Can some recommend an alternative to MediaInfo?

[Djard]

Since updating MediInfo to the latest version (0.7.56), it no longer appears in the shell menu, which I find handy. Maybe it's because when installing the app I declined the bunch of adware offers. If the latter be true, can someone recommend an alternative to MediInfo, or is there a workaround?

[Ai Haibara]

Sure. You can add it to your SendTo menu: Customize the Windows 7 or Vista Send To Menu - How-To Geek
(Edit: I didn't entirely remember how to do it offhand, so that's the first page I found with a quick websearch. )

[jagabo]

Start MediaInfo, select Options -> Preferences -> Setup... Put a checkmark in Explorer Extensions.... You may need to reboot.

[WinSpirit]

Start MediaInfo, select Options -> Preferences -> Setup... Put a checkmark in Explorer Extensions.... You may need to reboot.

..And do it with administrator privilege ( very important )

[Djard]

Thanks for the kind responses. I did manage to solve the problem by installing it from the K-Lite Codec pack, selecting only the items I use. But I did learn to manage Windows' Shell Context menu. Below are the steps from my Windows Guide, in the event anyone wants to configure other apps.

75) SHELL CONTEXT MENU

• Add Item:

Adding a shortcut to Windows' context menu allows
handy access to frequently used applications. But I
don't recommend cluttering the shell menu with a long
list of options. You may add any program to the shell.

1. Start -> type "regedit" without the quote marks (or
type same in "Run" field) -> Enter.
2. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell

3. Right-click on "shell" in left pane -> New -> Key.
4. Press "Backspace" key to clear the field.
5. Type in, say, "Open with Notepad" (without the quotes),

NOTE: To identify the precise name of an executable
file, find the shortcut in Windows' Start Menu
-> right-click on the item in the list ->
Properties -> Shortcut tab -> make a note of
the name of the executable file (e.g.: "Snipping
Tool.exe"). You must use the exact name of the
application as it appears in its directory.

6. Right-click on "Open with Notepad" -> New -> Key.
7. Press "Backspace" key to clear the field.
8. Type "Command" (without the quote marks).
9. Click in blank area of right pane.
10. Make sure "Command" (below "Open with Notepad" that you
just created) is highlighted.
11. Double-click on "Default" in right pane.
12. Type in the following command for this entry:
notepad.exe %1
13. OK -> exit Regedit.

The item should appear immediately in the shell menu,
whenever you right-click on a text file.
__________

• Remove an Item from Menu of Files:

To avoid clutter, remove antries in the shell menu that
you don't use.

NOTE: It's always a good idea to create a backup the
registry before any such editing. See in
"Registry" section of this guide.

1. Start -> type "regedit" without the quote marks (or
type same in "Run" field) -> Enter.
2. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers

3. Double-click on "ContextMenuHandler" to expand the
directory.
4. Right-click on the item -> Delete.
5. Exit Regedit.
__________

• Remove an Item from Menu of Folders:

To avoid clutter, remove antries in the shell menu that
you don't use.

NOTE: It's always a good idea to create a backup the
registry before any such editing. See in
"Registry" section of this guide.

1. Start -> type "regedit" without the quote marks (or
type same in "Run" field) -> Enter.
2. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHan dlers

3. Double-click on "ContextMenuHandler" to expand the
directory.
4. Right-click on the item -> Delete.
5. Exit Regedit.

[mail2tom]

Isn't it easier to run MediaInfo, to go "options," "preferences," and select "Explorer extension," and "For folders too?"

[Djard]

Yes, it's easier to configure MediaInfo if you can download a copy without spyware. I haven't found a site that offers MediaInfo without "OpenCandy," which I read sends info to a marketing company. The K-Lite installation offers MediaInfo Lite, which has no option for configuration. If I exclude OpenCandy and the other "offers" that rob you of browser real estate from the developer's site, MediaInfo will not appear in the shell menu without the steps I shared. If there is a site from where I can download MediaInfo without OpenCandy (a pain in the patootie to remove), I'd be grateful to learn.

I thought I'd share the alternative in the event someone would like to add other apps to the Shell Context menu.

[aedipuss]

mediainfo gui version can be downloaded from the author's site in zip format with no .exe installer.

still works in my right click menu.

[Ai Haibara]

They're also mirrored here, on the MediaInfo tools page (look for the two 'portable' downloads).

[Djard]

I just bumped into an old post and noticed...

"If cameras add ten pounds, why would people want to eat them?"

Clever wit; nonetheless, if I break both my legs, I'm not gonna' run to you for help!