When Windows is updated, it may fundamentally change the layout and
functionality of `explorer`'s internal data structure. Since
ExplorerPatcher intensively patches those in order to deliver its
functionality, it may lead to `explorer` crashing when it performs
these modifications while being unaware (outdated) of the latest OS
changes. The worst scenario is when the crashes happen when `explorer`
starts up (for example, when the user logs in), and could cause the
user to experience an endless loop of `explorer` crashes, and leave
him/her unable to practically use the computer.
In order to mitigate this scenario, when `explorer` starts up as the
shell, ExplorerPatcher increments a counter stored in the registry.
After a predefined timeout (by default, 10 seconds), ExplorerPatcher
will reset the counter to 0. If `explorer` crashes during this period,
the counter will not be reset. When `explorer` restarts, the cycle
repeats. If the counter reaches a predefined value (by default, 3),
instead of starting up again normally (and very probably crashing
again), ExplorerPatcher will display a message window informing the
user about what is happening, offering a few suggestions on how to
proceed next and disable its entire functionality until the next
File Explorer restart, in order to give the user a chance to perform
maintenance on the machine.
This fixes Task View and Win-Tab, Alt-Tab breaking after pressing
Win-Tab, flyouts alignment, notification center alignment, Windows key
shortcuts on OS builds 22621.1413+.
Thanks @CthRio for the heads up.
Impact: Failure to check against a NULL value and dereferencing it
leads to a crash in `explorer.exe` with fault offset 0xfc69 on
22621-based OS builds. This happens when right clicking certain system
tray icons, like "Epic Games Launcher" when using the Windows 11
taskbar.
Description: The issue has been addressed with improved checks: a check
against NULL values is performed before attempting to work with the
data the variables might point to.
This commit includes support for the Windows spotlight feature from
22000.708+ OS builds.
Related to this, ExplorerPatcher now offers the following functionality:
* Hide the "Learn about this picture" icon
* Choose which items from the Windows spotlight icon context menu to
have replicated in the desktop context menu (legacy context menu only)
* Set a schedule for "Switch to next picture"
* Manipulate the feature from the Properties UI, bypassing the desktop
icon
Amrsatrio
Valentin Radu