NOTE: This tutorial has been featured by Microsoft. AskVG.com was the first website posting this unique trick.
Recently an AskVG reader "Nick C" asked following question via e-mail:
Is there a way to hide the 'organize' bar in windows 7 explorer? I can hide everything else, but unlike Vista there isn't an option to hide that bar.
Its not the first time we received this query. Lots of people want to hide the Command Bar aka Folder Band in Windows Vista and 7 Explorer so that they can get more free space in the Explorer window.
Today in this tutorial, we'll tell you how to set the Command Bar auto-hidden in Explorer window. In this way, it'll only appear when you hover your mouse cursor over it as shown in following screenshot:
Auto-Hidden Command Bar aka Folder Band:
To make the Command Bar auto-hidden, you'll have to edit the "Shellstyle.dll" file which is present in Theme directory.
For example, if you are using default Window Aero theme, you'll get the "Shellstyle.dll" file in following directory:
%windir%\Resources\Themes\Aero\Shell\NormalColor
NOTE: If you are using Windows Classic theme, you'll need to edit "Shellstyle.dll" file present in "Windows\System32" folder.
You just need to follow these simple steps to make Command Bar auto-hidden:
1. Open "Shellstyle.dll" file in Resource Hacker.
2. Now go to "UIFILE -> 1 -> 1033".
3. Press <Ctrl>+F or click on "View -> Find Text..." option and type following in "Find what" textbox:
<style resid="FolderBandStyle">
4. It'll go to following line of code:
<style resid="FolderBandStyle">
<Element
background="argb(0, 0, 0, 0)"
/>
5. Now add following code after <style resid="FolderBandStyle"> line:
<if mousefocused="false" mousewithin="false"><Element padding="rect(0rp,0rp,0rp,-28rp)"/></if>
So that it'll look as following:
<style resid="FolderBandStyle">
<if mousefocused="false" mousewithin="false"><Element padding="rect(0rp,0rp,0rp,-28rp)"/></if>
<Element
background="argb(0, 0, 0, 0)"
/>
PS: To permanently disable or hide Command Bar, add following code after <style resid="FolderBandStyle"> line:
<Element padding="rect(0rp,0rp,0rp,-28rp)"/>
6. Now click on "Compile Script" button.
7. Now save the file at some other location, for example in D: drive.
8. Rename original "Shellstyle.dll" file to "Shellstyle_backup.dll".
9. Now copy your new modified "Shellstyle.dll" file to this folder.
10. Restart your system and after restart Windows will start using your new modified file.
PS: This method will work for all 3rd party themes as well. Simply modify the "Shellstyle.dll" file present in custom theme folder.
NOTE: If you want a ready-made modified "shellstyle.dll" file, you can download it using following link and replace the default file in your system with it. You might need to take ownership of default "shellstyle.dll" file before replacing it.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Resource Hacker, Windows 7, Windows Vista.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our RSS feed or free newsletter to get all new articles directly in your Inbox. Also check out our popular articles and archive to read other interesting articles.
summair
another thing vishal upload windows 7 start up and shut down music please .. dear ..
Firedemon7
Your havn't replied so I am reposting:
I used your pre-made version...Also I don't want it gone forever I want it hidden then appear when my mouse hovers over it.
When I used your pre-made version it had no effect on my computer. The command bar stayed visible and didn't get hidden and there were no other changes.
Computer specs:
Windows: Vista home premium
Computer: Dell
Computer system rating: 3.4
Other info: That 3.4 is just may graphics all my other rating are 4.something ad one is a 5.something.
I have done many other tweaks including patching themeui.dll
VG
^^ Did you try to re-apply the theme?
Firedemon7
Yep. Bar still not hidden.
Marcus
Sweet! Definitely gonna get myself trying this biznitch out! Niiiiice work dude!
Firedemon7
Hey VG you haven't replied yet...Just a reminder...It still isn't working.
VG
^^ No idea. Its working fine here and for others as well. I'm out of clues atm.
TheAslan
This is not working for me... :( I tried every method but no luck, i use Windows 7 Ultimate x86. I already sent one reply here because it didn't work, it haven't changed yet, it doesn't work for me :(
TheAslan
A little update for my last messages, it works now!! :) Here's what i did:
-> I used this line after line and it works very well!
-> I replaced all shellstyle.dll files in my computer (%windir%\Resources\Themes\Dynamic Black\Shell\NormalColor ( i use Dynamic Black visual style ), and then i replaced that shellstyle.dll file which is located in (%windir%\system32)
Then i logged off and logged back in, and it was disappeard
So this works very well in Windows 7 Ultimate, u just have to replace that .dll file in two seperate places to get it work correctly.
Firedemon7
I tried what TheAslan tried and instead of removing it and showing it when the mouse moved over it removed it permanently and also removed the folder thing at the left of the window...