shell.SHGetInstanceExplorer

PyIUnknown = SHGetInstanceExplorer()

Allows components that run in a Web browser (Iexplore.exe) or a nondefault Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe) process to hold a reference to the process. The components can use the reference to prevent the process from closing prematurely.

Comments

SHGetInstanceExplorer succeeds only if it is called from within an Explorer.exe or Iexplorer.exe process. It is typically used by components that run in the context of the Web browser (Iexplore.exe). However, it is also useful when Explorer.exe has been configured to run all folders in a second process. SHGetInstanceExplorer fails if the component is running in the default Explorer.exe process. There is no need to hold a reference to this process, as it is shut down only when the user logs out.