Explorer shell open variables %V %L etc

entryman

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What do the explorer shell open variables mean? I notice several variables such as %1 %L %V etc. Like for example the default "open command window here" entry in Windows 8.1 uses cmd.exe /s /k pushd "%V":

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\cmd\command]
@="cmd.exe /s /k pushd \"%V\""

I added something similar on Windows 7 on my own that I found on the internet that does cmd.exe /k pushd "%L".

What's the difference between %V and %L? Where are these variables documented because I can't find it. Thanks
 
Hello, :)

%1 = The first file parameter. It may give the short path.

%L = Always gives the long path.

%V = For verbs that are none implies all. If there is no parameter passed this is the working directory.
 
Thanks for that information. Though I don't really get what this means: "For verbs that are none implies all". I assume you got that from here because in the comments Windows shell developer Chris Guzak says that. I still don't get it though. I get there are verbs like open etc for shell menus but verbs that are none and what does it imply?
 
Usually you would want to use either %1 or %L for a file path.

%V could be for a volume/directory (folder or drive) path.
 
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