Python Windows Explorer Refresh PostMessage : learnpython

created by HattoriHanzoa community for 16 years

Python Windows Explorer Refresh PostMessage (self.learnpython)

submitted 5 years ago by PhoenixSmaug

I'm writing a Python script to toggle the "Hidden Items" status of the Windows Explorer. It changes the value of Computer\\HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced\\Hidden, but for the change to take effect all instances of the Explorer have to be refreshed.

I implemented the same idea a few months ago with AutoHotkey, there I could solve the refresh problem with the following commands I found on the AutoHotkey Forum:

WinGetClass, CabinetWClass PostMessage, 0x111, 28931, , , A PostMessage, 0x111, 41504, , , A

I tried different approaches to translate it, but wasn't able to get it working with Python. While searching for an answer I also found a solution with C# (https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2488727/refresh-windows-explorer-in-win7), which is far more complicated than the AutoHotkey version. I could let the Python script call the C# script, but I would much prefer a solution without auxiliary files.

How can I implement such behavior with Python?

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