Python for Windows Extensions

Python for Windows Extensions (aka. “pywin32”) is a set of libraries which allows access to the Win32 API etc.

If you want the Rattail File Monitor then you will need to install pywin32. It may be optional if you have other aims, but it is generally recommended for everyone on Windows.

Which Version?

As with Python itself, you are encouraged to use the “latest stable” version of pywin32 unless you have a reason to be more conservative.

Other than that you just need to make sure the Python version you have, matches that required by the pywin32 version you have. And the “bitness” must match as well, i.e. 32bit vs. 64bit.

As of this writing Python 3.9 with pywin32 302 is the “latest” combo tested in production. That is the situation “today” (Oct 2021) and eventually should change.

As with Python itself, you will not likely need to “upgrade” pywin32 anytime soon. If you install 302 for instance then it should continue to work fine for the forseeable future.

Installation

Download the appropriate installer from https://github.com/mhammond/pywin32/releases.

Right-click the installer file and choose “Run as administrator” to launch it.

All defaults should be fine; click through to complete the installation.