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.
Complete list of AskVG articlesThis article was posted in Resource Hacker, Windows 7, Windows Vista.
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VG
You are welcome.
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!!!!
Cristiano
I forgot to say that I run Windows Vista SP1 RTM, italian language
Ronald
Dear Cristiano,
did you do a reboot after all reshacking? what version of WMP do you have?
make sure your folder options are all compatible. make sure you check your folder view options under organize drop down menu. make sure you have all your updates WMP and Vista. Try undoing everything and see if you still have the problem. that might help you pinpoint whether or not it was something associated with this tweak.
Ronald
Dear Cristiano,
Have you installed the AeroVG theme ? Are you using this with VisatGlazz? If so uninstall it and use Tuneup Utilities 2008 to apply that theme. I have no experience with Sp1.
http://www.askvg.com/new-aerovg-theme-for-windows-vista/
VG
@Cristiano
This problem has nothing to do with moving Details Pane at Top. Its some other problem. I'll advise you to install K-lite Mega Codec Pack in your Windows. It can solve the problem.
Cristiano
Thanks for your answers!
But...if I put back the original (non modded) shell32.dll, MP3 playback comes back regular!!! So it's not a codec issue, but something related with shell32 editing...
With modded shell32.dll, also, my Sound Blaster X-Fi refuses to play sounds in 5+1, it works in stereo (2 speakers) only!!! That's really incredible....
Again, all comes back to normality when I put the original shell32.dll file!!!
I've manually edited (with ResHack) the original shell32.dll founded on my windows\system32 dir, so it's surely of the right version for my system!!!
@Ronald: I'm running SP1, so I don't use VistaGlazz but Uxtheme patch coming from http://www.withinwindows.com !
I can't figure out why all these damn things can happen
VG
Thats really weird cause I never faced any such issue. I have no idea at all.
Cristiano
VG, I saw that someone else has similar problems...please read the reply to your thread on Winmatrix from user "Apogeo" ( http://www.winmatrix.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16107 )
Ronald
COMPUTERS RUN ON MAGIC saying that :
i bet you got gremlins,