Windows Explorer Context menu opening already running Delphi app

Question

Hi, If I right click on several files and choose windows context menu, how to send the selected name of files to my program. My program has already running and I dont want my program to be executed again because my program use mutex and uac.

I am using delphi, if you have clues, reference or sample code, really appreciate.

Answer 1

Use a helper app that starts the program if necessary, then sends the filenames to be processed via a mailslot.

Answer 2

Besides using launcher app like Ignacio suggests you could use DDE to contact already running applications. Another option is writing your own shell extension. You can read more about it here.