Software Deployment

Registry data is registry data is registry data...

BTW, remember that HKCR is an amalgam of HKCU\Software\Classes and HKLM\Software\Classes so be sure to be put the entry in the correct hive.

you want it clearly,  you might research Google first  ? ;-) 
here is some more info ... 

Shell Extensions are in-process COM objects which extends the abilities of Windows operating system. Most shell extensions are automatically installed by the operating system, but there are also many other applications that install additional shell extension components. For example: If you install WinZip on your computer, you'll see a special WinZip menu when you right-click on a Zip file. This menu is created by adding a shell extension to the system.

( what is the "shell" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_shell )

So in Installshield you can go to the component that contains the "COM info"  ( exe in most cases)
Go to the "advanced Settings"
Go to "File types"
Create a new or edit an existing extension

you can also read this very well written document by Leslie Easter about COM registration:
 http://www.orangebrain.com/articles/General_COMRegistration.pdf 

I hope we've could be of some help to you sir.. ?

There are also excellent training centers www.flexerasoftware.com where you get answers to most of your questions and you will also learn how to analyse, troubleshoot and find answers for your installer  / repackaging issues.

I advise you to consider this... you can then also try to certify yourself to be a Repackaging Professional  or even Specialist @ CRTFY.COM

happy holidays!