NOTE: This tutorial has been featured by Microsoft. AskVG.com was the first website posting this unique trick.
If you can remember the good old Longhorn days when Windows Vista was under Beta testing, the Details Pane in Windows Explorer used to show at top just below the Command Bar. But in Windows Vista RTM (Final version), the Details Pane was moved to bottom. Same thing applies to Windows 7 as well.
There are many people who still want to get the Details Pane at top as shown in our AeroVG theme preview picture:
You can also change the "Details Pane" position from Bottom to Top in Windows Vista and 7 Explorer using following simple steps:
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.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Resource Hacker, Windows 7, Windows Vista.
If you enjoyed this article, you can subscribe to our RSS feed or free newsletter to get all new articles directly in your Inbox. Also check out our most popular articles and archive to read other interesting articles. If you have some news or tip to share, please send us.
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
Cristiano
Hi Vishal,
I've followed this tutorial step by step, info panel is now on top, but that causes a strange issue: I'm actually unable to play MP3 with Windows Media Player ("can't play media" message appears)...how is that possible?!? What can I do to resolve this problem?!? I don't think I made errors modding the file with ResHack, I've repeated the procedure for three times!
Help please!!!!