The GAC (C:\windows\assembly) is an interesting folder in Windows to say the least. As Windows users,  we never actually see the folder structure in the GAC, we see a facade. This facade is suppose to make it easier for us to work with it (for example: we can just drop a dll into it if we want and it is registered in the GAC).

However, every once in a while I need to see the folder structure (for example: if I want to get a dll out of the GAC). There are multiple ways to do this, but I find myself searching around the internet every time I want to perform this task. Thus, here is my favorite way to turn the GAC into a regular folder.

Just open a command prompt and run: regsvr32 -u C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\shfusion.dll

Then, when you are ready to tun the GAC back to it’s original structure, use this command: regsvr32 C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\shfusion.dll