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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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
VG
^^ Please check following topic:
http://www.askvg.com/how-to-re-enable-missing-details-pane-in-windows-vista-explorer/
Sunny.
Hye Vishal,
I often visit your website for cool tweals & tips. I used the above mentioned procedure & saved the file with modified values.
The problem that I'm facing is that I am unable to replace the original "shell32.dll" file with my modified file.
The "Windows File Protection Switcher" is not working (as it doesn't work on Vista) & neither the "File Replacer" is able to replace the file (probably due to WFP enabled).
Can you please take your precious time & suggest me something about it. Thanking you in advance!
VG
^^ First take ownership of the file. Then edit the file in Resource hacker and save it at some other location. Now rename default shell32.dll file present in System32 folder to some other name like "shell32_backup.dll". After that copy your new edited file to system32 folder. Restart your system and Windows will start using your new file.
Sunny
Hye Vishal,
I am thankful to you that you spent your precious time to reply. However, I already managed to sort out my problem.
I started system in "Safe Mood", copied the original "shell32.dll" file to some other location for backup purpose, deleted the original & then copied / pasted my modified "shell32.dll" file. And now its working with charm.
Thanks to you for your wonderful tweak.... :)
sw7x
hey vg i install your theme its good...........and i likeit
but it is very good Details pane must be in grren colour version and blue color version
those gray ,orange colors ara killing me
if you can please tell how to do that
or upload the theme in those versions again pls
thanks
pls send reply to my mail
sw7x
hey vg i install your theme its good...........and i likeit
but it is very good Details pane must be in grren colour version and blue color version
those gray ,orange colors ara killing me
if you can please tell how to do that
or upload the theme in those versions again pls
thanks
pls send reply to my mail