3 days ago
Topic:
Security settings block access to SyMenu 7
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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Strange behavior above all because you've got it on both devices (private and company).
Can you send me in private your SyMenu configuration files (those ones inside the config folder)? I would like to check them.
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3 days ago
Topic:
Security settings block access to SyMenu 7
kuehniPosts: 4
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Sorry for my delayed answer, it took me some time to perform this test. Surprisingly, the security block flag you mentioned is not available, neither on my private device nor on company's device. The Windows file property dialog shows only the checkboxes for the standard attributes (write protection, hidden ...), not the security section as shown in your example.
Nevertheless, I tried to update SyMenu to 7.00v on my private device instead on company's device as before. Both, the manual update by me as well as the automatic update by SyMenu, gave me a functioning version 7, even on company's device. Your hint might be correct, that files downloaded on company's device got an execution lock flag, although I wasn't able to check this.
During my tests I observed another issue with 7.00v. When quitting SyMenu, the application doesn't exit (on both devices). Instead the "green led" of the tasbar icon flashes for infinite time in an endless loop and the application doesn't response anymore. Reproducible I have to kill the SyMenu process using task manager when I exit Symenu 7.00v. This doesn't apply to the previous version. Luckily, this issue doesn't prevent the shutdown of windows, so I don't care about it as I don't exit SyMenu manually during normal usage.
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6 days ago
Topic:
PrettyPrint SyMenu: a new tool for SyMenu
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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Hi m.s.
Thank you very much for your effort! It's really appreciated.
I've just tested your program and it's very useful for sharing sections of the SyMenu configuration.
And BTW, I can not wait for SyMenu MD Exchange and SyMenu Undo!!!!!
Thank you again
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7 days ago
Topic:
PrettyPrint SyMenu: a new tool for SyMenu
msillanoPosts: 4
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prettyPrint SyMenu (prettyPrintItems.bat) is a tool that extracts a snapshot from the file SyMenuItem.zip, with all the data of the nodes currently existing in the SyMenu menu and presents it, in the form of a complete tree, in a dynamic HTML page. This allows you to easily manage menus of any size and complexity.
The prettyPrint SyMenu output document itself is a useful documentation, but you can also cut a branch and insert it in any of your pages: HTML, markdown (not GitHub flavor), Doxygen, etc.. maintaining colors and dynamicity.
Download:
Installation:
- Unzip the distribution file in [SyMenu]/Programfile
- Add to SyMenu 'prettyPrintItems.bat'
- Done
------------------
My SyMenu tools project (ms_symtool) was born with to provide SyMenu with a serie of advanced features, to facilitate the maintenance of complex menus. Of course portables.
Best regards.
m.s.
edited by msillano on 17/01/2022
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12 days ago
Topic:
Security settings block access to SyMenu 7
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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It's not Defender unless the version your company is using is outdated... but you can't check it because of your rights.
You can try another thing:
- update SyMenu to 7.00v;
- right click the executable and ask for the properties. Now check for the security block flag Windows set for files downloaded from the Internet. To have a clue on what I'm speaking, try to read this https://www.ugmfree.it/SyMenuManual.aspx#SyMenuPluginBlocked . It's related to SyMenu plugins but the main executable could be locked in the same way;
- if the problem was the previous one, check the other executable and unlock them all.
And please report here the outcome.
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13 days ago
Topic:
Security settings block access to SyMenu 7
kuehniPosts: 4
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Short update: AV software is nothing spectacular: Windows Defender. My limited user rights on this device do not allow me to access the Window's security log. The previous Symenu version runs without any issues.
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15 days ago
Topic:
Security settings block access to SyMenu 7
kuehniPosts: 4
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Thank you for the prompt reply, I will check the AV software used by my company next Monday.
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15 days ago
Topic:
Security settings block access to SyMenu 7
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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I think the block could be due to another reason. Which kind of AV software do you use in your company?
I'm asking because the SyMenu version 7.00 is reported as dangerous by Malwarebytes which is a widespread AV software. See the VT report for the SyMenu last version here https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/7b580bf1730a8c8d440c0ade27ea8d770b38c9dbaf07279bfb54a4e19e0a894d
Just in case you have this AV in your office computer, you should report to the Malwarebytes guys the false positive.
I strongly doubt that a company can create a policy to block SyMenu without blocking any other software. Unless your IT department wants to hit SyMenu in person... but I don't think such an evil department could really exist...
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15 days ago
Topic:
Security settings block access to SyMenu 7
kuehniPosts: 4
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First of all: thank you for this wonderful app, I use it for years now.
Contrary to the previous version, the version 7 cannot be launched on my device in the office anymore due to company's security settings. Unfortunately, the windows message gives no more details than "access blocked" and I have no clue, how to figure out the true reason.
Btw: As a workaround I looked for an option to download one of the previous releases. As your website offers the latest release only I was forced to search alternative download resources. It would be nice, if at least the preceeding version would still be available on your website.
edited by kuehni on 08/01/2022
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19 days ago
Topic:
SyMENU need badly open menu delay!!!
formingusPosts: 6
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Gianluca wrote:
Ok now I understand.
The delay is to avoid the immediate menu closing when the focus or the mouse hovering is lost.
Instead when the mouse pointer switches to another submenu, no delay is needed because the fast reaction is due.
Well it's a bit complicated.
SyMenu is build on top of a standard Windows component and all the behaviors related to the component interactivity are in charge of the OS.
I can try to think about a solution for your request but I strongly doubt I can do anything.
Thank you.
"The delay is to avoid the immediate menu closing when the focus or the mouse hovering is lost." Correct 💪
Its OK, no big deal , it will be useful option if it can be added WO some big effort, while is complicated i will use to live with it 😉 .
Thanks and all the best
edited by formingus on 04/01/2022
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19 days ago
Topic:
SyMENU need badly open menu delay!!!
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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Ok now I understand.
The delay is to avoid the immediate menu closing when the focus or the mouse hovering is lost.
Instead when the mouse pointer switches to another submenu, no delay is needed because the fast reaction is due.
Well it's a bit complicated.
SyMenu is build on top of a standard Windows component and all the behaviors related to the component interactivity are in charge of the OS.
I can try to think about a solution for your request but I strongly doubt I can do anything.
Thank you.
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19 days ago
Topic:
SyMENU need badly open menu delay!!!
formingusPosts: 6
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Gianluca wrote:
IMHO it's senseless.
What's happened if you want to move fast to the an item hovering all the others? The first submenu remains frozen when you are already on the last one, cursing me because the delay.
Furthermore, since I perfectly know my menu organization I'm used to go to the item I need and move the pointer immediately on the right to enter the submenu and eventually move again on the sub-submenu. If the opening is delayed at any level I should wait on every item until the submenu decides it's time to open...
I really don't understand why a delay should be useful but probably it's because my poor imagination.
Can you point me to a program that implements this delay intentionally? This way I can understand what the benefit really is.
Its not about the program, let me clarify
When the menu opening to fast, a lot of times menus will close, so we need to seek from the beginning. Delay will bring a small piece of time so we can point more precisely
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19 days ago
Topic:
SyMENU need badly open menu delay!!!
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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IMHO it's senseless.
What's happened if you want to move fast to the an item hovering all the others? The first submenu remains frozen when you are already on the last one, cursing me because the delay.
Furthermore, since I perfectly know my menu organization I'm used to go to the item I need and move the pointer immediately on the right to enter the submenu and eventually move again on the sub-submenu. If the opening is delayed at any level I should wait on every item until the submenu decides it's time to open...
I really don't understand why a delay should be useful but probably it's because my poor imagination.
Can you point me to a program that implements this delay intentionally? This way I can understand what the benefit really is.
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19 days ago
Topic:
SyMENU need badly open menu delay!!!
formingusPosts: 6
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Gianluca wrote:
I know there is a sort of freezing during the search but I'm not sure what you intend when you refer to submenu opening.
If you click on a logical container full of items, SyMenu shows you a flashing icon to notify it's loading them but you are not locked and you can open another folder with no delay.
So please let's take the two issues separated.
The first one (delay on searching) is known but not so serious. It's in my list with a low priority.
Instead I've never heard about the second one (freezing during subfolders opening) so please detail it a bit more.
Ok, it's not a bug, it's just annoying because while we ride to seek a program, the menu and submenu will be opened so fast. so a lot of times menu or submenu will close because we cant point a program that we want..... Check how fast is moving, if possible to add some small options at settings so we can add delay with milliseconds, so we can control it.
edited by formingus on 04/01/2022
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19 days ago
Topic:
SyMENU need badly open menu delay!!!
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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I know there is a sort of freezing during the search but I'm not sure what you intend when you refer to submenu opening.
If you click on a logical container full of items, SyMenu shows you a flashing icon to notify it's loading them but you are not locked and you can open another folder with no delay.
So please let's take the two issues separated.
The first one (delay on searching) is known but not so serious. It's in my list with a low priority.
Instead I've never heard about the second one (freezing during subfolders opening) so please detail it a bit more.
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19 days ago
Topic:
SyMENU need badly open menu delay!!!
formingusPosts: 6
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A lot of times when we search or ride to search program if there are a lot of them it will be hard to point. So I think that SyMenu needs have an option for delay for opening Menu, submenu. Check 
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19 days ago
Topic:
New SyMenu version 7.00
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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And here we are.
The new year takes a new SyMenu version.
It's a big release with a lot of new features and I hope you can appreciate it.
This is the full list of the new features:
- The search patterns for the SPS Manager are now fully customizable. You can edit the default ones, add your recurring search, even delete the default templates if they annoys you
- The SPS Manager search tool has a new search instruction (:auto). It searches for every SPS program with a flagged built-in updater option
- Every program, folder and command item can be optionally started with a maximized or minimized window. This feature doesn't work for every program, especially for those one that use a launcher (every PAF for example). It's not a problem on the SyMenu side, but it's the program launcher that doesn't communicate the desired window size down to the main program
- The user entries tooltip now has a more flexible duration setting. The duration can be set from 1 sec. to 30 sec. If you set it to any value greater than 30 sec. or directly to 0 sec. the duration becomes infinite. This setting is available directly on the configuration file
- There is a new action modifier to open the programs' documentation files. The documentation file is searched at run-time following certain naming rules
- The massive import function shows the folders in gray because the folders are not imported
- During the same working session the options form remembers the last opened tab
- The combobox is drawn with an homogeneous style
- Fix in the translation labels of the proxy form
- Fix in configuration form for the right hand side flow panels placement
- Fix in path editing: the double quotes are automatically removed because they are not allowed in paths
Breaking change: When the working dir of an item was a relative path, the SyMenu resolution was wrong.
The old resolution rule was based on the SyMenu root folder instead of the program root folder as asserted by the documentation.
This version solves the bug so if you have some items configured with a relative working dir, please re-check your configuration.
As usual I'm here for bugs, issues, questions and whatever.
Have a great 2022!
Gian
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13/12/2021
Topic:
New SyMenu beta version 7.00
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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Dear users,
The next SyMenu version represents a great improvement with several new features and, for this reason, I prefer to publish it in a public beta before releasing to the public.
So please test it as you like, but don't use it as your main version because it is still a bit raw.
These are the most important features I introduced:
- the search patterns for the SPS Manager are now fully customizable. You can edit the default ones, add your recurring search, even delete every template if they annoy you;
- the SPS Manager search tool has a new search instruction (:auto). It searches for every SPS program with a flagged built-in updater option;
- every program, folder and command item can be optionally started with a maximized or minimized window. This feature doesn't work for every program, especially for those one that use a launcher (every PAF for example). It's not a problem on the SyMenu side, but it's the program launcher that doesn't communicate the desired window size down to the main program... so shame on the third party launcher;
- the user entries tooltip now has a more flexible duration setting. The duration can be set from 1 sec. to 30 sec. If you set it to any value greater than 30 sec. or directly to 0 sec. the duration becomes infinite. This setting is available directly on the configuration file... RTFM to know how it works
 ;
- there is a new action modifier to open the documentation file for the program. The documentation file is searched at run-time following certain rules. Please let me know when certain doc files are not retrieved. If I can see a new general rule to find them too, I can implement it;
- the massive import function, now shows the folders in gray because the folders are never imported;
- during the same working session the options form remembers the last opened tab (finally!!!!);
- the combobox now is drawn with an homogeneous style;
- fix in the translation labels of the proxy form;
- fix in configuration form for the right hand side flow panels placement;
- fix in path editing: the double quotes are automatically removed where they are not allowed.
And as a Christmas present there is a breaking change too....
Breaking change
When the working dir of an item was a relative path, the SyMenu resolution was wrong.
The old resolution rule was based on the SyMenu root folder instead of the program root folder as asserted by the documentation.
This version solves the bug so if you have some items configured with a relative working dir, please re-check your configuration.
That's all for now.
If someone wants to report something, you already know that you can get in touch with me with a post here in the forum, or through a forum private message, or through the contact form, or with an email.
Cheers.
Thanks for all your reports.
A new beta version is ready to test:
https://www.ugmfree.it/Public/SymenuBeta/SyMenu.7.00.8020.beta.zip
edited by Gianluca on 16/12/2021
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04/12/2021
Topic:
notes: 'virtual folders' and CSLIDs
msillanoPosts: 4
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A CLSID is a universal unique identifier (UUID) used by Microsoft to identify a COM class object, and the CLSID known by Windows are stored in registry at [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID]. The 128 bit (16 byte) UUID implementation by Microsoft is called also GUID, and the GUID standard form is {4-2-2-2-6} byte HEX.
Using the CLSID you can access special virtual folders or virtual applets. In some cases, CLSID provides access to physical folders on the hard drive or even special operating system features such as "Minimize All Windows" or the Alt + Tab switcher. The CLSIDs give you the control over many Windows operations in fast mode, i.e. creating desktop shortcuts or new items in SyMenu and so bypassing the slow "Control Panel" or all the steps required by 'how-to' instructions.
The SyMenu user has so the power to destructure the native Windows logical organization, and to rebuild new control structures in SyMenu, more functional to their needs and preferences.
howto: test CLSIDs
1) Quick and dirty way to test a CLSID is using the Windows 'Run' dialog: Press Win+R keys on your keyboard, then copy and paste the command, using the CLSID under test:
shell:::{CLSID}
Notes:
- Using the shell, we can also use a 'shell command' as parameter: i.e. a mnemonic replacement (friendly name) defined for some CLSID:
shell:Fonts
- In some cases shell:command works and shell:::{CLSID} not, or viceversa. Better to try both if possible.
2) At the command prompt (in cmd) it is necessary to add 'explorer' or 'explorer.exe' or '%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe', using this:
explorer shell:::{CLSID} or this:
explorer /e, ::{CLSID}
Notes:
- Sometimes the CLSID will only work using one and not the other command above.
3) Windows PowerShell consists of command line shell and scripting language. Also using PowerShell you can use shell commands or CLSIDs. Examples:
Open printers folder:
Start-Process shell:PrintersFolder or:
&{explorer.exe 'shell:::{21ec2020-3aea-1069-a2dd-08002b30309d}\::{2227a280-3aea-1069-a2de-08002b30309d}'}
Open Devices and printers:
&{explorer.exe 'shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}'} or even so:
cmd.exe --% /c Explorer shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A}
More PowerShell examples:
- This list all Special Folders names:
[Environment+SpecialFolder]::GetNames([Environment+SpecialFolder])
- This last example returns the real path of Desktop:
[Environment]::GetFolderPath([Environment+SpecialFolder]: esktop)
howto: use CLSIDs in shortcuts
Making a shortcut to a special folder allows us to have a quick link from the desktop or from anywhere, to the required
feature of Windows.
4) Create a new shortcut (on your desktop or wherever you like) in the usual way, but use for "Type the position of the Item":
explorer.exe shell:::{CLSID}
Add a meaningful name and create it. Re-edit the shortcut properties to change the icon however you like.
5) A different way to get same result: goto where you wont to create a shorcut, but create instead a directory, and give it the a name with the CLSID of the target as extension:
yourFolderDisplayName.{CLSID}
Note:
- with god mode (all Tasks) the displayName becomes empty. Known issue.
6) You can also use a file BAT as shortcut, the content can be:
:: Sample Batch Script to open the Action Center via CLSID shell
@echo off
%SystemRoot%\explorer shell:::{BB64F8A7-BEE7-4E1A-AB8D-7D8273F7FDB6}
exit
Of course, you can use CLSIDs in any BAT file, to implement automation tasks involving Windows.
Note:
- Also in BAT you have 3 alternatives, try them all:
explorer shell:command
explorer shell:::{CLSID}
explorer /e, ::{CLSID}
7) If you are really lazy, you can use a nice, well documented program: Winaero Tweaker to build your own shortcuts. It allows you to test CLSID commands and to create Shortcut with just 2 clicks.
howto: use CLSIDs with SyMenu
8) If the CLSID points to a Directory, we can use 'Add link to folder' in configuration, and:
- show the directory content as cascading submenus
- swow it in a new file explorer window (option 'Show as Link' = yes).
Note:
- You can use here all the 'virtual folder' parametric path from the program 'Special FolderView' (in NirSoft suite). Example:
- This example is extracted from SyMenuItem.xml to avoid typos. The '<guid>' you see is used as a unique record key in the sqlite DB, used internally by SyMenu, nothing to do with Microsoft GUIDs.
9) Using 'Add Program' in configuration you get a new window. The Path is always the same:
%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe
As parameter you can use:
- directly a directory (parametric, real or virtual)
- or one of the usual alternatives, one that works:
shell:command
shell:::{CLSID}
/e, ::{CLSID}
Examples:
howto: a more complex example
The standard option 'My Computer' in SyMenu presents me some problems:
. - 'Host programs', in WIN11, don't found the Microsoft 'apps' (Photos, Calculator etc.)
- 'Host programs' submenu is too long.
- 'Contol panel' can be replaced by 'God mode'
- The menu shows some removables drives (H:, K:) even if the drives are not in place.
- The full HD navigation via submenu to found executables is time consuming and too big on desktop.
- The SyMenu Link implementation finds only some fixed file type, miss empty dirs, and always forces you to traverse all the paths until a final file. It cannot be stopped at an intermediate dir (eg. Clicking on a dir in a submenu, to open an instance of file explorer on that dir).
I don't care: what I like about SyMenu is the flexibility! With CLSIDs I can create my own implementation of "This PC" to suit my needs and replace the standard "My Computer".
- Explore recents link opens the dir %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent. Any kind of files, so Link=true.
- Programs uses the CLSID {4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1} (Applications).
This is the unique way I found in WIN11 to access installed applications (Start menu) AND Microsoft apps (like StickyNotes, Calculator, etc.).
- God mode uses the CLSID {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} (all tasks)
- C: D: Z: they are links (links = true) that do not point to the root of the disks, but directly to the folders of interest.
- PROJECTS presents some useful items for quick access.
- Since I am now installing my new PC, the last 4 items are related to program management. WinUnistall uses the CLSID {7b81be6a-ce2b-4676-a29e-eb907a5126c5}
References
- For a general start point I found interesting this article
- For more information about the CLSID key and the function of it's subkeys in the registry, see Microsoft 'CLSID Key (COM)'
- For Windows 11 CLSIDs and 'shell commands' click here
- For Windows 10 CLSIDs and 'shell commands' click here
- All CLSIDs on your computer can be fund using ShellExView program (NirSoft suite)
- All special folders on your computer can be fund using SpecialFolderView program (NirSoft suite)
- For your convenience a list of CLSIDs (WIN10) is added as atthach. Format as OpenOffice spreadsheet, so you can edit it.
edited by msillano on 04/12/2021
edited by msillano on 04/12/2021
edited by msillano on 05/12/2021
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01/12/2021
Topic:
Some programs dont auto update
GianlucaAdministrator Posts: 1062
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Well I forgot a little detail: the program icon you can see in the suite app list has a little AUT banner on it when the program is capable to auto update.
And with the next SyMenu version you'll find a new search filter (:auto) to reach them all in a flash.
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