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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Tim
I follow the instructions word for word but it says. "Cannot rename original file. Saving canceled." There is no "_original" file.
Does it only work on x32 bit?
VG
^^ Try to save the file at some other location, then rename original "shell32.dll" file in "System32" folder to "shell32_backup.dll". Now copy new edited file to "System32" folder and restart your system. After restart Windows will start using your new file.
sam 5076
I am unable to take the ownership of the shell32.dll file in my computer.
plz tell me another way to change my detail pane position.
VG
^^ There is no other way. What problem are you facing while taking ownership?
sam 5076
I don't know what to do with it.I've tried everything.I didn't find any backup file and whenever I'm trying to rename the shell32.dll file its saying "you need permission" although I'm the administrator of the pc.I think there must be something wid the ownership.
Whenever I try to take the ownership some command window just fliks once but nothing happens.
plz tell me some other way to take the ownership other using than ResHack or any way to rename that file.
Does it work wid 32bit vista OS?!@#
Abdul RaFy
not working with Windows 7 64 Bit Edition...
after restart explorer.exe not open!!!
any solution?
VG
^^ In 64-bit Windows versions, I think the file exists in "Windows\SysWOW64" folder.
Sangeetha
hey thanks for this tweak tutorial, i followed your instructions exactly and was successful until step 12; i kept getting denied when i tried to rename the file. this happened even after i took ownership of the file. i tried this many times, bearing in mind that i had to take ownership - but to no avail. any help please?
VG
^^ Are you logged in as Administrator?
Sangeetha
Yes :(