folder, but:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire Network\Microsoft Windows Network

throws up a "The path...does not exist or is not a directory" error.

I don't think Windows uses CLSIDs for those folders based on examination of shortcuts (.lnk files) with a hex editor. If you examine a shortcut to the Printers and Faxes folder, you will see portions of the CLSIDs for that folder and its parents in the file, but none of the display names. If you examine a shortcut to the workgroup, you will see a portion of the CLSID for Network Places, and then the names of the subfolders.

I've run into similar limitations of the explorer command line -- I've never found a way to access Shared Folders or any of the user folders under 'My Computer'

Keith
 
W

WTC

Keith Miller said:
I've run into similar limitations of the explorer command line -- I've never found a way to access Shared Folders or any of the user folders under 'My Computer'


For Shared Folders I have used,.

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\SharedDocs on Computer3 (192.168.1.103)
 
M

Mungo Bulge

Maybe...
Explorer.exe /e,::{Folder CLSID}\::{Extension CLSID},objectname
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Software
Microsoft
Windows
CurrentVersion
Explorer
Virtual Folder Name
Namespace
{Extension CLSID}


Interesting challenge.

Short Answer: I don't think there are CLSIDs for those folders. What
is your ultimate goal here? There may be other ways to accomplish it.

More discussion:
I'd never seen the syntax you referenced from the MSDN, but it does
work with CLSIDs, but not folder names. I have seen multiple CLSIDs
strung together in a path, and that works too.

For example, the following will open the Printers and Faxes folder:

explorer.exe
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

as will:

explorer.exe
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D},::{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

As to your particular goal, using the path structure, I was able to
get one more level down:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
Network

will open the 'Entire Network' folder, but:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
Network\Microsoft Windows Network

throws up a "The path...does not exist or is not a directory" error.

I don't think Windows uses CLSIDs for those folders based on
examination of shortcuts (.lnk files) with a hex editor. If you
examine a shortcut to the Printers and Faxes folder, you will see
portions of the CLSIDs for that folder and its parents in the file,
but none of the display names. If you examine a shortcut to the
workgroup, you will see a portion of the CLSID for Network Places, and
then the names of the subfolders.

I've run into similar limitations of the explorer command line -- I've
never found a way to access Shared Folders or any of the user folders
under 'My Computer'

Keith
 
K

Keith Miller

For Shared Folders I have used,.

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\SharedDocs on Computer3 (192.168.1.103)

<snip>

I was referring to the Shared Documents folder under My Computer on a standalone machine. I don't
have a network to play with :(

Your command line is similar to what I posted to access the Entire Network folder -- -- are you
able to append '\subdirectory' and explore that subdirectory? I'm guessing you might, since you're
referencing an actual folder. I think the OP's problems may lie in the fact that the Entire
Network\Microsoft Windows Network\Workgroup hierarchy seems to be a creation of the Network Places
namespace extension.

Any suggestions for the OP?

Keith
 
K

Keith Miller

Have you tried it?

Keith

Mungo Bulge said:
Maybe...
Explorer.exe /e,::{Folder CLSID}\::{Extension CLSID},objectname
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Software
Microsoft
Windows
CurrentVersion
Explorer
Virtual Folder Name
Namespace
{Extension CLSID}


Interesting challenge.

Short Answer: I don't think there are CLSIDs for those folders. What
is your ultimate goal here? There may be other ways to accomplish it.

More discussion:
I'd never seen the syntax you referenced from the MSDN, but it does
work with CLSIDs, but not folder names. I have seen multiple CLSIDs
strung together in a path, and that works too.

For example, the following will open the Printers and Faxes folder:

explorer.exe
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{2227A280-3AE
A-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

as will:

explorer.exe
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D},::{2227A280-3AE
A-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

As to your particular goal, using the path structure, I was able to
get one more level down:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
Network

will open the 'Entire Network' folder, but:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
Network\Microsoft Windows Network

throws up a "The path...does not exist or is not a directory" error.

I don't think Windows uses CLSIDs for those folders based on
examination of shortcuts (.lnk files) with a hex editor. If you
examine a shortcut to the Printers and Faxes folder, you will see
portions of the CLSIDs for that folder and its parents in the file,
but none of the display names. If you examine a shortcut to the
workgroup, you will see a portion of the CLSID for Network Places, and
then the names of the subfolders.

I've run into similar limitations of the explorer command line -- I've
never found a way to access Shared Folders or any of the user folders
under 'My Computer'

Keith
 
W

WTC

Keith Miller said:
<snip>

I was referring to the Shared Documents folder under My Computer on a
standalone machine. I don't
have a network to play with :(

My mistake, thought you were referring to network shares.
Your command line is similar to what I posted to access the Entire Network
folder -- -- are you
able to append '\subdirectory' and explore that subdirectory? I'm
guessing you might, since you're
referencing an actual folder.

Yes, I can go deeper into the path on the network share, but I wonder if
there is a limitation to how many characters a shortcut can have in the
target path.
I think the OP's problems may lie in the fact that the Entire
Network\Microsoft Windows Network\Workgroup hierarchy seems to be a
creation of the Network Places
namespace extension.

Any suggestions for the OP?

I tried a few times but could not achieve what the OP is asking for.
 
M

Mungo Bulge

only as far as Extension CLSID, as I don't have anything (objectname)

| Have you tried it?
|
| Keith
|
| > Maybe...
| > Explorer.exe /e,::{Folder CLSID}\::{Extension CLSID},objectname
| > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
| > Software
| > Microsoft
| > Windows
| > CurrentVersion
| > Explorer
| > Virtual Folder Name
| > Namespace
| > {Extension CLSID}
| >
| >
| > | > Interesting challenge.
| >
| > Short Answer: I don't think there are CLSIDs for those folders.
What
| > is your ultimate goal here? There may be other ways to accomplish
it.
| >
| > More discussion:
| > I'd never seen the syntax you referenced from the MSDN, but it
does
| > work with CLSIDs, but not folder names. I have seen multiple
CLSIDs
| > strung together in a path, and that works too.
| >
| > For example, the following will open the Printers and Faxes
folder:
| >
| > explorer.exe
| >
|
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{2227A280-3AE
| A-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
| >
| > as will:
| >
| > explorer.exe
| >
|
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D},::{2227A280-3AE
| A-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
| >
| > As to your particular goal, using the path structure, I was able
to
| > get one more level down:
| >
| > explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
| > Network
| >
| > will open the 'Entire Network' folder, but:
| >
| > explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
| > Network\Microsoft Windows Network
| >
| > throws up a "The path...does not exist or is not a directory"
error.
| >
| > I don't think Windows uses CLSIDs for those folders based on
| > examination of shortcuts (.lnk files) with a hex editor. If you
| > examine a shortcut to the Printers and Faxes folder, you will see
| > portions of the CLSIDs for that folder and its parents in the
file,
| > but none of the display names. If you examine a shortcut to the
| > workgroup, you will see a portion of the CLSID for Network Places,
and
| > then the names of the subfolders.
| >
| > I've run into similar limitations of the explorer command line --
I've
| > never found a way to access Shared Folders or any of the user
folders
| > under 'My Computer'
| >
| > Keith
| >
| >
| > | > > I can cause Explorer to open to "My Network Places" with the
command
| > > "%systemroot%\explorer.exe
| > > /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}"
| > >
| > >
| > > I would like to open three levels deeper: My Network Places,
Entire
| > > Network, Microsoft Windows Network, <WORKGROUPNAME>.
| > >
| > > I cannot find CLSIDs for "Entire Network" or "Microsoft Windows
| > > Network" that will work like the CLSID for "My Network Places in
the
| > > previous example. In fact, the string "Entire Network" does not
seem
| > > to
| > > exist in the registry.
| > >
| > > According to MSDN, this command can be extended into the
namespace
| > > with
| > > a comma followed by an additional object name like this
| > > %SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /e,/root,{Extension CLSID}, "%1"
| > > where %1 is an object name.
| > > (see
| > >
|
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...shell_adv/namespaceextension/nse_junction.asp)
| > >
| > > But I can't find the syntax for object name. The command
| > > %SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /e,/root,{Extension CLSID}, "Entire
| > > Network"
| > > does not work.
| > >
| > > How can construct a command that will navigate down through the
| > > "Network Places" namespace?
| > >
| >
| >
|
 
H

h7qvnk7q001

Another approach that somebody might try. In Windows 2000, there is a
folder called "Computers Near Me". Being able to open the XP Windows
Explorer directly to that folder would be another way to accomplish my
goal.

Although "Computers Near Me" has been removed from XP, maybe there is a
way to put it back in?
 
K

Keith Miller

That's the problem for the OP, there's no CLSID for Entire Network, Microsoft Windows Network, or
Workgroup -- and CLSIDs are the only things I can get to work using the '...,objectname' syntax.

I think the problem is similar to trying to use a command line to open 'Last Week' in the History
folder. Explorer has no problem with:

explorer.exe C:\Documents and Settings\Keith\Local Settings\History

but balks at:

explorer.exe C:\Documents and Settings\Keith\Local Settings\History\Last Week

VBScript can get into these places, but until we hear from the OP, I'm not gonna worry about it :)

Keith
 
K

Keith Miller

I guess you missed the question in my original response -- What is your goal???

If it is just to create a shortcut on your own machine, right-click+drag is sufficient.

Is it more than that?

Keith
 
G

Gary Chanson

Another approach that somebody might try. In Windows 2000, there is a
folder called "Computers Near Me". Being able to open the XP Windows
Explorer directly to that folder would be another way to accomplish my
goal.

Although "Computers Near Me" has been removed from XP, maybe there is a
way to put it back in?

You can copy the "Computers Near Me" shortcut from a Win2K machine to the
NetHood folder in your profile on XP.

You can also create shortcuts to the network folders you use most and put
them wherever it might be convenient.

--

-GJC [MS Windows SDK MVP]
-Software Consultant (Embedded systems and Real Time Controls)
- http://www.mvps.org/ArcaneIncantations/consulting.htm
(e-mail address removed)
 
M

Mungo Bulge

Let's see if I got this right Folder CLSID are as follows:
http://www.autoitscript.com/autoit3/docs/appendix/clsid.htm
Administrative Tools "::{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524153}"
Briefcase "::{85BBD92O-42A0-1O69-A2E4-08002B30309D}"
Control Panel "::{21EC2O2O-3AEA-1O69-A2DD-08002b30309d}"
Fonts "::{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524152}"
History "::{FF393560-C2A7-11CF-BFF4-444553540000}"
Inbox "::{00020D75-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
Microsoft Network "::{00028B00-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
My Computer "::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}"
My Documents "::{450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103}"
My Network Places "::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}"
Network Computers "::{1f4de370-d627-11d1-ba4f-00a0c91eedba}"
Network Connections "::{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}"
Printers and Faxes "::{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}"
Programs Folder "::{7be9d83c-a729-4d97-b5a7-1b7313c39e0a}"
Recycle Bin "::{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}"
Scanners and Cameras "::{E211B736-43FD-11D1-9EFB-0000F8757FCD}"
Scheduled Tasks "::{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}"
Start Menu Folder "::{48e7caab-b918-4e58-a94d-505519c795dc}"
Temporary Internet Files "::{7BD29E00-76C1-11CF-9DD0-00A0C9034933}"
Web Folders "::{BDEADF00-C265-11d0-BCED-00A0C90AB50F}"

Extension CLSID are:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...shell_adv/namespaceextension/nse_junction.asp
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Software
Microsoft
Windows
CurrentVersion
Explorer
NetworkNeighborhood
Namespace
{Extension CLSID}

Virtual Folder Name is one of the registry key names in the following
table.

Location Virtual Folder Name
My Computer MyComputer
Desktop Desktop
Control Panel ControlPanel
My Network Places NetworkNeighborhood
Entire Network NetworkNeighborhood\EntireNetwork
Remote Computer RemoteComputer

Remote extensions must be initialized with IRemoteComputer.

Just so I don't get lost:

Explorer.exe
/e,/root,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\EntireNetwork
Were we just trying to display the root Entire Network?
I'm lost again. Anyway the above statement works Explorer.exe
/e,]root,::{Folder CLSID}
Note the lack of white space after the slash-e until the end.
I can not go any further because I have policies set restricting it. I
have to find out where.
I need sleep

| That's the problem for the OP, there's no CLSID for Entire Network,
Microsoft Windows Network, or
| Workgroup -- and CLSIDs are the only things I can get to work using
the '...,objectname' syntax.
|
| I think the problem is similar to trying to use a command line to
open 'Last Week' in the History
| folder. Explorer has no problem with:
|
| explorer.exe C:\Documents and Settings\Keith\Local Settings\History
|
| but balks at:
|
| explorer.exe C:\Documents and Settings\Keith\Local
Settings\History\Last Week
|
| VBScript can get into these places, but until we hear from the OP,
I'm not gonna worry about it :)
|
| Keith
|
| > only as far as Extension CLSID, as I don't have anything
(objectname)
| >
| > | > | Have you tried it?
| > |
| > | Keith
| > |
| > | > | > Maybe...
| > | > Explorer.exe /e,::{Folder CLSID}\::{Extension
CLSID},objectname
| > | > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
| > | > Software
| > | > Microsoft
| > | > Windows
| > | > CurrentVersion
| > | > Explorer
| > | > Virtual Folder Name
| > | > Namespace
| > | > {Extension CLSID}
| > | >
| > | >
| > | > | > | > Interesting challenge.
| > | >
| > | > Short Answer: I don't think there are CLSIDs for those
folders.
| > What
| > | > is your ultimate goal here? There may be other ways to
accomplish
| > it.
| > | >
| > | > More discussion:
| > | > I'd never seen the syntax you referenced from the MSDN, but it
| > does
| > | > work with CLSIDs, but not folder names. I have seen multiple
| > CLSIDs
| > | > strung together in a path, and that works too.
| > | >
| > | > For example, the following will open the Printers and Faxes
| > folder:
| > | >
| > | > explorer.exe
| > | >
| > |
| >
|
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{2227A280-3AE
| > | A-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
| > | >
| > | > as will:
| > | >
| > | > explorer.exe
| > | >
| > |
| >
|
/e,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D},::{2227A280-3AE
| > | A-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
| > | >
| > | > As to your particular goal, using the path structure, I was
able
| > to
| > | > get one more level down:
| > | >
| > | > explorer.exe
/e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
| > | > Network
| > | >
| > | > will open the 'Entire Network' folder, but:
| > | >
| > | > explorer.exe
/e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire
| > | > Network\Microsoft Windows Network
| > | >
| > | > throws up a "The path...does not exist or is not a directory"
| > error.
| > | >
| > | > I don't think Windows uses CLSIDs for those folders based on
| > | > examination of shortcuts (.lnk files) with a hex editor. If
you
| > | > examine a shortcut to the Printers and Faxes folder, you will
see
| > | > portions of the CLSIDs for that folder and its parents in the
| > file,
| > | > but none of the display names. If you examine a shortcut to
the
| > | > workgroup, you will see a portion of the CLSID for Network
Places,
| > and
| > | > then the names of the subfolders.
| > | >
| > | > I've run into similar limitations of the explorer command
line --
| > I've
| > | > never found a way to access Shared Folders or any of the user
| > folders
| > | > under 'My Computer'
| > | >
| > | > Keith
| > | >
| > | >
| > | > | > | > > I can cause Explorer to open to "My Network Places" with the
| > command
| > | > > "%systemroot%\explorer.exe
| > | > > /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}"
| > | > >
| > | > >
| > | > > I would like to open three levels deeper: My Network Places,
| > Entire
| > | > > Network, Microsoft Windows Network, <WORKGROUPNAME>.
| > | > >
| > | > > I cannot find CLSIDs for "Entire Network" or "Microsoft
Windows
| > | > > Network" that will work like the CLSID for "My Network
Places in
| > the
| > | > > previous example. In fact, the string "Entire Network" does
not
| > seem
| > | > > to
| > | > > exist in the registry.
| > | > >
| > | > > According to MSDN, this command can be extended into the
| > namespace
| > | > > with
| > | > > a comma followed by an additional object name like this
| > | > > %SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /e,/root,{Extension CLSID}, "%1"
| > | > > where %1 is an object name.
| > | > > (see
| > | > >
| > |
| >
|
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...shell_adv/namespaceextension/nse_junction.asp)
| > | > >
| > | > > But I can't find the syntax for object name. The command
| > | > > %SYSTEMROOT%\explorer.exe /e,/root,{Extension CLSID},
"Entire
| > | > > Network"
| > | > > does not work.
| > | > >
| > | > > How can construct a command that will navigate down through
the
| > | > > "Network Places" namespace?
| > | > >
| > | >
| > | >
| > |
| >
| >
|
 
K

Keith Miller

Inline:

Mungo Bulge said:
Let's see if I got this right Folder CLSID are as follows:

got most of 'em right
Microsoft Network "::{00028B00-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"

this one doesn't seem to exist anymore. Google just found one reference to it in a 95 newsgroup.
Network Computers "::{1f4de370-d627-11d1-ba4f-00a0c91eedba}"

This is the computer search results folder
Extension CLSID are:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...shell_adv/namespaceextension/nse_junction.asp
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Software
Microsoft
Windows
CurrentVersion
Explorer
NetworkNeighborhood
Namespace
{Extension CLSID}
Extension CLSID can be the CLSID for anything you want to add to the namespace (with some
exceptions: i.e. History does not like being added to the My Computer namespace)
Just so I don't get lost:

Explorer.exe
/e,/root,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\EntireNetwork
Were we just trying to display the root Entire Network?

No, and there's the rub. Trying to get down two more levels to 'Workgroup'
 
M

Matt Ellis

Keith said:
As to your particular goal, using the path structure, I was able to get one more level down:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire Network

will open the 'Entire Network' folder, but:

explorer.exe /e,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}\Entire Network\Microsoft Windows Network

throws up a "The path...does not exist or is not a directory" error.

I'd guess that's because explorer is calling ParseDisplayName to
convert "Microsoft Windows Network" to a subfolder idl. You could
always try writing some code to enumerate the Entire Network folder and
display the for parsing names.

Cheers
Matt
 

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