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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phantom
thank you so much. worked like a charm sir.
cruise
Hi Vishal..,
Nice to Use All your Tips and Tweaks.. I like..Your details Pane Resource.. can you give me the resource alone for my personal use only... please..
it'll be really grateful...!
VG
^^ Its present in "AeroVG" theme which you can find in "Vista Themes" section.
Cruise
Thanks.... a Lot Mr.Vishal..
But Is it possible to extract the Details pane background images using Resource Hacker??
Pedro
Ok. It work's great but... now I’d like to go back and put Details Pane at bottom again!!!
I just can't do it!!!
By mistake I deleted the backup file made by ResHack and now there are SEVERAL (layoutpos="bottom") and I just don't know which should I modify to the old way.
Please, help me!
Pedro
... I wanted to say [...there are SEVERAL (layoutpos=”top”)...] not [...there are SEVERAL (layoutpos=”bottom”)...]
Please, give me the solution to put everything just like before.
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