Unlike Windows XP, the common tasks pane is shown at bottom in Windows Vista and Windows 7 explorer and is called "Details Pane".
Sometimes you might find that the Details Pane is no longer shown in Explorer window. I have received many e-mails asking for its solution, so here I'm posting a detailed tutorial with screenshots to re-enable missing Details Pane in Vista and 7 explorer:
Without Details pane the explorer window looks like as following:

Click on "Organize -> Layout -> Details Pane".

It'll re-enable the Details Pane:

Sometimes you might face a strange problem when the option to re-enable "Details Pane" in "Layout" menu will be missing:

Don't worry. It happens when Classic folder option is enabled in "Folder Options". Go to "Organize -> Folder and Search Options" and enable "Show preview and filters" option.

Apply it and it'll re-enable the option to show/hide Details Pane and Preview Pane.
NOTE: If you are wondering why the Details Pane is shown at top instead of bottom in the screenshots, then you can visit following tutorial:
How to Move / Show Details Pane At Top in Windows Vista Explorer?
This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista.
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netbox
Hi There mate
Can u help me pls..
I tried all the instructions above!
But still no Details Pane menu in Organize > Layout >
is there in registry patch or any other idea..
I would be greatly appreciated Thank you!
VG
^^ Are you using the Aero theme or Classic theme? Also did you enable "Show preview and filters" option?
netbox
Im using Vista Basic Theme since my Graphic Card wont support aero..
Yeah all of the instructions above followed but details Page option in the menu of Organize >Layout > Still not showing or the option is not there!
Can this be fixed? w/o reinstalling Windows Vista again?
VG
Try one more thing! Type "gpedit.msc" in RUN or startmenu Search box and press Enter. It'll open a new window. Now navigate to:
User Configurations -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Explorer
Now in right-side pane, double-click on "Turn on Classic Shell" and set its value to "Disabled".
If it doesnt help, then navigate to "Explorer Frame Pane" and double-click on "Turn off Details Pane" and set its value to "Disabled".
netbox
Yepey!
The Explorer Frame Pane Works for me! Thank you very very much Sir!
Your A Genius
netbox
This one works for me :
If it doesnt help, then navigate to “Explorer Frame Pane” and double-click on “Turn off Details Pane” and set its value to “Disabled”.
I really appreciated your help Sir! Thank u very much! Keep up your good work!
again Thank u!
Guang
Ooo thx alot really...haha i've been lookin for it for so long
nice teaching and demostration =)
VG
^^ I'm glad it helped you. :)
Jim
Thanks buddy, worked like a champ!!
vinay vivek
thanx a lot i was having the later problem , and is now solved ,