ANN: new Classic Shell versions 1.0.3 and 1.9.0

Two new versions of Classic Shell were released today.

New for version 1.0.3:
- Added a setting to show overlay icon for shared folders in Windows 7
- The drop down of the address bar is replaced with a list of parent folders like in Windows XP (see screenshot)
- The status bar shows the details of the currently selected file
- Added a setting for sound alerts when overwriting system or read-only files
Download version 1.0.3 from here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/classicshell/


Version 1.9.0 contains all the latest features from 1.0.3, but also uses the new "skinning engine 2.0" for the classic start menu. The new features:
- the sub-menus can be skinned as well
- full glass support, even behind the menu items
- more skinnable elements - the sub-menu arrows, the scroll buttons, the vertical separator
- skins can provide customization options (small or large icons, add/remove caption, and many more)
- two brand new skins that make use of the new features - "Full Glass" and "Smoked Glass" (see the screenshots)
To download version 1.9.0 first go here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/classicshell/files/ and then scroll down and click on ClassicShellSetup_1_9_0.exe


The reason there are two separate versions is that 1.9.0 is in "beta" status and needs more testing. I recommend to try the beta first. The initial testing suggests that it is pretty stable. In case you encounter any problems you can downgrade to 1.0.3 later (but please report the problems in the Source Forge forums).

BTW, because so many people requested it, as of a few weeks ago the Classic Shell project accepts donations.

It fixes all reported bugs in the old version and adds a new skin for XP-like look (see screenshot).

The website http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/ was also greatly improved. There is a new gallery page: Classic Shell: Gallery with many screenshots.

Ivo

Ivo said:

It fixes all reported bugs in the old version and adds a new skin for XP-like look (see screenshot).

The website Welcome to Classic Shell was also greatly improved. There is a new gallery page: Classic Shell: Gallery with many screenshots.

Ivo

Excellent. I didn't really find any issues in 1.9.0, but 1.9.1 installed.

Is there a trick to installing. Even uninstalling the old one wasn't enough for me. I had to uninstall, then reboot, because explorer was still hanging on to some kind of handle.

It is not just "a handle". Classic Shell is a DLL that is loaded by Explorer.exe and can't be unloaded. You have to kill Explorer or log off before the upgrade is finished. http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/faq.html#install_upgrade

I tried a restart on "explorer" process in process explorer (ok weird sentence), but that didn't work.

But all is well with uninstall/reboot if that is what it takes.

Hi Ivo, been awhile since I played around with your little invention, so I thought it was time to do so again. Really like the improvements you have made—sweet. Like the smoked glass look (using it now).

There is one thing that would be nice in your future updates, and that is to add in the ability to use the sleep function. You have the shut down and log off abilities which are nice, albeit a sleep button would be nice.

Thanks :)

You can easily add a sleep command by editing StartMenuItems.ini:

Code:

 
SleepItem.Command=sleep
SleepItem.Name=Sleep
SleepItem.Icon=shell32.dll,16771

Add "SleepItem" in the MAIN_MENU.Items list (pick a spot where you want it) and remove the semicolon before MAIN_MENU.
That should do it.

For a fancier look you can make your Shut Down item to be a sub-menu with sleep, hibernate, etc. Look here how: SourceForge.net: Classic Shell: Topic: Where's Sleep? Hibernate? Switch User?

The latest version adds few new features:
* A setting to track and display the recently used programs
* The middle mouse button can be used to open the start menu

There are also some bugfixes.

Ivo