What's a good tool/addin for Windows to copy a file's path?

Question

I often find that I need the full path of file, often when that file is on the desktop/start menu (i.e., not viewing within Explorer). (There's a related question but it's asking for a solution in Explorer. I want solutions that'll work everywhere).

Answer 1

The freeware shell extension ClipPath can do this, simply right click the file and select Clip Path:

ClipPath (Version 2.1)

As a Programmer, we are often required to set the path or classpath Environment variables. But Windows Operating does not allow us to copy the full path of a file or a folder,say, c:\temp\try.java to clipboard so that we can paste the same anywhere we require.

Clip Path utility tries to solve these problems. It is a windows Shell Extension Program. Once installed, you can copy full path of a file or folder to clipboard.

Support for copying path of multiple files or folders is also provided.

Support for UNIX style path (/) is also provided.

In Windows Vista and 7, this is not needed. You can simply hold down the Shift key, right-click the file and select Copy as path:

not sure if this works in the Start menu though, maybe someone can clarify.

Answer 2

It's sucks having to press the Shift key everytime that you want to copy a path in Windows 7 (I need to do this a lot at my job). I use ClipboardPath instead. It works for windows 7 and others versions.

There's this other too, but I didn't try it: http://www.mydigitallife.info/copy-path-information-for-multiple-files-to-clipboard-with-copy-path/