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.
Related Articles
Popular Articles
- Frequently Asked Problems with Solutions
- Is Your System Infected with a Virus / Spyware / Adware / Trojan?
- Transform Windows Vista into 7 without using Customization pack
- Transform Windows XP into 7 without using Customization pack
- Transform Windows XP into Vista without using Customization pack
- All About Resource Hacker in a brief Tutorial
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows 7 Super Fast
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows Vista Super Fast
- Master Tutorial to Make Your Windows XP Super Fast
- All Kinds of Restrictions for Windows XP, Vista and 7
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.
MSS
i did that. then when i copied the file, as expected, it didn't pop up the warning for duplicate files. but after moving, i couldnt see the file in the list (and yes i moved it to the correct folder). i thought maybe it's just me, so i restarted the computer... alas.... the shell32.dll file was found missing and now my comp won't run!
now another question...my comp didn't come with a recovery disk and i didnt make one either. can i somehow replace the missing file without having to buy an expensive windows disk -- maybe booting with command prompt? safe mode didn't work either... now it's a matter of survival of my computer. i'll be thankful
MSS
haha command prompt worked...i got my GUIs back lol... i'll put off modding it for now, but i shall be back!!!!!! thnx for the great technique though, the details pane on the top is tres cool
Karrypto
Dear Vishal,
I have no details pane.It isn't at bottom,it is nowhere!How can I enable it?
Karrypto
sorry,the same thing was posted above