Games Explorer Folder - Add Games To

How to Add Games to Games Explorer Folder in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 ​

"So you add a game into Games Explorer Folder and realize that the game has no
cover, no rating, no info... Well, this tutorial will show you
how to add all that missing information."​

First things First.

• Adding a shortcut into Game Explorer Folder (GEF):

• Copy the main executable, then right click and select paste shortcut.

• Or Just Drag n Drop a shortcut of the game.

Use a shortcut, never use the main executable.

• Using the Registry Editor (REd):

• Hit the Start Orb and type regedit in the search box, an UAC prompt will ask you to authorize access by clicking Continue.

• The Files you will need:

Download

• Inside is the GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt file, Just save it for later use.

• Use Winrar or 7zip to extract the file.

The Tutorial:

This tutorial subdivides in Semi-Automatic for games already in the database which the GEF doesn't recognize automatically and manual for the ones not included in the database.​

   Note

Always remember to close GEF every time you need to edit the values in the REd, otherwise the game shortcut will be deleted.

Let's Begin...

• Semi-Automatic

Microsoft has added various old games to be recognized automatically by the GEF using a file called GameUXLegacyGDFs.dll but some of them need a little extra work to show-up.

Step 1: Add a shortcut into the GEF and then close it.

Step 2: Extract and then open the file GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt from the downloadable file.​

• Hit Ctrl+F to bring the search option in Notepad.

• Type just a part of the game's name.

It is very important to search only a part of the name otherwise you will cannot find any game. (e.g. if i want to find Hidden & Dangerous 2, i just type hidden in the search box).

• Hit "Find Next" button 'till you find the game your looking for.

If you cannot find the game please refer to Manual part of this tutorial.
Step 3: Open the REd and navigate to this location.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameUX

The KEY name might be different from yours.​

Step 4: Once you find the KEY that belongs to your game, edit as follow:

• In AppExePath put the location of your game executable.

(e.g. C:\Program Files\Illusion Softworks\Hidden & Dangerous 2\hd2.exe).

• In ApplicationId put the xxx value you found in *GameDefinitiongameID="xxx", on the GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt file.

Add just the value between commas.

• In ConfigInstallType replace the value to 3.

• Delete the Title String.

• Add a new String (Right-click>New>String Value) and name it ConfigGDFBinaryPath, then in the value data space put C:\Windows\system32\GameUXLegacyGDFs.dll

It should be look like this.
Step 5: Close the REd and open GEF, wait 'till windows updates the game info.

• Manual

If you can't find the game your looking for in GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt, you still can use another already in the file and edit its values.
Step 1: Go to All Game Guide to search your game.

Save the cover image for later use.
Step 2: Now go to Entertainment Software Rating Board and find a game with similar rating.

Step 3: Now lets find out if its listed on the GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt file, if not keep searching on the ESRB page.

Step 4: Open the REd and navigate to this location.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameUX

The KEY name might be different from yours.​

Step 5: Once you find the KEY that belongs to your game, edit as follow:

• In AppExePath put the location of your game executable.

(e.g. C:\Program Files\Illusion Softworks\Hidden & Dangerous 2\hd2.exe).

• In ApplicationId put the xxx value you found in *GameDefinitiongameID="xxx", on the GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt file.

Add just the value between commas.

• In ConfigInstallType replace the value to 3.

• Delete the Title String.

• Add a new String (Right-click>New>String Value) and name it ConfigGDFBinaryPath, then in the value data space put C:\Windows\system32\GameUXLegacyGDFs.dll

It should be look like this.
Step 6: Open GEF and wait to update the info.

Step 7: Update the REd by hitting the F5 key and replace the info as necessary.

This is just the basic info only, you can fill the blank spaces if you like.
Step 8: Now copy and paste this values and put them like so:

• in TimeToRefreshBasicData: b357951d59359b57 (Hexadecimal)
• in TimeToRefreshBoxArt: 855c358859359b57 (Hexadecimal)

The given values should stop reverting the game to its defaults every once in awhile.
Step 9: Now navigate to this location and paste the image your game will use as a cover.
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\GameExplorer\GamesBoxArt
The AppData folder is hidden by default you can learn how to unhide it in this tutorial.
Step 10: Change the name of the image with the one we're replacing.

• If you wanna use another type of image you need to edit the last part of the BoxArt String to the kind of file you wanna use.

(e.g. ...//images.../g21004lorom.jpg) JPG/PNG/BMP.

• Or if you want to use an icon instead, just edit:

AppExePath put the location of the icon.
BoxArt leave it blank.



Step 11: Now open the GEF and your game should display with the new info on it.

BTW, if you think is too much work for you, just take a look at this tutorial Games Explorer - Edit all credits to Darkness Warrior '96.




That's all for now...
Rjck.

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Delete a Game in Games Explorer Folder in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Create a "Games Explorer" Shortcut in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• Hide or Unhide Games in Games Explorer Folder in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Restore the Default Games in Games Explorer Folder in Windows 7
• How to Customize the Windows 7 Games Explorer Context Menu
• Games Explorer - Edit with Game Explorer Builder
• How to Add Steam Games to Windows 7 Games Explorer Folder
• Enable or Disable Game Updates in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• Enable or Disable Last Play Time of Games in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• Enable or Disable Game Updates in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8

 

[LaZi3b0y]

Here is a screenshot of Call of Duty 4 in my registry.
I'm guessing that you mean the Game Explorer registry
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/730/87499657.png

Mmm... All seems to be ok. I post this before, maybe you could try it and let me known if that solves the issue.

Lets try this:

1. Open the registry editor and navigate to the location below and search your game.
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameUX
   NOTE: The key values might be different from yours.
2. Go to C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\GameExplorer\ and find the folder with the same name of the game. "the one you take note above".
3. Open that folder until you find the game's shortcut. eg. ...\{3F29E50B-538D-48A0-9F69-A632B5AA5308}\PlayTasks\0\
4. Delete that shortcut, put a new shortcut of the game in here and rename it "Play".

Note: Make sure GEF is closed, cause otherwise when u delete the shortcut in the step 4, the game will dissapear from GEF and u have to make all the tutorial again.

Thank you so much! It worked like a charm!
BTW, do you have any idea why that happens?

 

[Rjck]

Thank you so much! It worked like a charm!
BTW, do you have any idea why that happens?

Great buddy .
MMM... Maybe cause when u paste the game into GEF you used the main executable instead of a shortcut.

 

[robkarp]

GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt

I don't have a file called "GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt" anywhere on my HDD. Only a .dll by the same name. Where does this file come from?

 

[Rjck]

I don't have a file called "GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt" anywhere on my HDD. Only a .dll by the same name. Where does this file come from?

Hi robkarp and welcome, the GameUXLegacyGDFs.txt its inside the rar file you download from the begining of the tutorial.

 

[gnasser]

hi i installed a game and could not find its information anywhere
its called Simplz ZOO by Reflexive .. any help guys ??

 

[Rjck]

hi i installed a game and could not find its information anywhere
its called Simplz ZOO by Reflexive .. any help guys ??

Hi gnasser, for games that currently doesnt have ESRB Rating you could use this:

ApplicationId {6cebf5c8-43be-4444-8adc-f8cba9222cbe}

Just follow the steps of the manual part of the tutorial to edit the info.

 

[gnasser]

Rating Missing

hello , i m having a problem with EVERYONE-Action Games . Cant find its string anywhere .
any help will apreciated . thank you

 

[Rjck]

hello , i m having a problem with EVERYONE-Action Games . Cant find its string anywhere .
any help will apreciated . thank you

Here try this one:

ApplicationId {cda27184-12ca-49a0-9f75-218e61498c3e}.

 

[Tizmo]

Hi Rjck!

Can you explain this?!

GTA IV has a version number and ratings!?!?!?

Bad Company 2 Beta also has ratings, but the version number is 1.0.0.

 

[Rjck]

Hi Rjck!

Can you explain this?!

GTA IV has a version number and ratings!?!?!?

Bad Company 2 Beta also has ratings, but the version number is 1.0.0.

Hiy Tizmo, what do you want me to explain buddy?
why GTA4 has version number and BC2 hasn't?

Its because some developers put information like rating, description, release date, version, genres, etc. in their games so it can be recognized by Game Explorer.
In the case of BC2 it seems like the dev do not fill the version info so that's why it displays "1.0.0.0" or maybe because its stills a beta.

Hope thats what u need to know if not let me known .

 

[Tizmo]

That answers it

GTA IV did not have a version number before, I guess they added that with the 1.0.4 patch.

If I delete GTA IV from the list and add it the way you described in this tutorial, will the version numbers etc still show?

On a similar note, are the descriptions, version numbers, ratings etc stored in the application executable so that the game automatically adds them? Or does the game just add the specific registry strings to the key in the gameux directory?

 

[Rjck]

That answers it

GTA IV did not have a version number before, I guess they added that with the 1.0.4 patch.

Exactly , sometimes developers modify the version number with their next patch, but other just don't give a f:devil:ck.

If I delete GTA IV from the list and add it the way you described in this tutorial, will the version numbers etc still show?

Nope, that's because all that info (box art, ratings, genre, version number, etc.) is within a file (.exe or .dll) inside the game's directory, a registry entry check's this file to fill the info into the GEF, so if you create a custom file and change the ConfigGDFBinaryPath to the one in GTA4 default registry (to the game display the default rating, version, genre, etc.) and change to ConfigInstallType 2 the game will overpass the info you put and fill all with the default ones. (e.g. if you put a custom boxart when the game checks the GDF, the GEF will display the default art)

On a similar note, are the descriptions, version numbers, ratings etc stored in the application executable so that the game automatically adds them? Or does the game just add the specific registry strings to the key in the gameux directory?

both...

In the registry look under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameUX\Games\

and the file with all the info is GTAIVGDF.dll under:
...Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto IV\

If you had any mo' question ill be glad to answer ASAP.

 

[cclloyd9785]

There is no key for my game that I added a shortcut to.

And also under that site to get the game info under manual, my game was not listed.

 

[Daniel78]

hi everybody.
i can't make this work!

im trying to do it with "sonic & sega all star racing".
seems to be al ok but when i double click the icon the game don't start and then a window shows saying some problem with "settings.ini".
if i click the .exe from the folder where its installed the runs oks.

i think thats is a path problem.

ID used is "sonic heroes".

please sorry my english.

 

[Rjck]

There is no key for my game that I added a shortcut to.

And also under that site to get the game info under manual, my game was not listed.

Hi cclloyd9785, would u mind telling me which game is it, so that way i can help you...

hi everybody.
i can't make this work!

im trying to do it with "sonic & sega all star racing".
seems to be al ok but when i double click the icon the game don't start and then a window shows saying some problem with "settings.ini".
if i click the .exe from the folder where its installed the runs oks.

i think thats is a path problem.

ID used is "sonic heroes".

please sorry my english.

Hi Daniel78, sounds like a shortcut issue I have post this before but here's the fix:

1. Open the registry editor and navigate to the location below and search your game.
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameUX
   NOTE: The key values might be different from yours.
2. Go to C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\GameExplorer\ and find the folder with the same name of the game. "the one you take note above".
3. Open that folder until you find the game's shortcut. eg. ...\{3F29E50B-538D-48A0-9F69-A632B5AA5308}\PlayTasks\0\
4. Delete that shortcut, put a new shortcut of the game in here and rename it "Play".

Note: Make sure GEF is closed, cause otherwise when u delete the shortcut in the step 4, the game will delete from GEF too and you'll have to make all the tutorial again.

Sorry for the late response guys...

 

[Daniel78]

Thnx! Now works perfect!

When I first checked that shortcut properties, looks perfect with a correct path.

But I regenerate it (with your instructions) and.... !!

Thnx again!

 

[Rjck]

Thnx! Now works perfect!

When I first checked that shortcut properties, looks perfect with a correct path.

But I regenerate it (with your instructions) and.... !!

Thnx again!

anytime Daniel, glad to know it worked.

 

[hannedog]

So, after experiencing failures with using the Vista Games Explorer Editor (good program... but, it's easy to screw up what you're doing with it), I've basically been slowly self-teaching myself how the GameUX registry system works. I recently wanted to add a "custom game" (rather a shortcut to a folder with a bunch of games in them.... the Mega Man games, lol) with fancy boxart, and I was very close to getting it to work, but I couldn't quite do it.

Then, I found your guide. I got caught up on needing to make sure that "ApplicationID" matched (I was making sure WMGameId matched, was overlooking ApplicationID). Anyway, I've got things working now, thanks!

However, one thing that's always bugged me is the meaning behind "TimeToRefreshBoxArt" and the "TimeToRefreshBasicData" keys -- sure, I can understand that putting a "big" number in here will make it take a "long" time for it to go and erase your work, but -- why those numbers? The VGEE also appeared to use different numbers (and I've also had a few games' boxart replaced by the MS auto-generator).

• TimeToRefreshBasicData: a4,6a,0e,94,9c,7e, ca,01 (Hexadecimal)
• TimeToRefreshBoxArt: 76,b4,79,94,9c,7e,ca, 01 (Hexadecimal)

So, why these specific values? Why not just FFFFFFFFFFFFFFF? Your answer can hopefully relieve my nagging curiosity!

 

[Rjck]

Hey hannedog.
Glad to know the guide serves its purpose, about the timerefresh value its from long ago when a buddy "Tizmo" found that the game data keeps resetting to its defaults values after a while, so i tried various values and found that any random value u put in doesn't change a thing, so i though what if i.... and that's how it happens... funny huh!

not big secret really just i set my computer to a ridiculous date "i don't remember which one" and create a new game shortcut from scratch and ta-da...

 

[hannedog]

Ahh interesting. So, you set your computer date to something like "12/31/2080", and then the "TimeToRefresh" settings for a game created at this time give a new date in hexidecimal format (maybe a month or two later, like at 01/31/2081) -- and this is the hexidecimal-formatted date that appears in your guide.

One thing, though -- in the guide, you have the values comma-separated (presumably to make it easier to type the numbers in?), however, if a user were to copy and paste those values in, what would be put in the value field instead would be

TimeToRefreshBasicData: a4,6a,0e,94,9c,7
TimeToRefreshBoxArt: 76,b4,79,94,9c,7

Which, as you can see, cuts off the last five digits of the numbers. As it is, the registry accepts the commas to be input, and actually converts them to something else (you would think regedit would just remove the commas, so that the values are actually "0xa46a0e949c7 " and "0x76b479949c7", but no, after hitting enter, the values are coverted to something else entirely... or maybe this is some crazy hexidecimal jujitsu that I'm not aware of) Anyway, the result of copying and pasting the values in is as a result a random number, and very likley doesn't work for people who copy and paste and don't catch that regedit actually changes the value from what's pasted in there (I nearly missed it myself, for example).

So, you might want to either mention that in the guide that the commas should not actually be put in, or else just remove them entirely.