Missing right-click details on Files (Not Folders)

Make sure you're an administrator for one, or at least are clicking on a file you have full access to.

Also, maybe simple file sharing is enabled on Vista?  Try this:

   1.  Click the Start button.
   2. Select Control Panel.
   3. Click the Appearance and Personalization link.
   4. Click the Folder Options link.
   5. Select the View tab.
   6. Scroll to the bottom of the Advanced Settings: list.
   7. Clear the Use Sharing Wizard (Recommended) check box.
   8. Click OK.

So far, no luck.  

Basheerpt gave a possible soution, but that website only confirmed that there was a "Details" tab, and how to view/modify/remove that detail information, not the tab itself.

jbennett11's solution had already been applied.

I have read about this a lot and have seen it been repaired in several threads. I can't confirm this since I am not experimenting with the problem myself so you will have to try this. In geeks to go they uploaded a program called WindowsShell.xml which seemed to solve this issue immediately. This is the link:

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Display-properties-tabs-missing-t49988.html&st=15

Again, I can't test so the usual cautions apply...backup your registry...scan the file for viruses...etc.... Ask any questions you might have before running......

I have attached a copy of the file for you to try. I renamed it to WindowsShell.txt so once you download it, rename it to WindowsShell.xml

I hope it works for you.....

Now.... this said....it would be interesting to find out what created this problem to begin with....it would be a great idea to scan for malware:

Go into Safe Mode.
Then go to this website and download these programs:

MalwareBytes Anti Malware.... http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
and/or SuperAntiSpyware http://www.superantispyware.com/  
Make sure you update to the latest versions.

Once downloaded (you may need to rename MalwareBytes, Combofix or other tools before saving their files to the desktop as Malware can recognize the name and block them unless renamed)

While still in Safe Mode, Go to Start-Run and type:

Msconfig

Once in the application, go to the services tab and "hide all Microsoft services" select the remaining and disable". Then go to the Startup Tab and disable all entries.

Reboot.

After the system boots it will give you a warning regarding the changes made by msconfig. Select do not warn me again.

Now you can run the anti Malware applications recommended above.
 
If the problem persists...go to http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix  and follow the instructions.  

This is the procedure used in the above link:

"...It worked!!!

Here's what I did. I downloaded this file:

WindowsShell.xml (see attachment above)

and copied it into c:/windows.

Then I found the comctl32.dll file in the C:\WINDOWS\system32 folder and renamed it oldcomctl32.dll. MS file monitor came up and warned me about changing file names but I let it keep the changes.

Then I took the newest copy of the comctl32.dll from C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\... and copied it into the system32 folder. Reboot and all the tabs are back. I still have an issue with my video driver, but that's easy compared to this. ....."

Well, in my case it did not work.  The xml and comctrl32 solution sounded the best.  I did try the msconfig strip down and that didnt work either.  Restarted the machine in safe mode, tabs were not there.  For comparison, restarted the laptop in safe mode, the tabs were there.  I noted the size of the comtrl32.dll files, the original one was 400 K and the new one is 1.6 M.  Went to the laptop, it does not have a comctrl32 file within its windows directory.  I deleted that file on the bad machine, restarted it...no differences.  By the way, Windows has not yet recreated that file either.

I just noticed that he removed Malware before attempting the fix..... this is the first page of the original post:

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Display-properties-tabs-missing-t49988.html

Might want to try it following his steps......

I was okay following those suggested steps until I got to downloading and running
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/reg/smitfraud.reg
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/desktoptab.reg
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits...displaytabs.reg
And suddenly my desktop looked a lot like XP...oops, system restore brought it back easily enough...I should have noticed before that those were XP Fixes.  I do not remember having any virus or malware being detected on my system in a long while.  I do remember being redirected to the occasional really wrong web page...and those scare me.  If I did have something, I am certain it is gone and this is just a remnant of it.  I was really hoping to learn of a location in the registry that you would find a "display details tab" and toggle it back on.  Am I being too hopeful?

Try running the System File Checker and see what it says.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/

If that doesn't work, try creating a new user account and log in with that account and see if your tab shows up. Make sure it has the same user level as your existing account.  If your tab shows up, post back and I'll explain how to copy your old profile data to your new profile.

I had not thought of sfc...no integrity violations were found.  I had already tried a new profile, it did not solve the problem.

any weird messages in your event log?
try to reregister the shell dlls?

regsvr32 /i shell32.dll
regsvr32 /i browseui.dll

Restart your system

also, what entries do you have in your registry under HKCR\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers?  and what do you have under HKCR\*\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers?

Just right click "PropertyHandlers->export, save to a txt file.  Open file and post the results.

I gave your suggestions a try.  Running the regsvr32 /i shell32.dll gave normal results, running the regsvr32 /i browseui.dll gave this error

The module "browseui.dll" was loaded but the entry-point DllRegisterServer was not found.
Make sure that "browseui.dll" is a valid DLL or OCX file and then try again.

I also tried running the regsvr32 /i browseui.dll on my laptop, and got the same error there as well.

I was unable to locate a
HKCR\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers
I did manage to find it in Local Machine and hope it will supply the required information.
HLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers


Key Name:          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers
Class Name:        <NO CLASS>
Last Write Time:   02/11/2006 - 6:53 AM

Key Name:          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\Sharing
Class Name:        <NO CLASS>
Last Write Time:   02/11/2006 - 6:53 AM
Value 0
  Name:            <NO NAME>
  Type:            REG_SZ
  Data:            {f81e9010-6ea4-11ce-a7ff-00aa003ca9f6}


Key Name:          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\{1f2e5c40-9550-11ce-99d2-00aa006e086c}
Class Name:        <NO CLASS>
Last Write Time:   02/11/2006 - 6:53 AM

Key Name:          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\{4a7ded0a-ad25-11d0-98a8-0800361b1103}
Class Name:        <NO CLASS>
Last Write Time:   02/11/2006 - 6:53 AM

Key Name:          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\{ECCDF543-45CC-11CE-B9BF-0080C87CDBA6}
Class Name:        <NO CLASS>
Last Write Time:   02/11/2006 - 6:54 AM

Key Name:          HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\{ef43ecfe-2ab9-4632-bf21-58909dd177f0}
Class Name:        <NO CLASS>
Last Write Time:   02/11/2006 - 6:53 AM
Value 0
  Name:            <NO NAME>
  Type:            REG_SZ
  Data:            

I'm running XP, but I definitely have those entries under HKCR\*.  See if you have them on your laptop?  If you do, export them from your laptop and apply them to your desktop.

How about trying a repair install from Vista....?

I have verified that HKCR\Directory\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers does not exist on the laptop, must be an XP thing, not a VISTA thing.

In trying to do a repair, the options are "Startup Repair", "System Restore", "Windows Complete PC Restore" .. none of which look like they would fix this problem.  Maybe the System Restore, but I expect I would have to go back a couple of months at least, and I only have about 2 weeks of restore points.

You need to do the repair from within Windows.... load and insert the disc..

What I mean is that Vista allows a repair install but you need to run it after Windows has booted...

When I insert the Windows Vista Premium DVD into the player after Windows is up and running I get these options:
Check Compatibility Online
Install now
What to know before installing Windows
Transfer files and settings from another computer.

No mention of repair is listed.

Read this:

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

I have made a pdf for you and for any future users who might need this answer in case the link disappears. See attachment.

I am stopped at this point for the day, I need to make/get a copy of a  Vista Home Premium installation DVD with SP2

I figured.....when I re-read your question and saw that you mentioned that you had done all the updates: ".....Running Vista 32 Bit Home Premium with all the latest updates and service packs...." That's when I said..."...he needs to read the full article...".

Now.... you might have a work-around if you have your original Vista Home....you could un-install the service pack's .... do the repair install .... and then re-apply the service packs...

You could also "Slipstream" your copy of Vista using v-lite.... http://www.vlite.net/

Uninstall all the service packs....I don't think that is a wise use of time.  I will try it with all the service packs installed...however all the slipstream documentation claim this may or may not work.  I shall first see if can locate an original installation DVD with SP2 on it.  Failing that I will try the slipstreaming...

Whatever works for you is fine with me.....lol....

If the original poster's problem is solved, kindly close this thread with assigning points

Thanks

The original problem has not yet been solved.  The latest suggestion at a solution has not yet been tried as I am trying to track down (or will have to create) a Windows Vista Premium installation disk with SP2 on it.  Latest suggestion on a solution was to start the computer, go into Windows, install the Installation DVD run an upgrade install.

Wouldn't it be faster for you if you just uninstalled the Service Packs to the version you have on your CD?...than to go through the process of slipstream......

I mean, slipstreaming is easy and at the end....you have an updated new CD but it is delaying you from addressing the main issue at this moment....In any case you will probably end up getting tired of fighting all these Vista annoyances (especially the UAC issues) and move on to Windows 7.... it's working terrific....  well .... just a thought.....

It really sucks that the only way to fix this problem is by wiping and rebuilding.