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Post Powershell Software

Context Menu Zipper

ByNoxcivis

One‑Click, Timestamped Folder Archives for Windows

Zip a folder without launching an app or typing a command. Context Menu Zipper adds two quick “Zip” actions to the Windows right‑click menu, then gets out of your way. It’s a tiny PowerShell solution (No installers, no EXEs) designed for sysadmins, developers, and tidy home‑lab tinkerers who live in File Explorer.

Zip (Timestamp) and Zip (Timestamp + Suffix…) context‑menu items
Right‑click → Zip (Timestamp) or Zip (Timestamp + Suffix…)
 

Why I Wrote It

I’m often packaging build outputs or log folders. I needed three things:

  • Consistent names — every archive stamped YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.
  • Zero windows flashing — no PowerShell consoles or third‑party GUIs popping up.
  • User‑friendly — teammates can install it once and forget it.

What It Adds

  • Zip (Timestamp) — Creates Folder_20250729_133522.zip next to the folder silently.
  • Zip (Timestamp + Suffix…) — Prompts for a tag (e.g. RC1) and remembers your last entry per user: Folder_20250729_133802_RC1.zip.

Key Features

  • Tiny footprint — one PowerShell file + two helper VBS launchers.
  • No admin needed at run time; admin rights only for the initial -Setup.
  • Uninstall switch (-Uninstall /‑Remove /‑Cleanup) cleans the registry and deletes helpers.
  • CLI‑friendly: .\ContextMenuZipper.ps1 -Folder "C:\Work" -Suffix "V2"
  • Remembers suffix in HKCU so you don’t re‑type “V2” all day.

How to Install (60 seconds)

1️⃣ Download the script ZIP → Download Context Menu Zipper

2️⃣ Extract to C:\Tools\Powershell (or any folder you like).

3️⃣ Run once as Administrator:

pwsh -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File `
  "C:\Tools\Powershell\ContextMenuZipper.ps1" -Setup

✔️ That’s it. Right‑click any folder and enjoy.

Updating

Drop the new PS1 over the old one and run -Setup again (admin). Existing ZIP actions refresh in place.

Uninstalling

pwsh -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File `
  "C:\Tools\Powershell\ContextMenuZipper.ps1" -Uninstall

Registry keys and helper files vanish, leaving no trace.

Under the Hood (for fellow PowerShell folks)

  • Registry: HKCR\Directory\shell\ZipWithTimestamp*
  • Helper launchers: VBS files call PowerShell with -WindowStyle Hidden -Sta.
  • Suffix persistence: HKCU\Software\Context Menu Zipper\LastSuffix
  • Uninstall switch removes both registry keys & VBS files.

Roadmap

  • GUI installer (MSIX) for non‑PowerShell users.
  • Option to target .7z or .tar.gz via external tools.
  • Checksum generation alongside the ZIP.

Got ideas or spot a bug? Open an issue on GitHub or reach me via noxcivis.com.

Download Context Menu Zipper