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:
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
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.
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:
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 in Resource Hacker, Windows Vista.
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VG
^^ Its a reg file which can't be opened in Resource Hacker.
Joey
OK one last thing, i did it all the way i go to the saving part, whenever i try to save it it says it cannot so it is canceling the saving... how do i save it than, because i save as than i restart.... and it acts as if i had not done anything...
VG
^^ Please read All About Resource Hacker tutorial in "Resource Hacker" section. I have mentioned the solution of this problem there. It happens when you try to save a file which you have already saved in resource Hacker in past. You'll need to delete its backup file before saving again.
Josh
I tried to use this but it did not work. If I check in the file Shell32.dll it has been changed to "top" in all of the right places but the details pane is still at the bottom. I checked to see if my folder options were set to classic like the above poster but this was not the case.
Could this issue have to do with me running Vista 64-bit?
VG
^^ Yep. There will be 2 Shell32.dll files in x64 version, one in System32 folder and other in AMD64 or similar folder. You'll have to edit both files.
I have not used x64 version, so can't tell much.
Cristiano
The story continues...
I found that if I set the speakers to 2.1 there are no MP3 playback issues in WMP...
Has anyone with a SB X-Fi and shell32.dll (topshell mod) similar issues?!?
VG is awesome!
Hey VG, i've tried to perform this on Vista x64 with your suggestions: shell32.dll in system32 and searched for a AMD shell32.dll. The AMD shell32.dll cannot be opened in resource hacker but I did find two other shell32.dll called WOWshell32.dll. I tried editing both of these with the same method and upon restart, fails to load explorer
So I suggest not doing this on Vista x64 for now.
VG
^^ Thanks for the heads up mate. Since I'm using x32 bit version, I have not checked it in x64 version.
Vanhai Phung
i'm hide the panel now i want it show again
VG
^^ You can enable it from "Organize -> Layout -> Details Pane".