How can I find a path to the 'Microsoft Shared' folder in any type of Windows operating system in any configuration?

The most common path is 'C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared'. But it may be not always the same (different boot disk...). Is there any function of Windows API that I can use or Registry entry that will be the same for any configuration?

I tried SHGetFolderPath function with CSIDL_PROGRAM_FILES_COMMON parameter, but this parameter valid only for Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems. What can I use for Windows 95,98,Me?

Thank you very much in advance,
a_k_

This may not be helpful, but are there a similar parameters for 95, 98, Me?

Then depending on which operating system is being used, you can use the appropriate parameter.

It's probably not that easy, but I thought I'd try to help. GOOD LUCK!

The problem is that there is no similar parameters for 95, 98, Me.

a_k_

I believe the registry contains entries that tell all programs where to find system folders like %WINDOWSDIR% or %FAVORITES%. Anyways, the point is that they exist, they can be found, I don't know where they are, and don't mess with'em if you do find them, because they can cause harm and confusion if they're moved without warning :-P

But I think his question is HOW to find them programatically?

Well, obviously you'd need knowledge of registry access.

Well it's in the registry under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\SharedFilesDir
I'll let you figure out how to get that!
GF

Thank you very much for the valuable information. It helped me a lot.

a_k_