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.
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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.
VG
Thats really weird cause I never faced any such issue. I have no idea at all.
Ronald
COMPUTERS RUN ON MAGIC saying that :
i bet you got gremlins,
joey
after you open it, it wont find layoutpos=”bottom” .... help please... i really wanna do this but it wont work...
Ronald
Dear joey,
Make sure you are opening the right file, and also scroll down to the UI files to be altered 3,4,5,6,19,20,21 and see if you find it it. The reason you cant find it is because it is not the proper file. how are you opening it by the reshack open menu or going to the file directly and then choosing to open it with reshack. try both ways.
joey
PLEASE HELP! i downloaded Resource hacker... and i put the registry thing in ... i open up the find bar thing, i copy and paste layoutpos=”bottom” AND STILL IT DOES NOT POP UP! PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HELP!
Ronald
Dear joey,
what did you see when you opened shell32.dll in the system32 folder and then scrolled down to UIFILE. File #'s 3, 4, 5, 6, 19, 20, 21 will have the layoutpos="bottom" in them. to do a ctrl+f function highlight the #3 and then start your search. Make sure you have proper ownership of the file as well as that may cause you to not be able to see it's intire contents. You will need ownership regardless in order to make changes to it and save it properly. Good Luck and stay calm