How to Move / Show Details Pane At Top in Windows Vista and 7 Explorer?

In Windows Vista Beta versions (Longhorn), the "Details Pane" in Windows Explorer was shown at Top but in final version of Windows Vista it was moved to bottom. Many people still like the good old top details pane like shown in my following AeroVG theme:

Here is a detailed tutorial for changing the "Details Pane" location from Bottom to Top in Windows Vista and 7:

1. We'll have to edit "%windir%\System32\Shell32.dll" file. So first take ownership of this file using following tutorial:

Add Take Ownership Option in File / Folder Context Menu in Windows Vista and 7

2. Now open the file in Resource Hacker.

3. Goto "View -> Find Text" (or press Ctrl + F). It'll open Find box.

4. Now type following String in textbox:

layoutpos="bottom"

5. Click on "Find Next" button and it'll show the line containing this text. It should be in UIFILE section.

6. You have to just replace "bottom" word with "top".

7. When you have done, click on "Compile Script" button.

8. Now press "F3" key and it'll show the next line containing the same text. Again do the same mentioned in 6th step.

9. Remember! You have to replace "bottom" word with "top" only in following locations (i.e. keys under UIFILE section):

3, 4, 5, 6, 19, 20, 21

10. If you also want to show the Details Pane at Top in Browse/Save/Open dialog boxes, then replace "bottom" word with "top" in 27 and 28 keys too.

11. That's it. You have done. Now save the file at some other location, for example in D: drive.

12. Rename original "Shell32.dll" file present in "System32" folder to "shell32_backup.dll".

13. Now copy your new modified "shell32.dll" file to "System32" folder.

14. Restart your system and after restart Windows will start using your new modified file and you'll get details pane at Top.

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This article was posted in Resource Hacker, Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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100 Comments

surya

it is prompting that you need permission and tryagain
surya

It is prompting that cannot create file in system32\shell32
VG

You'll have to take ownership of file before editing it. Look at the "Add Take Ownership" topic in "Windows Vista" section.
surya

thank you vg
blue2107

when i type in the text it says that it can't be found?
VG

^^ What exactly did you type?
Ronald

Dear Vishal,

I have taken ownership of the shell32.dll file and have made the suggested changes, and saved it successfully. I restarted and was dismayed to see no change at all. Do I now need to install your theme in order to get the same style windows as above or is there maybe another workaround you know but has not been discussed here. I have verified the changes to the shell32.dll file so i know it is correct according to your directions.
VG

^^ Is the default details pane showing at top in your Explorer?
Ronald

Dear Vishal,

after reading your reply and preparing to write that there was no change at all. I went into my folder option from control panel and discovered it was set to view folders in Classic Windows .
I have got the beautiful details pane right where it is shown on your preview and now i can enjoy your Theme. Thank you
Ronald

Dear Vishal,

I feel pretty stupid not having that checked out already. here is a picture Great theme and I love the transparent title bar
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii286/superduperusername/desktopthankyou.jpg