How to Move / Show “Details Pane” at Top in Windows Vista and 7 Explorer?

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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.

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Resource Hacker, Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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VG

^^ Replace "top" with "bottom" in places mentioned in step 9.
Pedro

Dear Vishal,

I can't do that because BEFORE the changes there was only one "bottom" in each key.

AFTER that I don't know wich "bottom" shold be changed because ALL the entries mention "top".

Please see nº 5 key. Now you have 2 "top" mentions. In nº 19 you got a lot more!!!!!!!!!!!
VG

^^ The either get a default file from other system using Windows Vista or repair your Windows installation to restore the default file.
Nikolaj

VG u made a littel mistake " x32 bit " it is x86
TARUN

what is resource hacker and where it is??????????
TARUN

i got that but i dont know that where we have to save that edited file and of which name??????????
MysteryE

I'm using Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1 and it seems the hack won't work on it.
I already try all the steps very carefully, and restart my system. The details panel still in the bottom. I've tried it using your theme and other themes as well.
So, please, find a way to move the panel to the top in Vista 64-bit... :(
VG

^^ I have no idea about 64 bit version as this tweak was not tested for 64 bit.
MSS

Hi...i tried your modding technique. it worked fine until i tried saving it. it says it can't rename the original file...i took ownership and all.
then i tried copying the file elsewhere , modding it, then copying it back, and then i was told that the file can't be copied b/c it's being used by another program(i think i get that...res hacker is using it)...
what can i do?
VG

^^ Save the file at some other location. Now rename the original file present in "System32" folder to some other name. Now copy your modded file in "System32" folder. Restart your system and now it'll start using your new modded file.